Prince Caspian

While the Walt Disney Company is now saying it goofed in releasing http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/narnia/>“The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” when it did—up against stiff competitors “Iron Man” and the latest “Indiana Jones” adventure—there are still plenty of reasons to see the screen adaptation of this volume in the Narnia series from C.S. Lewis.

The film is falling far short of the box office receipts of the first Narnia film (“The Chronicles of Narnia: the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”). Disney planned to release “Prince Caspian” last Christmas, but in deference to Walden Media’s release of “The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep” at the same time, the entertainment company slid the “Prince Caspian” opening to May. A holiday season release didn’t help the “Water Horse;” it sank early after opening.

While this latest Narnia film is decidedly darker and somewhat more violent than the first film, it is still worth the price of admission, preferably at matinee prices. As the Lewis story upon which the movie is based, the faith theme is there, just not overwhelming. And as if we fallen creatures needed it, we are reminded of the perils of going it alone, sans the protection and power of God.

The film is built around a fantastical battle between good and evil and is capped off with a bittersweet close. Lucy’s simple faith and the bravery of Reepicheep, a rodent who plays a Errol Flynn-type character in the film, are elements worth noting. I am most pleased that Disney saw fit to bankroll and produce the film. It is suitable for most audiences, perhaps one of only a movies now showing that can be said about.

According to Disney, the next movie in the “Narnia” series, “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader,” is set for release May 2010. Plenty of time for you and I to have read (or reread) the seven books in the series before that film is at our local theaters.