DVD Review: The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

reviewer : Dexter Kong
Rated: PG(UK)
DVD /Blu Ray Release Date:18th April 2011
Director: Michael Apted
Cast:Ben Barnes, Skandar Keynes Georgie Henley,William Moseley,  Tilda Swinton

Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader is the third installment in the Narnia series. Edmund and Lucy Pevensie (Skandar Keynes, Georgie Henley) are currently living with their cousin, Eustace (William Moseley). Bored and annoyed by his brattish manner, they are suddenly transported back to Narnia, where they must once again help to set things right.

It is part of an on going series of average and uninspired film making. When casting the main characters as children the studio execs were probably hoping that their acting acumen would probably developed as they grew older, such as in the case of the Harry Potter series. But, nope, the acting is still terrible as usual.

The plot is nonsensical with the villain being a green mist, that apparently is only able to kidnap people in slavery, for unknown reasons. Whilst Caspian is searching the world in the Dawn Treader to prevent war. I do understand that a fair amount of liberties has been taken in regard to source material, but can only assume that this is not what C.S Lewis had in mind.

Ben Barnes continues his role as the young Prince Caspian and is inexplicably missing his sudo Spanish accent from the previous films. Having seemingly lost it after too many battles with the mythical Narnian creatures, who have also been firmly dwindled in this outing.

Georgie Henley as Lucy Pevensie is just terrible.. terrible! Over the 1hr 53 running duration her delivery of unconvincing acting was incredibly consistent. At least Skandar Keynes who played Edmund improved over the film.

Everything feels sheered down as if strictly on a tight budget. The set pieces feel like something from a made for TV movie.  Hopping from island to island in a small space of time in a monotonous manner. Though the big finale sea battle was enough of a spectacle to somewhat atone, Aslant telling the children that he is essentially god translates rather oddly as an ending.

Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader is something which will probably provide entertainment for the young crowd it is aimed towards (though there are much better fantasy films out there), but cynical adults should stay away. Let’s take a page out of Aslan’s book and remain confident in the solace that we shall not return to Narnia nor shall the terrible acting of Lucy Pevensie.

MOVIE RATING: 2.5/5

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Trailer:

[vodpod id=Video.4872542&w=576&h=324&fv=vid%3D22898658%26]

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