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

[Editor's note] Let me preface this discussion by saying that I wholeheartedly love the Narnia films. Despite their inexplicably lukewarm reception, I think they’re beautifully done. Although they lack the the gravitas of a Tolkien film, these films are a fun mix of imagination and swashbuckling adventure.

Well last night, my tall pal Dan and I took a 3D trip to Narnia aboard the Dawn Treader. Chalk full of the familiar magic, high-seas drama, and rather poor acting we’ve come to expect, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader was everything a fan would want and more!

The story begins with 2 of the 4 Pevensie kids (Edmund and Lucy) taking refuge from the war at their uncle’s home in Cambridge. Peter and Susan are in America with their parents, leaving the two youngest behind. Miserable and isolated, Edmund and Lucy cling to each other and their memories of Narnia to get through the irritations of their priggish cousin, Eustace Scrubb. One day, the painting of a ship in their room begins to gush water and floods the bedroom. As the three kids surface, they find themselves in the middle of the open ocean—in Narnia.

They’re picked up by the Dawn Treader (the dragon-styled ship in the painting) which conveniently happens to have King Caspian on board. The high King and Queen of Narnia (Ed and Lucy) are joyously welcomed on board and briefed on the mission of the voyage. Caspian is after the seven Lords of Telmar who were banished when Miraz took over the throne. While on that quest, they discover that Narnia is being threatened by evil forces from the mysterious Dark Island, which no one has seen but everyone has heard about.

Faced with oppressive slave traders, sea monsters, sorcerers, dragons, personal temptations, and an evil island that feeds on their inner-most fears, the voyage becomes a test of their physical stamina and inner faith. In order to overcome, they must learn to trust themselves and each other. They must stay true to the teachings of Aslan in order to defeat the evils of the world. By so doing, Edmund ultimately becomes the brave king he thought himself to be and Lucy finally comes into her own as hero.

Then there's Caspian-- dear, loyal, brave Caspian. Brought to life by the handsome Ben Barnes, I could hardly focus on the plot when he was on screen. He's so brave and beautiful and nice and powerful that I go all to pieces when he takes command of a situation. Although he's noticeably thinner in this film, he's still one of the biggest draws of this franchise.

8-year old girl love rant aside, go see this film. Expect nothing more than adventurous fluff that might not always make sense but is beautiful to watch. Just let your imagination run away with you to Narnia.