“YOUNGSTERS AHOY!”
Starring: Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes, Ben Barnes and Will Poulter
Directed by: Michael Apted
MPAA Rated: PG for some frightening images and sequences of fantasy action
Genre: Action/Adventure, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Adaptation and Sequel
Running Time: 1 hr 52 min
Release Date: December 10, 2010
Distributed by: Fox Walden
By John Delia
This has been one the most witty and CGI enjoyable films of the Chronicles of Narnia saga. It is very family friendly and has good messages and meaning. It is truly a family film that can be enjoyed by all. If you want a good early evening or weekend afternoon of enjoyment The Voyage of the Dawn Treader can be a fine adventure for the whole family.
Edmund and Lucy get washed away with their astonished cousin Eustace joining King Caspian on a ship in search of the six swords of Aslan. If they can bring the swords to Aslan’s table they will be able to defeat the magical creatures and sinister enemies that hold them captive.
The CGI in this film is very magical and wondrous making it a great film for children, especially young boys looking for fantasy. Coupled with the adventurous storyline and excellent characters the film sets out to bring youngsters dreams to life and totally succeeds here. I am amazed how each of the books has been nicely transformed to the screen making it an endearing trilogy.
Shining above all is the performance of Georgie Henley as Lucy Pevensie the young girl that has grown into a fine lady who saves the day in The Dawn Treader. The growth of her acting ability through the three episodes is noteworthy and commendable. I enjoy her smile and the way she holds herself on screen, never wavering and always in command of her character.
A newcomer Will Poulter brings some very witty scenes to the screen in The Dawn Treader. The befuddled and spoiled young cousin Eustace and only child of Lucy and Edmund’s uncle, he is always trying to get the two guests in trouble. When he’s pulled into their
plight aboard the Dawn Treader he finds out that selfishness has no place among men. Poulter is a natural comedian with a face full of expressions.
The Dawn Treader is rated PG for some frightening images and sequences of fantasy action. It’s a great pre-teen and family film with a lot of action and some great characters. Oh, and save your money on this one as the 3D is ordinary and the film does not need it to work.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A family film that has values and entertains. (4 of 5)