Australian Penthouse

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

Director: Michael Apted
Stars: Ben Barnes, Skandar Keynes, Georgie Henley, Will Poulter, Gary Sweet, Simon Pegg, Tilda Swinton and Liam Neeson
20^th Century Fox

TAKING into account the abundance of below-average films foisted onto the all-ages audience, it’s a shame that this trilogy (at this point) based on C.S. Lewis’ brilliant children’s books, hasn’t generated more success at the box office. The first of the seven novels to be adapted (The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe) was financially successful, allowing a sequel, Prince Caspian, which although well received critically, didn’t perform as well at the box office.

More is the pity, as these films (and the novels they’re based on) not only star everyday kids as the heroic characters, but also treats them as young adults, sans condescending over-explanations. Distributor and production company of the first two films, Walt Disney Pictures, lost the faith after Prince Caspian’s modest box office yield, leaving the franchise up for grabs. Fortunately, 20^th Century Fox swooped in to keep the series alive via this third installment.

With Fox at the helm, changes abounded between sequels two and three. The core cast remains the same, but the most dramatic changes have occurred behind the scenes. Most notable is the change of writer and director from the first two films, Andrew Adamson, to Michael Apted. Best known for his work on Bond film The World is Not Enough, Apted’s recent efforts have focused on TV documentaries–with the exception of directing episodes of HBO’s outstanding series, Rome. Composer extraordinaire Harry Gregson-Williams (Spy Game) was also replaced with Apted’s The World is Not Enough collaborator, David Arnold.  Shoot locations also moved from Europe to  Queensland; however, the franchise has not been effected negatively from any of those changes, maintaining its darker tone, impressive effects and solid performances.

This third Narnia tale sees the younger members of the royal foursome, Lucy (Georgie Henley) and Edmund (Skandar Keyes), separated from their now adult siblings, Peter and Sarah, and living with their insufferably obnoxious cousin, Eustace (Will Poulter). When a mysterious painting depicting a magnificent vessel on the high seas comes to life—hiding a portal—the three youngsters are drawn back to the magical realm of Narnia once again.

Reunited with the King (formerly the Prince) Caspian (Ben Barnes), all is seemingly well in the kingdom, with a long period of peace prevailing; however, something lurks within the shadows… hence our heroes’ return. Thus begins the trio’s new challenge to uncover the new and hidden evil to ensure that peace and justice can prevail—you know, that old chestnut.

This journey has a distinctly different feel from the two previous outings—primarily due to the majority of the action taking place on water—but the focus this time lies more with the human struggles, both internal and external, rather than the wondrous Narnia creatures: Lucy comes to terms with her underlying jealousy of her sister, Edmund learns to step outside of  the shadow of others, and annoying pip-squeak, Eustace, awakens to the meaning of sacrifice for the greater good. All surprisingly adult concepts for a supposed “children’s” film.

However, the real treats are revealed in the supporting roles of Aussie veteran, Gary Sweet, as the delightfully Irish-brogued, Lord Drinian—who almost outshines Ben Barnes when the two share the screen—and the almost unrecognisable Simon Pegg as Reepicheep. In Prince Caspian, Eddie Izzard brought the part of the honour-bound swashbuckling mouse to life with nuance and panache, while Pegg continues the theme wonderfully, revamping Reepicheep as “Simon Pegg’s homage to Eddie Izzard” as a chivalrous rodent.

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is said to be shot using new 3D technology. Alas, I spotted perhaps three scenes where 3D was apparent, and that was with intense scrutiny. This 3D gimmick seems a fad-grab aimed at whacking an extra five dollars onto each ticket with only a smidge of 3D thrown in. A bit of a scam, really. The only true examples of 3D this reviewer has experienced with awe include Avatar and IMAX’s Hubble 3D, with the mainstream cinema films trailing sadly behind. It’s  time that Hollywood producers make firm decision as to when to  jettison or embrace this concept—because it doesn’t work half-arsed.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is an entertaining all-ages adventure which fares significantly better than you might expect, with a colourful cast of characters, convincing special effects (bar the token 3D) that you (and your young ‘uns) may just learn a life lesson from on the way.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader opens December 2

Review: Dave Kozicki