Preview: The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008)

• Poster: B-; B-

Review:

This poster is every bit the tease its makers want. By putting Aslan as one of the main characters (despite being relatively minor character outside of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe), they are hoping to remind people that this is a series of books. Mission moderately accomplished, but without any pizazz.

There is nothing new or original about this poster, it just shifts itself to a more traditional layout. The saddest part is that this and the first poster are alarmingly similar to those for the Lord of the Rings films.

• Trailer: B-

Review:

There's one good thing about this trailer. It shows us that the visual effects will be better than the original. That may not be saying much considering how I felt about the first, but the effects do look spectacular. I know the story, but will the screenplay keep everything dumbed down or will there be some genuine quality to this one. It's impossible to tell from this trailer.

Oscar Prospects:

The first film got largely tech recognition because its execution was so abysmally childish. If the second one can do better, they might throw more at it, but I'm doubtful. It won't have the quality of Harry Potter to contend with and its releasing in the Potter mold, so it will be finanicially successful, but not necessarily Oscar-successful.

Release Date:

• May 16, 2008

Full Review Synopsis:

An improvement over the original, Prince Caspian better catches the nuances of the source material, but continues to ignore some of the more potent statements.

• Full Review: The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

-Wesley Lovell (October 13, 2007) Original

-Wesley Lovell (January 12, 2008) New Trailer

-Wesley Lovell (May 25, 2008) New Poster

-Wesley Lovell (July 13, 2008) Film Review Posted