By Stephanie Schmidt, Pulse staff writer
The theater grew dim as the audience grew quiet, full of eager anticipation. The Chronicles of Narnia; The Voyage of the Dawn Treader was about to begin. The film, directed by Michael Apted and based on the series by C.S. Lewis, began a few months after its predecessor, Prince Caspian, left off.
Edmund Pevensie, played by Skandar Keynes, attempts to enlist only to be thwarted by his sister Lucy (Georgie Henley), who reveals Edmunds true age and identity to the recruiters. Edmund and Lucy yearn to return to Narnia, a magical land where they were respected and ruled as kings and queens with their siblings Peter (William Mosely) and Susan (Anna Popplewell).
Eventually, Edmund and Lucy are transported into Narnia, along with their obnoxious cousin, Eustace Scrubb, by ways of a painting. A transition which the special effects team pulled of with astounding technique. A high standard of visual effects which was upheld throughout the rest of the film.
Throughout the movie the visual effect team works magic similar to the witchcraft found within the plot itself. The script writers were able to transform C.S. Lewis’ book (written over half a century ago) into an adventure that will captivate modern day viewers, as it captivated myself.
To the trained eye, C.S. Lewis’ undeniable metaphors to christianity are evident throughout the film, along with brief encounters with two of the seven deadly sins, and life lessons for the little ones about being happy “just being you.” However, these underlying morals can easily be ignored by the recreational watcher who will find enjoyment in the plethora of battle scenes and suspenseful encounters that are littered in close proximity within the film.
I highly recommend this film to audiences of all ages and viewing preferences, and cannot wait until Silver Chair is released in the upcoming year.
*Four stars out of five