In this movie, we miss the presence of the older Pevensie siblings Susan and Peter, and the story continues with Edmund (Skandar Keynes), Lucy (Georgie Henley)- the younger Pevensie siblings who are staying with their cousin- Eustace (Will Poulter). The story starts with the two younger Pevensies at their cousin’s house during war. One uneventful afternoon, the three children, lured by a painting, board ‘The Dawn Treader’, a royal ship that takes them back to Narnia that is under the reign of Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes).
There seems to be no immediate danger and so the three children join the crew on an expedition to find the seven Lords previously banished by Caspian’s evil uncle. Their adventure leads them away from mainland Narnia to the little known areas of the kingdom and beyond. Their travels lead them to discover what became of the Lords as well as take a deeper look into themselves as they fight temptations and their deepest desires while trying to prevent evil from taking over their beloved land.
The movie stays true to the book and shows a Narnia that is stunning and heavy on the fantasy. The virtual world of Narnia is beautifully created and your eyes barely have time to linger on the details before the unfolding of another vivid scene. All of this would be just as impressive without the 3D factor.
The movie that is filled with thrilling adventures, unforeseeable twists, interesting characters and a moving storyline, does not have anything to boast in terms of 3D. The third-dimensional depth is lacking and easily missed and the viewer is inclined to believe they could have done just as well without that effect. Other than that, the movie effortlessly draws you into a world of magical kingdoms without the overdone and overrated nonsense of Harry Potter. It’s far more simple and easier to appreciate.
The Voyage of The Dawn Treader, like all other Narnia movies is heavy on morals and self-examination. The beauty of this being that the concepts portrayed can be understood and taken at various degrees.
The themes and stories are appropriate for children and offer good lessons, but exploring the layers of ideals and theology is applicable even to adults as well as the upcoming generation, thus making the movie suitable for all age group.
All seven books are highly recommended for reading. But if you are not an avid reader, the series of Narnia movies--the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian and now, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader—is definitely worth watching.
(Screening at QFX cinema)
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