Opening Day: 9 December 2010

Synopsis:

This time around – Edmund and Lucy Pevensie, along with their pesky cousin Eustace Scrubb – find themselves swallowed into a painting and on to a fantastic Narnian ship headed for the very edges of the world.

Joining forces once again with their royal friend Prince Caspian and the warrior mouse Reepicheep, they are whisked away on a mysterious mission to the Lone Islands, and beyond. On this bewitching voyage that will test their hearts and spirits, the trio will face magical Dufflepuds, sinister slave traders, roaring dragons and enchanted merfolk. Only an entirely uncharted journey to Aslan's Country – a voyage of destiny and transformation for each of those aboard the Dawn Treader – can save Narnia, and all the astonishing creatures in it, from an unfathomable fate.

Movie Review:

A much hoped for fantasy series was bestowed upon ever since the potter craze took us by surprise nine years ago. Now barely 5 years into its introduction and having the third instalment emerging into our theaters, have we chance upon another Dark Material or Percy Jackson flop? As i sat awaiting for the curtains to raise, a friend came by and nodded a presence and asked if this screening was a free-seating event. I mentioned no it wasn’t and realised i had sat on the wrong seat. Now that’s not a good start at all. Fortunately, fate took a turn and stepped up a notch in the interesting scale. It’s pretty much in the same partake of that other popular fantasy series - that is not to be named - in terms of popularity and beefy content, they really take their own sweet time to flesh out the collection.

This latest instalment of C.S. Lewis' beloved world, dives into the strange adventure among the crew of the Narnian ship, the Dawn Treader. Called upon were Edmund and Lucy, and the ever annoying cousin Eustace, who has a rather unfortunate name as he was useless (see what i did there? eh?) throughout the whole show until he finally redeemed himself near the end. Then came the loss. The older children are there no more. They’ve all grown up and has moved along and passed the adventure torch to others in need. Narnia is is need of dire saving from the curse emanating from the "Dark Isle". Along with Prince Caspien and Reepicheep (voiced by Simon Pegg) they rip through boundless creatures and characters, even threading along their own mortal enemy, themselves. Sounds familiar doesn’t it?

Ok, here comes the beef. I was particularly weary of the 3D push by film makers now jumping into the band-wagon. Dawn Treader unfortunately has fallen into the hands of badly made 3D. Dark motion-blurred and unimpressive, even the trailers before hand was in a much better 3D state. Why doesn’t anybody listen to advice (stop making inappropriate 3D films!) is baffling. Avoid at all cost. Then comes the poster, which is misleading (for those who hasn’t read the book). Most are merely cameos and was rather disappointed that Aslan only had a will-appear-if-need clause. I miss that deep voice of Liam Neeson. He can make any silly conversation sound profound and serious. Another aspect of the downfall was how this chapter felt cheapened and less impressive which was apparent due to the cut in budget by the loss of finance from Walt Disney Company. Apparently after the not-so-good box office of Prince Caspien, a cut was eminent but Fox came galloping along as the saviour which meant a sacrifice in some aspect. That meant, less impressive CGI effects (noticed how thinner Aslan is?) and relied more to practical imagery which at some point turned out pretty magical, much like how they whipped up the scene of them coming back home into the house. That was pure child-like magic mastery.

Michael Apted, unknown to many, brought us much of the 80s and 90’s masterpiece such as Gorilla in the Mist, Nell and 007: The World Is Not Enough. Such experience craftsman surely has the power to restore the magic it suppose to possess. All was not lost as shown, having not read a single page of the book and basing the epic-ness of the series through the movies, Dawn Treader felt more complete. The journey felt more depth and it had further exploration of emotions as the kids are grown up. Unfortunately, they didn’t explore more of that side of the story. The third in the series, well, in publication order that is but in chronological order this is the 3rd last in the journey. Yes, if this series goes well, i foresee two more sequels and maybe a prequel.

And not too soon either that this series may be saved with the introduction of Eustace, who stole some or dare i say even most of the lime light as the annoying brat who will be the next torch bearer in the instalments to come and save Narnia. Again. Spoiler much? Played by Will Poulter, known to some in a well known independent film, Son of Rambow, played the character right on the spot and did a very convincing transformation in the end. Rather unfortunate that the rest of the cast seem to be losing their drive to go further developing their character but i guess they knew their time was up and had raised the white flag even before the director has yelled, “It’s a wrap!”

Movie Rating:



(A voyage I’ll be honoured to be on board)

Review by Lokman B S