By Debbie Schlussel
The only new release this weekend is the sequel to the original “Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.” And it far surpasses the charming original. You needn’t have seen the first film to understand and enjoy this second one. The messages–paramount among them the righteous fight of good versus evil (and yes, it’s via the sword)–are good ones.
“The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian“: I really liked this second installment based on “The Chronicles of Narnia” series of children’s novels by C. S. Lewis. It’s much better than the first, which I liked. This one is faster-paced, has more action–with lots of jousting and fighting sequences, and has a better story. And like the first movie and the books, religious analogies abound (including one that resembles the Jews fleeing the Egyptians in the sea and the Egyptians being swallowed up by the water).

The story of this great adventure: The four sibling children–who are also coronated kings and queens in Narnia–are back to their humdrum lives in WWII London, wondering when the wizard will summon them back to their other-world kingdom. Soon the call comes. They are returned to Narnia, centuries into the future from their last visit.
Now, Narnia is in bad shape. The trees no longer come alive and dance, and it’s been conquered by their human, mortal neighbors. In that neighboring human land, the evil uncle of Prince Caspian, Miraz, has just borne a male heir, and is out to assassinate his nephew, heir to the throne. The Prince flees to Narnia, where he seeks the help of his Narnian enemies. The four Narnian king and queen brothers are enlisted to help the Prince retake his kingdom.
The medieval fighting scenes are great and fast-paced. And the gryphons and centaurs and other mythological characters of Narnia are back to take part in fighting on behalf of good–Narnia and Prince Caspian–versus evil–his diabolical uncle, who wants to wipe out Narnia forever.
Great for your kids and your whole family.