Review: The Dawn Treader makes a captivating journey to Narnia

Film: The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (U)
Director: Michael Apted
Cast: Skandar Keynes, Ben Barnes, Will Poulter, Georgie Henley
Rating: ***

Adapted from the CS Lewis book of the same name, the film sees the Pevensies, sans Peter and Susan, finding themselves once again whisked away to the magical kingdom of Narnia where they encounter king Caspian (Barnes), the titular character of the previous (disastrous) instalment.

Along with wet-blanket cousin Eustace Scrubb, a newcomer to Narnia, Edmund (Keynes) and Lucy (Henley) must recover the seven swords of the lost lords of Narnia while facing formidable opposition from the evil within and without.

Poulter's performance as the scoffing Scrubb and his relationship with the cavalier mouse Reepicheep, voiced by Simon Pegg, are among the best things about the film. Henley and Keynes, though not particularly lacklustre, don't dazzle. 

Visually, especially in 3D, the film exceeds expectations with its grand conjuration of fairytale creatures and vistas of the imagination that captivate, if not enthral.

The flight of fantasy doesn’t unfold itself too brusquely or stupidly. While certain lines may be received as hackneyed, if you want exhilaration, there is enough to go around. But there is also allegory and sentiment drawn from the book that enriches the narrative.

Be forewarned, however, that the film by no means fills the vacuum left behind by The Lord Of The Rings trilogy.

Overall, the film will keep your interest reasonably piqued. Consider yourself fortunate if it slakes your yearning for high fantasy. If you find yourself too jaded to watch another CGI adaptation of a beloved childhood classic, don't underestimate this one's potential to at least keep your kids entertained.