The third and final instalment of the recent big-budget adaptations of C. S. Lewis's NARNIA books, VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER is a mini-masterpiece in comparison to the strong PRINCE CASPIAN that came before it. As a film, it's fast-paced and engaging, a children's adventure film that feels refreshingly old-fashioned and much like the classic adaptations of Edith Nesbit, for example. I should note that I haven't read the book.The plotting sees the older kids from the first two films jettisoned while the youngsters (Edmund and Lucy) now take their place. Once again, they team up with Caspian (Ben Barnes, never more than one dimensional) to go on an epic maritime adventure, tackling sea monsters, magic and a mysterious green mist en route.A potential problem with VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER is that we've seen it all before, but this matters little when the film is so entertaining from the word go. This effects-packed movie features all manner of CGI backdrops and one or two CGI beasties, similar to the Harryhausen epics of old. Will Poulter, as newcomer cousin Eustace, gives a masterful and hilarious performance and a real star-making turn. The movie has a decent pace, the introductory scenes are very well realised (I loved the way the kids access Narnia this time around) and it's more colourful and involving as any PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN film you might name. For me, the trilogy ended on a high.

I didn't much care for the last Narnia movie, since Peter and Susan were to leave Narnia for good and for their younger siblings to 'learn' more about themselves.Honestly when I was a kid, I loved these movies, and now as I've become more in tune with my opinion I notice LOADS of flaws.One; The camera is constantly moving, which DOES give for a more action, moving and free movie. But compared to the first movie, this in comparison looks like a B class movie, there's careless mistakes, like the moving of the camera when the scene calls for a 'calm' or 'still' shot. Seriously, it looks like something that a teenager would make in the sense they don't know about anything about filming.Two; The acting was okay, it seemed forced almost in the beginning. I didn't quite believe the 'Oh i'm not pretty' cliché, fair enough, Susan is a lot prettier than Lucy, and the 'hair behind the ear' put me off Lucy all together. But seriously? Lucy's character had always been brave, naive and strong but all that had been stripped away the last movie because it had been her brothers and sister protecting her, what is she doing now? all we have is the silly teenage predicament of 'am I beautiful'.three; the graphics, and the special effects wasn't that good either. I mean if anybody watches this movie and notices the flaws in the ship, the green magic, and other 'scenic' shots. it does seem a bit fake.Further more, i'd watch this with my kids someday if they really really really liked the first movie and second movie, and it was something to shut them up so.

Growing up in the Canada in the 70's and 80's, I fondly recall vastly enjoying an animated version of Lewis' 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' that was presented by Kraft on CTV. Now as a father of a son, I want to see with him the contemporary versions of the books I adored in my youth, though at present I greatly prefer the craftsmanship of cinema pre-1970.It never bothers me in the slightest, to the ire of my more obsessive-compulsive cinephilic friends, seeing films of series with complete disregard to their order (one of my friends nearly had a heart attack, when he discovered I had watched 'Spider-Man 3' without having previously watched films 1 and 2--don't even get me started about the 'Harry Potter' series...), so, especially curious about how one of my favourite contemporary directors, Michael Apted, would do in the realm of big-budget, CGI-intensive fantasy filmmaking (I expected a fish-out-of-water, like Lord Richard Attenborough helming 'A Chorus Line'), I gave this a shot.I enjoyed this more than 'Harry Potter' films I have seen, though it does stretch things from the literary works, but unfortunately, that seems to be the way things are, since film became less about artistry and more about business (just see at Toys R Us how many possible toys you can purchase, and similar commercial off-shoots, and I don't even consider this series a major player in this sort of area, because of its Christian undertones, which really doesn't mesh perfectly with selling tons of toys, though of course the realms aren't mutually exclusive, not by any stretch of the imagination). I think that Apted did a decent job, especially considering that yes, he is a fine director, but this isn't really his cup of tea. I distinctly feel that if these films are your comfort food, you won't be disappointed. I look forward to checking out the series' two preceding entries, and, though they left an opportunity for more films, which I believe wouldn't be from Lewis' works at all, it was a nice summation at its conclusion.Finally, it was great to see (or at the very least, hear) Tilda Swinton, Liam Neeson and Simon Pegg, they seem to be thrown in everything these days. I heartily salute their agents--they must have the very best in the business.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010): Dir: Michael Apted / Cast: Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes, Ben Barnes, Will Poulter / Voices: Liam Neeson: While considerably weaker than the previous two films, this adventure about finding self focuses on Edmund and Lucy's return to the magical land of Narnia, which is accomplished through a water painting. They are joined reluctantly by their uptight cousin Eustace. From there they embark upon a voyage that involves a green mist that brings reality to their greatest fears. Director Michael Apted has accomplished much in his long career with films such as Coal Miner's Daughter and Amazing Grace but here he is backed by phenomenal special effects that highlight the dangerous voyage of sea serpents, dragons, treasure, and the invaluable presence of the lion Aslan. The screenplay unfortunately is not as tight as previous films although the leads are on top. Georgie Henley as Lucy desires the beauty of her sister Susan but must learn to accept herself as is. Skandar Keynes as Edmund struggles with greed and the position in Narnia verses his home life on Earth. Ben Barnes as Prince Caspian is underwritten here and only seem along for the ride. The biggest problem is Will Poulter's stern bully attitude as Eustace that is forced and over the top. His dragon transformation bares interests but his switch to nobleman seems predictable and contrived. Liam Neeson once again provides the wisdom of Aslan. Corny and beneath the other two, otherwise this outing is an entertaining quest of the inner struggle of self. Score: 7 ½ / 10