Movie Review: The Cronicles Of Narnia: The Voyage Of The Dawn Treader

I admit, I haven't seen the first two films and I have never read any of the Narnia books. So, as far as the similarity of the film's plot with the book goes, I frankly have no idea regarding that. Ha! On the surface of it, however, I thought the plot was fairly basic, the visuals were decent and the acting was ok. Yes, nothing spectacular - and I love superlatives. Haha.

While the film was obviously beautiful to look at, it left me craving for more fun, more adventure, and at times, more heroism. It was full of good visuals but I have to say that this movie was a little light on action. True, this wouldn't be a problem if the story and characters were interesting and compelling, but they just weren't. They were neither exciting nor involving and I don't know if its the screenplay's fault or the direction. But suffice it to say, I was actually less than satisfied.

I found the pacing weird, the direction was a little systematic and the storytelling was bland. Heck, even the acting of the major characters were shockingly average. The kid who played Eustace in particular was, at some point, really irritating. I thought his condescending, annoying obnoxiousness was acted out like an obvious newcomer in the business. His way of speaking was just trite and completely unrealistic. That said, I would just like to think that it was really a conscious decision on the part of the director to oversell the obnoxiousness for a starker contrast on his supposed "reformation".

Good thing, some of the battle scenes were convincing enough and not too over the top. I actually enjoyed the last action sequence due to it's extensive yet wonderful use of visual effects. The production design and cinematography were also nothing short of grand.

Overall, I enjoyed the visual spectacles. That said, I truly can't help but feel that something was really missing when they made this movie. That sort of epicness, which I was expecting, wasn't there. I got bored, to say the very least. Sorry.

RATING: 6/10