'Chronicles Of Narnia' franchise on the rise

Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes), heir to the Telmarine throne, escapes an assassination attempt orchestrated by his despicable uncle Miraz (Sergio Castellitto) and sidekick General Glozelle (Pierfrancesco Favino).

The Prince summons the Pevensie children from the devastation of World War II London, back to the magical kingdom they once ruled as kings and queens.

The children discover that 1,300 Narnia years have passed: Cair Paravel is in ruins, the trees are ominously silent and many of the four-legged denizens have lost the power of speech. Aided by the dwarves Trumpkin and Nikabrik, sword-wielding mouse Reepicheep and badger Trufflehunter, Caspian and the youngsters aim to restore peace to the kingdom.

‘The Chronicles Of Narnia: Prince Caspian’ confidently trumps its predecessor for thrills and intrigue, although it does lack a strong, boo-hiss villain such as Tilda Swinton’s Witch.

Like the first film, the majestic Aslan (Neeson) is the ‘mane’ attraction of an action-packed second half.

Rating: 3/5