“Prince Caspian”
Yes. I finally watched the movie. Jared and I went and enjoyed an evening with our good friends David (Tirian, creator of NarniaWeb) and MB. All our enjoyment of the evening came from good times with friends (and amazing garlic toast) and none of it came from watching the pathetic, pathetic movie.
I cannot detail my distaste for the film; it would take volumes of analysis and raise my blood pressure past the tipping point. Suffice it to say (as has probably been said many times already), they altered it beyond recognition. The story is out of joint, disordered and unrecognizable. The characters are completely different people, of different ages and temperaments than their originals. I didn’t expect a good and faithful rendition, but it was far beneath the worst I had supposed. Just writing about it is making me feel the need for another shower!
February 10th, 2010 at 5:41 pm
I've heard other people say it was better than The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe; have you seen that one? I'm guessing yes, and that you don't agree with that assessment. I was so disappointed by the first (new) Narnia movie that I haven't yet seen Prince Caspian yet. Sounds like perhaps I haven't been missing out.
February 10th, 2010 at 5:54 pm
I also loathed the Hollywood version of The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, but I do think it was better than Prince Caspian. Ugh…
February 10th, 2010 at 6:27 pm
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe was more faithful to the book. Caspian was a better movie, but it had absolutely nothing to do with the book. Lewis purists blow a gasket over that.
So just watch Caspian and pretend it's a child romance. Feel squicky yet?
February 10th, 2010 at 9:51 pm
After seeing "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" I had no desire to watch Prince Caspian- so, I haven't. And I don't plan on ever watching it.
I felt the same way about the Harry Potter books and the Harry Potter movies, which is why I've only seen 2 of the 6 movies produced so far. I know you have no love for Harry Potter, but the movies were just so gosh darn bad in the same way the Narnia movies are.
I say long live the Lord of the Ring! The only movies to pull off a decent adaption of an epic fantasy book, in my opinion.
February 22nd, 2010 at 5:23 pm
Well….ummm…I'm a little embarrassed to say that I loved The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe…. since you guys all hated it so. The one criticism I had was that the Susan character was quite distasteful. I felt if she were to screech at Peter just onnnne more time, I'd fly out of my seat and give her a piece of my mind!
But I do admit that I found Prince Caspian to be quite a disappointment. What was with the whole Susan/Caspian romance thing? and the kiss at the end?? oh my goodness.
Anyway, I came over here to thank you for your kind answer to my comment over at Femina. It's a comfort to know I'm not the only one who has had a similar unpleasant interaction. ((hugs))
February 22nd, 2010 at 5:55 pm
Don't be embarrassed by a differing opinion. Just be prepared for somebody to argue with you! We do lots of that over here
I'm glad my comment was comforting. I so appreciate Nancy's take on things; Femina is a blessing. I still read your blog regularly but rarely comment. I appreciate your cheeriness though!
God bless
March 3rd, 2010 at 3:05 am
Hi Amanda,
I have to say I'm with you on the Narnia movies. Both are bad, but Caspian was far worse. My kids won't let their kids watch them until they are old enough to have mastered the books. They don't want them to get the story jumbled and have their favorite characters ruined!
March 3rd, 2010 at 3:26 am
Thank you for visiting Nancy!
I quite agree with your kids' approach. I had originally resolved not to torture myself, but watched the movie under the advice of my thesis committee. They felt it would inform my work somewhat. I'm working on an MA at Boise State and doing my thesis on the so-called "Problem of Susan". I will be taking on Phillip Pullman and Laura Miller as I propose a Medieval reading of Susan's character arc. The Hollywood-ization of Susan is certainly related to the interpretive tangles of feminist theory.
Anyway, we'll see how it goes!
April 11th, 2010 at 6:43 pm
What!? Take on Phillip Pullman? Nobody takes on Phillip Pullman. Pullman buried Lewis.
April 11th, 2010 at 6:45 pm
And before you never speak to me again or invite me over for dinner, that was a joke.
April 11th, 2010 at 8:03 pm
Ah yes. Wise to protect your dinner invitations!