"As the Harry Potter films have become longer, slower and ever more pretentious the Narnia jaunts have merrily skipped off in the opposite direction, here delivering an effects-driven romp that is shorter, tighter and, frankly, heaps more fun than the first two. Narnia III is strongly recommended, whatever your Narnian status may be."
Jim Schembri THE AGE
"It's heartening to report that Dawn Treader arrives with confidence and bravado intact, the entirely expected stew of cod-medieval adolescent derring-do, attention-grabbing special effects, and sledgehammer moral lessons with nakedly religious overtones. One thing the Narnia stories have never lacked is a fertile, powerful mythic underpinning. Lewis was easily Tolkien's equal in this regard."
Andrew Pulver THE GUARDIAN
"Lewis knew a thing or two about storytelling. And Apted knows a thing or two about directing. Crucially, he never allows plot or characters to be overshadowed by special effects. The Dawn Treader may sail on 3D seas, but the 3D effects are subtle, not over-the-top. Apted doesn't just want audiences flinching or squirming to avoid beasties and swords; he'd prefer to involve them via his narrative. It is an impressive feat of imagination."
Sacha Molitorisz SYDNEY MORNING HERALD
"Shot on location in Queensland, Australia (Gold Coast to be specific), the natural beauty of its locales meshes very well with the films visual effects work, which is some of the best seen this year. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader delivers on its promise of high spirited adventure and Lewis’ special brand of theology, making this Narnia tale the best one yet.
Matthew Pejkov MATT'S MOVIE REVIEWS
"The third film in The Chronicles of Narnia franchise, based on the 1950s children’s novel series by CS Lewis, continues the combination of Christian allegory with the childhood fantasy of escaping reality to a magical land where the child protagonists are heroic kings and queens. English director Michael Apted has taken over from New Zealand director Andrew Adamson to deliver a film that rattles along at a much more satisfying pace."
Thomas Caldwell CINEMA AUTOPSY
"As the must-see treat of the festive season, the latest adventures of Caspian and the Pevensie children carries a solid-gold guarantee to match or even out-perform the track record of its predecessors. Michael Apted opts for a certain dated and mannered appeal with a whiff of nostalgia for more innocent times, which lends added enchantment."
Richard Mowe BOXOFFICE MAGAZINE
"All the wonders of a writer's imagination can conjure up and a filmmaker can translate onto the screen are captured in the Narnia series. Like all the effects and all the fantasy elements, this is expertly done. The performances too, are credible and engaging, as the youngsters meet the many challenges of their journey."
Andrew L Urban URBAN CINEFILE
"In a cinematic landscape currently populated by tales of good and evil, the Narnia films have a timelessness about them which should see this franchise age well. The third instalment is for the most part an exciting and emotionally resonant adventure. The emphasis here is on action and the well-paced film moves swiftly through a world of sword fighting, magic passages and CGI dragons and sea beasts."
Cara Nash FILMINK
"I’m not sure if kids will pick up on the religious references but they might generate discussion amongst adults. It was the part of the film I found most interesting. Most cinemas in Brisbane are flooding their screens with the 3D version of this movie but my suggestion would be to attend a 2D screening. The Voyage Of The Dawn Treader was filmed here in Queensland but don’t go trying to find any visible landmarks."
Matthew Toomey ABC RADIO BRISBANE
"Doesn't matter if you haven't read the Narnia Chronicles by CS Lewis. Doesn't matter if you haven't seen the earlier sequels too. The third part in the fantasy series holds merit on its own and manages to hold you in your seat with its mix of make-believe, special effects and fairy tale folklore. The fact that the film is in 3D makes it even more inviting."
Nikhat Kazmi TIMES OF INDIA
The Inside Story
Published in 1952, "The Voyage of The Dawn Treader", a grand, episodic adventure, is the third of C.S. Lewis'S seven-book series: "The Chronicles of Narnia". The stories events take place about three Narnian years after the preceding novel, "Prince Caspian". While Lewis’ first book set in Narnia, "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe", may be the series most famous and popular, many devotees of Lewis’ classic stories point to "The Voyage of The Dawn Treader" as the best of all seven 'Narnia' novels. "It is certainly one of the most beloved books in the series," says producer Andrew Adamson. "The Voyage of The Dawn Treader returns to the wonder, magic, awe and adventure of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." In adapting his third 'Narnia' book to the screen (with longtime writing partner Christopher Markus, and Michael Petroni), screenwriter Stephen McFeely notes that "the most challenging aspect of writing the screenplay was keeping the highly individual flavor of each island adventure, without letting the film get too episodic. This film should feel of a piece with the two preceding films, as a unified Narnian epic, while at the same time introducing lands, species and issues that we hadn’t encountered in previous stories." Michael Apted ("Gorillas in the Mist" & "The World Is Not Enough"), the franchise’s new skipper, was drawn to the project because, he says, "The film is about two simultaneous journeys. One is an adventure through unchartered and dangerous seas, and the other into their own selves as they grow into adulthood. Just as they overcome the forces of evil they meet on the journey so they learn to deal with temptations and, in doing so, find their true character. That’s what they learn in Narnia, so at the end of our story they are ready to leave and get on with their lives. That’s the universal theme that Lewis presents to us in his book." While remaining true to the book’s spirit, emotions and characters, the filmmakers made some necessary adjustments to bring Lewis's story to the screen. As Apted ("Enigma") explained: "In the book, the narrative thread revolves around Caspian’s search for seven Lords, but in the film, the quest is for seven swords. The threat of the Green Mist, as depicted in our film, isn’t really touched on in the book "The Voyage of The Dawn Treader": though it does appear in a subsequent book." "In the film, the quest for the seven swords is there to reinforce the purpose of Caspian’s journey to the edge of the world," executive producer Douglas Gresham ("The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian") elaborated. Gresham, who is C.S. Lewis's stepson, has made it a lifelong mission to bring his fathers books to the screen. "The film’s sword motif is an addition to the book’s storyline about the seven Lords of Telmar and has been added to help drive the story forward to keep the audiences enthralled." The filmmakers were also careful to maintain the book’s thematic integrity which is a story largely about temptation,” Gresham relates. "Along the journey, Caspian, Eustace, Lucy and Edmund and the entire crew of The Dawn Treader face many challenges and adventures, and cope with the accompanying temptations. Each character meets his or her deepest temptations, which we have seen glimpses of in the previous movies." "Fear and temptation are the principal issues the characters face, and those themes point to the 'Narnia' books’ weight and substance," adds Apted. “The film reminds us that you have to know yourself to deal with temptation and fear. That, too, is part of becoming an adult." "The first thing you do when you decide to adapt a book into a movie is ask what it’s about," offers producer Mark Johnson.
"What are the themes? What is the author trying to tell us, and how do we imbue the movie with those same themes? "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" was very much about faith. 'Prince Caspian' was about losing and regaining that faith. This new film is about overcoming temptation. We made sure that theme was an important element of our movie, in the guise of telling a great and magical story," 1989 Oscar winner Johnson ("Rain Man") said. Georgie Henley was the first actor cast after the filmmakers began their search in 2003 for the Pevensie siblings in "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe". When Georgie was spotted by London-based casting director Pippa Hall, (who visited Georgie's drama school: The Ilkley Upstagers), the youngster was all of seven years old, and had no professional acting experience. Now, eight years later: Georgie has spent almost half her life in the folds of Narnia; she has blossomed into a beautiful teenager. Moreover, Georgie’s personal journey through the three movies mirrors what her character Lucy experiences, especially in the new film. Of course, Lucy’s adventures take place in the wondrous world of Narnia; Georgie’s are in a different land of fantasy: Hollywood. "I was a bit nervous coming back to Narnia for the third time," Georgie admitted. Perhaps her anxiety stemmed from the realization that she was the only major female character in the story, because Lucy’s older sister Susan’s journey through Narnia ended in "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian". Additionally, Lucy has changed a lot since her previous visit to Narnia. "She’s going through that stage where everybody feels insecure," Georgie (TV Mini-series "Jane Eyre") notes. "Lucy still wants to be her sister Susan and be beautiful like her, because everybody knows that Susan is absolutely gorgeous. The characters journeys are all about temptation, and in this film you see Lucy as a more complex person. In the first two films, she’s portrayed as honest and true and sure. Now, she’s more complex. And I think her journey is overcoming her challenges and realizing that she is human, she’s growing up, and the feelings she has are normal." About her journey through Narnia these past seven years, Georgie notes: "Skandar Keynes and I have grown up with these characters. I feel quite connected to Lucy because she’s been a huge part of my life." On a personel note she says: "What I will take away from Narnia, among many other things, is a passion for acting." Skandar Keynes was twelve years old when he was cast as the treacherous Edmund in the first movie. While Georgie might continue her acting career, Skandar has different plans. During filming of 'Dawn Treader', he sought admission to Cambridge University, where he will focus on Arabic studies. (His mother hails from Lebanon.) Having won admission to the revered institution of higher learning (where C.S. Lewis taught literature from 1954 to 1963) a few months after filming concluded, Skandar began a sabbatical from his performing career to pursue his academic studies. As his final days and hours in Narnia drew near, the only tension Skandar felt was awaiting word on whether he had won admission to Cambridge. Not unlike his character at the end 'Dawn Treader', Skandar too was making the transition from childhood to adulthood. "You know, after six years of being involved in the ‘Narnia’ films, I have to be so thankful for this experience. "It’s really helped me in so many ways. I’m now more confident than I thought possible. It’s given me the courage to stand up and to take on tasks. I’m ready to move on. Where that’ll take me, I don’t know. But, I’m happy and content."
'Dawn Treader' also marks a rite of passage for Ben Barnes and his cinematic alter ego, King Caspian. "Caspian has been leading Narnia for three years," Barnes explained. "He’s fought and won battles. In returning to the role of Caspian, I needed a certain confidence and authority. I was actually glad for the gap of a couple of years between production on 'Prince Caspian' and this film because it allowed me to do other things and gain additional confidence, which I’ve been able to bring to the role." Barnes also explored more of Caspian’s personal history. "Caspian feels like he never had a family or a strong father figure. In one respect, Caspian very much fills that older brother gap for Lucy and Edmund, while also leading his men. When Caspian comes to the end of the world, and meets with Aslan, he wonders if his father is on the other side. Caspian’s desire to meet his father is his ultimate temptation. But he realizes that his responsibilities are to Narnia, to his people, and to his father’s legacy." When Barnes filmed 'Prince Caspian', he was a Hollywood unknown and a new member of the Narnia family. Young actor Will Poulter (2007's "Son of Rambow"), who portrays Eustace, finds himself in a similar situation on 'Dawn Treader'. While playing the unlikable Eustace, whom Poulter describes as "a complete brat", the young actor won the hearts of the filmmakers and his cast mates too. "Will is one of the gentlest, kindest, best-mannered kids you could ever meet in your life," says Gresham. "Thanks to Will’s impressive work, I don’t think anybody in the audience is going to be able to avoid, first of all, disliking Eustace, and then falling in love with him." Apted recalls: "We saw a lot of people for that role, but once I met Will, I knew we had our Eustace. He was a natural." Like all the other principal characters, Eustace confronts temptation, which for him takes the form of the bejeweled valley on Goldwater Island. This leads to Eustace's startling transformation into a dragon, which in turn helps Eustace become a better person. "The dragon is an interesting and important character because it is really Eustace," says MPC visual effects supervisor Adam Valdez ("10000 BC), who oversaw much of the work on the computer generated creature. "Once everybody saw what Will brought to the role, it became essential that when he’s in dragon form, we connect with his performance. So we gave the dragon certain physical characteristics of Will/Eustace." Valdez also supervised the animation of Reepicheep (who he created for 'Prince Caspian'), Caspian’s valiant soldier at arms who becomes Eustace’s friend and protector. "We’ve aged Reepicheep a bit, given him slight signs of age with a softer feel around the eyes. We went for a slightly softer look because Reepicheep makes a major connection to Eustace. The two of them not only bond, but he’s a major part of Eustace’s growing up and moving on in the story." "Reepicheep is a very important character, and his relationship with Eustace is one of the most important elements of the film," says Apted. "The human aspects of the animated characters are key to Lewis's storytelling and iconic to the franchise." British comic actor Simon Pegg (a fan of the 'Narnia' books since childhood), beloved around the world for his work in the films "Shaun of the Dead", "Hot Fuzz" and "Star Trek", provides the voice of Reepicheep. The vessel The Dawn Treader makes for an impressive title character. Production designer Barry Robison drew inspiration from a replica of Captain James Cook’s boat The Endeavor, which sits in Sydney Harbour, Australia. Building The Dawn Treader commenced in March 2009, and took twenty one weeks to complete.
What It's All About
 While the two elder Pevensie siblings are away: Peter studying for university entrance exams and Susan on holiday in the U.S.; the two youngest siblings, Lucy and Edmund, are reluctantly visiting a relative at his home near Cambridge in wartime England. Lucy and Edmund’s greatest challenge is dealing with their annoying and obnoxious cousin, Eustace Clarence Scrubb. All that changes when Lucy brings to their attention a painting featuring a an ancient ship sailing the high seas. The ship is The Dawn Treader, a majestic sailing vessel whose look was inspired by dragons: and somehow it appears to be moving. Suddenly the ocean starts spilling out of the painting submerging the teens before transporting them to Narnia’s Eastern Sea, where they are rescued by King Caspian and his crew aboard The Dawn Treader, the very same single-masted ship depicted in the artwork.
The Verdict
"Fans of author C.S. Lewis's books, "The Chronicles Of Narnia" have been, no doubt, on tenderhooks, wondering as to what fate had in store for future bigscreener versions, after Disney pulled the plug on their involvement with a third production. Let's face it: you could hardly blame them. After all, with the effects of the Global Financial Meltdown (GFM), taking a punt on a third edition may have been too much of a gamble; especially in light of the fact that while 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' had a return of US$$745,011,272 worldwide against a production budget of US$180 million,'Prince Caspian' with a budget of US$225 million didn't fare all that well, returning only US$419,651,413. Of course, since the release of 'Prince Caspian', it wouldn't have helped that Disney had two animated films in the pipeline both of which have gone on to become the most successful animated films in history: "Alice In Wonderland" (US$1,024,299,722) 6th ranked all-time and "Toy Story 3" ($1,063,084,173) 5th ranked all-time worldwide (and that's without throwing into the mix "UP" ($731,342,744). Thankfully, Twentieth Century Fox picked up the rights, taking production of the third edition to the Gold Coast, Queensland. Designing and constructing the 'Dawn Treader' itself was an adventure for production designer Barry Robison ("Wedding Crashers"), who after working on "Nim’s Island" & "X-Men Origins: Wolverine " became an Australian citizen in 2009. Robison and the talented crew he gathered together are to be applauded for their effort. The 'Dawn Treader' was made up of sixty individual pieces of various sizes and weights and assembled at Warner Roadshow Studios Stage 8. It was then broken down and transported (on thirty five flatbed semi-trailers) fifty kilometres to Cleveland Point (twenty six km south-east of Brisbane city centre), where it became a star in its own right: without ever going to sea! "The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Voyage Of The Dawn Treader" is a massive improvement on 'Prince Caspian' and I for one, hope that Twentieth Century Fox make a bucket load out of it. The production values are first class as is the storyline and the cast. 'Dawn Treader' truly is, grand adventure on a large scale. It retains all the values C S Lewis integrated into his book. And bring the tissues, because the ending will leave you teary-eyed. The film is (unlike the 'Potter' films) user friendly. Cinemagoers could walk in off the street with absolutely no previous knowlege of what has come before and still be thoroughly entertained. Massively entertaining in either 3D or standard format. 4 STARS."
Who's Playing Who?
Georgie Henley
Skandar Keynes
Ben Barnes
Will Poulter
Gary Sweet
Terry Norris
Bruce Spence
Tamati Rangi
Liam Neeson
Simon Pegg
Roy Billing
Bille Brown
Laura Brent
Tilda Swinton
Anna Popplewell
William Moseley
Shane Rangi
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Lucy Pevensie
Edmund Pevensie
Caspian
Eustace Scrubb
Drinian
Lord Bern
Lord Rhoop
Minotaur
Aslan (voice)
Reepicheep (voice)
Chief Dufflepud
Coriakin
Lilliandil
The White Witch
Susan Pevensie
Peter Pevensie
Tavros
The Production Team
Directed by Michael Apted
Screenplay Christopher Markus/Stephen McFeely/Michael Petroni
From the novel by C.S. Lewis
Produced by Andrew Adamson/Mark Johnson/Philip Steuer
Original Music by David Arnold
Cinematography by Dante Spinotti
Film Editing by Rick Shaine
Casting by Nina Gold & Christine King
Production Design by Barry Robison
Art Direction Karen Murphy/Marco Niro/Mark Robins
Supervising Art Director Ian Gracie
Costume Design by Isis Mussenden
Run Time 115 minutes
Rated PG [AUST]
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