OK for kids 10+
Engaging third Narnia adventure is fun for tweens and up.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that the third Chronicles of Narnia installment is, like its predecessors, a tween-friendly fantasy adventure. In general, you can expect the same level of special effects-heightened battles/violence and minor language as Prince Caspian. While there's little inappropriate content for older elementary-schoolers and up, younger kids may be frightened by a few scenes with a giant sea serpent and others set on an island where people are routinely sacrificed. Like all of the adaptations based on C. S. Lewis' classic books, there are some mild allusions to Christianity, though nothing overtly religious is said (Aslan does reference the "other name" he's called in the regular world). The film offers positive lessons about collaboration, selflessness, and overcoming personal doubts and fears, and the three central kids all grapple with self-worth issues that will be very relatable for tweens. Note: The movie's 3-D images add to the intensity of a few action sequences, particularly the battle with the giant sea snake.
- Families can talk about how each of the main characters was tested and tempted and yet came out victorious. What insecurities did each of them overcome? What is the movie's message about pride and beauty?
- For those who've read the books, how faithful is the film to the story?
- Why do you suppose the Pevensies can't return to Narnia once they've grown up? What is it about getting older that makes your time in Narnia come to an end?
The good stuff
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Messages: The Narnia movies are filled with positive messages about selflessness, self-sacrifice, and generosity. The characters, with the exception of Eustace (at first), are brave and want to help the Narnians defeat evil. As each of the main characters is tempted, they learn to make the choices that work for the greater good. Some of the messages could be considered religious, but it's not overt.
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Role models: Aslan is an almost perfect role model, dispensing sage advice and guiding the characters to make the right decisions. The three kids are also positive role models -- as well as very relatable -- because they overcome their fears and insecurities for the good of Narnia. King Caspian doesn't surrender to his temptation to stand before his father before it's time. Instead, he honors his commitment to be the best king he can be.
What to watch for
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Violence: The Pevensies and King Caspian and his crew battle the elements and their own fears that turn into reality -- like a giant sea serpent that dozens of men try to bring down with swords and arrows. There's a fair bit of sword play and sword fighting, but no one is killed. On one island, people are "sacrificed" to the sea, so a girl looks horrified as her mother is whisked away on a boat, presumably never to be seen again (spoiler alert: all ends well). A few characters look dead but are actually in a deep sleep. Two characters nearly turn on each other but only because they're under an enchantment. The White Witch appears, but only in Edmund's mind.
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Sex: In one brief scene, Lucy looks at a couple who are flirting with each other and embracing. A star manifests herself as a beautiful woman, and both Caspian and Edmund look completely taken with her. An ongoing theme in the movie is that Lucy wishes she were as beautiful (and attractive to the opposite sex) as her older sister, Susan.
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Language: Some British insults -- like "sod," "what the blazes," "bleedin," and "thick" -- as well as "crap," "shut up," "idiot," "oh God" (as an exclamation), and the like.
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue
Fan Reviews provided by
5
outstanding! You have to see it! Go to the theater! Do it now! by cylarz
I've been waiting for this movie ever since before the first one, as "Dawn Treader" was my favorite book in the series. It was definitely worth the wait! The acting is absolutely superb, the computer animation and set design is beyond description, and the lessons are worth heeding. The Dawn Treader itself was so beautiful, I literally cried when it first appeared on the screen, and I could say similar about many of the locales visited in the film. It's a story of adventure, courage, daring, danger, and moral choices. The character of Eustace is especially interesting; it's fun to watch him change over the course of the movie as he learns some important lessons. Aslan was also a delight to see and behold; Liam Neeson was the perfect choice for his voice and the lion is beautifully animated. Though the story strays from the book here and there, it's largely true to the original. Don't wait for the Blu-Ray - watch it now in the theater! Best film so far this year. See this movie!
5
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by enicoletti
Do not listen to the critics! This movie was an A+ -- the BEST movie I have seen in a very long time. I took my children, and although they may have not understood the underlying symboism, it was a wholesome movie reaching both children and adults. Lucy was perhaps the best actress, although Edmund wasn't far behind her. Her absolute faith in the assistance of Aslan toucbed me deeply. More profound, however, was the transformation of Eustace, who began a spoiled little boy and progressed into a reflective young man finally understanding his cousins and regretting his limitations from the past. Skillfully woven throughout were his diary entries, which enhanced the introspection and also showed in detail the transformation. Physically, he was transformed into a dragon of gold for his greed, but symbolically -- as with everything in the movie, it was much more than that. You'll have to watch it to understand what I am saying. I won't ever forget this one!
5
My review by photochick31
The movie was great as a movie but as a replication of the book, they really messed up the story. But overall it was really GREAT!!!!
5
Another great family movie by Paintman72
My wife and I took our 3 kids, 8,10,12, to see this movie opening day. All 5 of us really enjoyed the movie. The kids can't wait to add it to our DVD collection. Well worth the expense of going to the theater.
5
Voyage of the Dawn Treader by pumkin_ak
There is some predictability, such as during the process of finding the swords, and one character's mishap, but broken up by the arrangement of scenes and some uncertainty, such as whether the being urging the people to eat is the White Witch or not. Technically speaking the movie was fabulous--and my viewing wasn't even in 3-D. Watching water pour out from a painting and seeing the improbability of it made me feel enthralled and gave my seven year old incredible delight at the awe of it. Soaring above the scenery instilled a feeling of breathlessness, and moments such as these continued to capture us as the movie went on. Knowing certain details then becomes unimportant because (aside from that many of us read the book anyway), the *way* it is presented adds to the charm and magic of C.S. Lewis's original telling. It is a treat for grown ups and children alike, and one that inspires in a variety of ways.
5
Voyage of the Dawn Treader was Amazing by scann001
The movie was fantastic. I was glad I purchased the 3D ticket for this movie. I had all my friends and realatives go see it! It is better than the 2nd movie, Prince Caspian. It is a great story and had really good effects. Any age group would enjoy this film. My 6 year old nephew and my 9 year old niece enjoyed it as much as my husband and I who are in our 50s. YOU REALLY DONT WANT TO MISS THIS MOVIE
5
voyage of the Dawn Treader by ckohl
I am a big fan of Narnia. I read the books as a kid, and have enjoyed watching the films as they have come out. The movies have followed the books fairly well, and there is no exception with Voyage of the Dawn Treader for the most part. A couple differences, but overall fairly true to the book. It is a great story, though perhaps a little less action than the first two. I think the cast is wonderful. I couldn't have done better myself. I also think the cinematography and special effects have been done well. Overall, I would rate this film as a B+/A-.
4
More Narnia by charonbond
Save your money and see the 2D movie and not the 3D version of this movie. Again, a computer generated mouse steals scenes. Eustace is useless until something happens to him. Those that read the book knows exactly what I'm taking about. Shows that a person can change, Eustace. Pretty much follows the travles of King Caspian on the Dawn Treader, ship. To protect Narnia from an unseen foe. A short stop to fight against slavers. Shows that beauty can be only skin deep and rely on your inner beauty. I believe that children 10 years or older can be entertained by this movie. Not much death and battles in this movie. Parents closely watch your children when the odd death or two does happen. Good action sequences in as much as one could have on the confining spaces of a ship and small island.