Movie Review: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is the third installment of the Narnia Chronicles and is a vast improvement on its dire predecessor Prince Caspian. It is still nowhere in the class of the first movie – The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – but is nevertheless a better than average fantasy movie, with an adventurous if slightly overlong plot, and quality 3D presentation that all combine to make it worth seeing.

The main characters from the first two movies – Peter and Susan Pevensie – are grown up and so this time Lucy and Edmund find themselves sent to their aunt and uncle’s house alone to wait out World War II. As teenagers they are now facing their own inner struggles and insecurities, and what’s more they have to endure the obnoxious company of their spoilt younger cousin Eustace Scrubb. Thankfully, they soon find themselves whisked off to the enchanting world of Narnia, this time through a magical nautical painting which unexpectedly drops them off in the ocean. They are picked up by Prince Caspian, Reepicheep and the crew of the Dawn Treader who are all on a quest to find the seven swords of the Lords of Telmar. These swords once gathered and laid at Aslan's table, will defeat a dark evil that threatens Narnia.

As mentioned the movie is perhaps a little overlong, but still manages to get things moving along fairly nicely. The quest involves the children moving from one island to another and battling different types of evils in each venue. There is plenty of action including sword fights, a dragon battle and a final battle against a Sea Monster that is extremely intense, and frankly, may be a little much for younger children. I am not a fan of 3D but it is done fairly well here, in fact, the special effects and creature design are all rather impressive. The actors all do a good job without being remarkable. Lucy Pevensie who is struggling with some very relevant teenage girl’s issues in terms of her self-image is probably the most endearing character, and young Georgie Henley who plays her was probably the standout actor. I found all the characters a little archetypal but I guess we must remember that C.S. Lewis wrote his books for children and also long before many typical fantasy archetypes were established.

The Christian imagery in this movie was almost as strong as the first (remember Aslan’s death and resurrection scene?), and of course Aslan features strongly throughout these. Aslan the Lion is famed for being the Christ figure in Lewis’ books and in this story he encourages the children to get to know him by another name back in their world. Lucy’s particular storyline is well handled, and Aslan confronts her at one stage to remind her that self-worth should not be based upon outward appearances. Yes, I know it is an age-old message but perhaps that is because it applies so directly to every new generation. There is also a strong theme of the outer darkness being faced by the adventurers as a parallel of their own inner shadows and struggles which need equally to be faced with courage and faith. Eustace’s greed, for example, results in him being turned into a dragon and he can only be made a boy again through the intercession of the great lion. The overarching lesson behind all of this is that belief and hope must have a trustworthy object – in this case, Aslan (voiced by Liam Neeson), the Christ figure of Narnia. And, it is only through Aslan's help that we can be restored and made whole.

I can’t help but feel that The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is a poor man’s Lord of the Rings, but as a children’s fantasy series it is above average, particularly because it carries such positive themes and values. It is PG-rated and might well prove a little scary for younger children – some caution is advised.

Three stars out of five for The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.

Movie Review: Spud

Has the South African comedy scene finally grown up? Maybe so, because Spud is a genuinely South African story that is also genuinely funny without resorting to childish slapstick. Spud the book has been a phenomenal success and the good news is that Spud the movie is equally good. This is because Spud is funny in a clever and thoughtful sort of way, and like all truly good comedies it also tugs at your heartstrings. A little bit of drama and feeling always gives the comedic moments more context and bite.

Spud is set in South Africa 1990. It was a momentous year for our country since Nelson Mandela was released, and also a momentous year for young Spud Milton because it was his first year at a prestigious boys only private boarding school. John Milton is a very ordinary sort of boy, whose eccentric parents cause him much embarrassment, and whose sensitive nature and small stature cause him to struggle to fit in with his peers. He is struggling with the onset of puberty, but the biggest problem is that puberty seems to be happening more slowly for him than anyone else. He is embarrassed by other boys laughing at him in the shower, and that is the pivotal moment that earns him the nickname of Spud. What really worked in the book version of Spud is that he was a character almost everyone could relate to – awkward and insecure, feeling a little out, and struggling to come to terms with puberty – who doesn’t feel his pain?! Anyone who has ever been a teenager, that’s who.

Young Troye Sivan (X-Men Origins: Wolverine) does an excellent job of portraying Spud. He brings him to life exactly as I imagined him, and plays the role with sensitivity and depth. You can’t help but be drawn to the character, and you feel his awkwardness, loneliness as if it was your own. Yet that also means you can laugh along with him at life’s more bizarre moments, and you can rejoice with him as he gradually starts to find a place in his new world.

Talking of eccentric characters, it was certainly a coup for the movie makers to land John Cleese in the role of the ‘Guv’ – or Mr. Edly the English teacher – who becomes something of a mentor for young Spud, although a decidedly off-the-wall one. Cleese is the strongest personality in this production, yet his strength doesn’t dominate other less experienced actors, but rather in the style of a true professional he draws them out and makes them better. The Guv is also an excellent example of how a little bitter drama makes the comedy even sweeter as he struggles with his alcoholism. Most of the other actors were South African and they all did an excellent job. I especially enjoyed Aaron McIlroy as Spud's madcap father – he played his eccentricity to perfection without going over-the-top. Director Donovan Marsh should be mentioned for bringing the best out of his actors, and also for staying faithful to the essential elements of the bestselling book.

The story is nothing new – it is a classic coming-of-age tale that is only set above the ordinary because of its unique human insights, clever comedy and some really good acting. Most impressively, we are drawn into the shoes of the main protagonist (surely the aim of every story) as he struggles to come to terms with a strange new environment and learns some vital lessons in regard to acceptance, friendship, love and the vital importance of being himself. Along the way we are treated to some laugh-out-loud moments, a few tears, and an overwhelming sense of nostalgia for ‘those teenage years.’

Be aware that there is some strong language and sexual content – we are after all being drawn into the world of a teenage boy! The film is about teenagers but is probably fortunate to get away with a PG13 rating.

Four stars out of five for Spud. Let’s hope that more of this kind of South African comedy is on the way.