The Chronicles of Narnia And The Problem With Sequels
Yesterday I picked up a copy of “The Chronicles Of Narnia: Prince Caspian,” which as you may or may not know, is the second of three films in the “Chronicles of Narnia” series.
I recall reading “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” when I was younger, but now that I’m older I don’t recall much of the story except for the fact that our four young heroes walk into a wardrobe and come out on the other side in a land called, “Narnia”.
I watched the first film in the “Chronicles of Narnia” series – appropriately named, “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe”, but the film didn’t leave any sort of impression on me. Too many special effects and not enough story.
Then, when I picked up “Prince Caspian” last night, I wasn’t surprised to discover that the second film gave very few hints or clues as to what had happened in the first film. To put it short, I didn’t know what the heck was happening, who these characters were, or why this story was even taking place. After two attempts at the first hour of the film I finally pressed “stop” and went to sleep. I don’t have time to waste on films such as this.
The problem with the Narnia film series, much like the problem with most sequels, is that you either love the first film and don’t need a recap during the second and third films… or you have no idea what happened in the previous film and therefore, you have no idea what is actually happening in the film you are currently watching.
Therefore, the filmmaker has to make a choice.
1) You can either spend some time in the beginning of the sequel to get the rest of the audience (not the raving fans) caught up on the story…
2) Or you can skip the recap all together and simply cross your finger that the audience can figure out what is going on.
Frankly, I’d prefer the recap. Even as a raving fan I wouldn’t mind seeing a glimpse back at what has happened in a previous film. And the audience whom is unfamiliar with the story will appreciate knowing what’s actually taking place.
The problem with the recap is it takes work and money, both of which seem to be in short supply these days. But if you want to make a good film and have it pay off at the box offices, I think the recap is ultimately important.
What do you think? Do you think sequels to films should include a short recap at their beginnings? How would you get audience members caught up on a story that happened in a previous edition of the film?
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