Following on from the commercially viable offering of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe in 2005 comes the next book in the series of CS Lewis' turned into this film spectacle.

Defying the usual law of diminishing returns, this film delivers both on the screen and in the box office. A more darker piece that deals with a human threat to the mystical land of Narnia helps make the action feel more weighted and important.

The plot moves along nicely and never feels slow, even though the running time clocks in at around the two and a half hour mark.

We begin by witnessing the birth of King Miraz's, ruler of the Telmarines, son and whilst everyone else celebrates with fireworks his nephew Prince Caspian is forced on the run. As rightful heir to the throne, Miraz has ordered Caspian's death so his birth son can inherit everything . Caspian calls upon the Pevensie children, who once overthrew the White Witch to become High Kings and Queens of Narnia, to help claim back the throne and restore peace to the lands. Thanks to the Telmarines, the Old Narnia which was inhabited by a myriad of magical beings has been forced into hiding and their existence has been turned into myth. Along with the Pevensies and Caspian, the Narnians come out of the wood work to help battle the overbearing Miraz.

Some film goers take issue with the child actors used in the Chronicles and whilst perhaps not as gifted as some of their peers, they handle the material ably. Relative newcomer Ben Barnes (Stardust) joins the cast as Prince Caspian and does a good job of conveying Caspian's reluctant novice who struggles with the weight of responsibility. A lot of teenage girls will develop a crush on the floppy haired cutie with comparisons to Orlando Bloom seemingly because he is young and hot not very fair. He is a much better actor.

The creatures of Narnia help provide a very deft comedic touch. Peter Dinklage's gruff round the edges Trumpkin is a sardonic delight and Eddie Izzard as the talking, noble mouse Reepicheep is blessed with a brilliant one liner that never gets old.

A thrilling story that is nicely realised and means that The Voyage of the Dawntreader is hotly anticipated come 2010!