The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, the much anticipated sequel to The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, seems easier to understand and far more believable than its predecessor. Even with a sagging middle, this second film based on C.S. Lewis’ imaginative stories still comes across as an exciting fantasy.  

The timeline between the first film and the new one covers 1,300 years. Our heroes -- known as Kings and Queens -- Peter (William Moseley), Susan (Anna Popplewell), Edmund (Skandar Keynes), and Lucy Pevensie (Georgie Henley), exist between two worlds. They are students living in WWII-era London, until they are transported back to the land of Narnia when Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes) needs their help and blows a magic horn that once belonged to Susan.

The Pevensies and the Narnians, now mythical creatures that once ruled the land, are at odds against the evil human Telmarines. Prince Caspian -- himself a Telemarine -- is forced out of the ruling succession by his uncle, the ruthless Miraz (Sergio Castellitto). Rescued and shown a way to escape the slaughter of Miraz 's soldiers by his long-time mentor Doctor Cornelius (Vincent Grass), the Prince goes on a run for his life.

Fleeing from his pursuers into the lush and mysterious forest, Caspian finds refuge with the oddest of characters -- Trumpkin (Peter Dinklage), a crotchety dwarf; Reepicheep (voice of Eddie Izzard), a gallant, sword-fighting mouse; Trufflehunter (voice of Ken Stott), a precocious badger and an entire army of noble centaurs.

Once the Pevensie children return to Narnia they are immediately saddened and perplexed at what they find. The one-year in their time, 1,300 in Narnia time, has not been kind to Cair Paravel, their former palatial castle. It now sets atop a cliff in virtual ruin. There's little time to think about that, however, for soon the children are fighting on the side of the Narnians to reclaim their land and reinstate Prince Caspian as its rightful ruler.

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian might be rated a tad light as “PG,” for the film contains many violent battles and deaths. There are some good messages, and the repeated theme uttered by the majestic lion Aslan (voiced by Liam Neeson), "Things never happen the same way twice," befits perplexing situations.

Uunlike the first movie, the characters -- both human and animated -- are far more enduring this time.  Reepicheep is both hilarious and insightful in his expressions, and youngsters will find him and his mouse comrades the center of their attention. Trufflehunter, who appears far wiser and equally entertaining, amuses both children and adults. The 40 makeup artists who created the centaurs and other Narnian inhabitants have achieved incredible results. Kids will be asking questions about the centaurs for days.

In the three years since the first film, the actors who played the Pevensie children have grown from merely playing interesting characters to being wonderful actors. Each scene featuring them in the new movie reflects the depth of their belief in their own character and creates a very convincing story. Lucy's (Henley) wide-eyed innocence and search to find her beloved Aslan is tempered by a mature patience and ability to overcome anything thrown at the children. Anna Popplewell walks a fine line as the hesitant older sister who is discovering a true affection for Caspian. Both brothers (Moseley, Keynes) step up to the plate in their sword-fighting expertise and plotting their next moves.

Tilda Swinton's very brief scene as the Ice Queen is worthy of every tingling moment she's on the screen. You'll remember her face long after you leave the theater. The ever resilient Dinklage, almost unrecognizable because of his makeup, is another key figure in this engaging tale. While Barnes (Stardust) has a pretty-boy face with teen appeal, his acting abilities pale in comparison to those of the kids playing the Pevensie children.

Prince Caspian runs for two hours and 24 minutes, which is mainly due to the too-long final battle scene. Still, Andrew Adamson, who co-wrote the screenplay with Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, has found his mojo with this fluid film that offers both exciting adventure and personal dramas.

Up against other summer blockbusters and practically going head to head with Indian Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Chronicles of Narnia fans will not be disappointed in this rousing fantasy. They will also be delighted to know that the next sequel, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, is in preproduction and slated for a 2010 release.

(Released by Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media; rated "PG" for epic battle action and violence.)

Review also posted at www.reviewexpress.com .