Ok, so it’s not LOTR or Harry Potter – of which I’ve only seen bits and pieces. The Narnia series is a serviceable live-action fantasy franchise.

It’s mostly for kids, as they’d enjoy the somewhat slow pacing, the fantasy story and the literary world alive in all its CGI glory. And “for kids” as in no fart jokes, smart ass brats or other age-inappropriate crap.

I’d guess kids younger than six or older than 12 might get a little bored, but that’s because they’re iPod wielding, video-game and Internet addicted little brats who’ve come to expect instant gratification.

The story continues..

But without the older kids, as they take a break in Narnia: Dawn Treader. Adding to the cast are their obnoxious cousin, well played by the kid actor and Prince Caspian returns, much less boring than I thought last time.

The messages and morals are simplistic but not terribly offensive.

Whenever someone acts covetous, the girl wanting to be prettier; entitled, the boy whining about not being given powers of a king; or dismissive, the snotty cousin denying the very fantasy world right in front of him; well, they all get their comeuppance or life lesson, one way or another.

3-D The latest boondoggle

Except for the crappy Avatar (in which the 3-D was the only thing worth watching about that predictable, crappy movie), the 3-D is kinda wasted here. No trick or vomit-inducing shots is good, but then.. nothing that screams.. wow, 3-d really made Narnia a better movie-going experience better.

I don’t get the appeal as:

1. Does 3-D really make a movie that much better? I say no.
2. Are audiences really clamoring to pay an extra $5 for the 3-D experience? Answer is unclear.

Final snark: find a cheap matinee to get the kids out of the house and out of your hair, it’s worth it.

Reviews I haven’t read, but share anyway

• The Voyage of the Dawn Treader doesn’t even have funny dufflepuds. (slate.com)
• REVIEW: Narnia franchise sails on with ‘Dawn Treader’ (herocomplex.latimes.com)