More Sneak Peek Reports are Sailing In
A few days ago we reported on InsidePulse.com getting a sneak peek of some footage from The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Now, several other websites are posting their reviews of the same footage. We’ve done our best to keep this story spoiler free and only post the reactions of the viewers, but if you want to read the full stories, click on each of the names to go to the full review. Here are some highlights.
I really liked the look of the effects, much better this time around, and director Michael Apted seems to have finally nailed some of the pacing and tonal issues that plagued the series. Plus, who doesn’t want to see a dragon in a movie?
Fans of the series will be pleased, and I think the movie has a legitimate chance to improve on what we’ve seen from the first two films. That said, I only saw 30 minutes, and not in the 3-D format the film will be presented in. So we’ll all have to just sit tight until December 10, 2010 for the final verdict, but I’m cautiously optimistic to see the final product.
The Salt Lake Tribune, The Movie Cricket, Sean P. Means:
The nine clips shown by Fox reveal stronger special effects than the first two films, and a better sense of action, thanks to veteran director Michael Apted. The most jarring change is the voice of the sword-fighting rodent Reepicheep, with Simon Pegg replacing Eddie Izzard.
Fox faces an uphill marketing battle with “Dawn Treader,” which opens Dec. 10 — just one week before an even more-hyped blockbuster, Disney’s “Tron Legacy”.
We Are Movie Geeks, Jim Batts:
Recently this reporter got chance to look at several completed scenes from the upcoming release THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA : THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER. From the looks of the half hour of footage screened, this newest installment in the series promises just as much visual splendor and swashbuckling adventure as the previous two films.
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The footage is most impressive. The camerawork is solid, the colors pop, and the CGI mixes very well with the live actors. We did not get to view the scenes in 3D, so I can’t give any opinions on how it will look in that process. Although there have been several changes with this entry(Michael Apted replaces Andrew Adamson as director and Fox takes over from Disney ) this film promises to be another entertaining all ages fantasy film.
The Movie Cricket seems to think the change from Eddie Izzard to Simon Pegg is "jarring". That's interesting; I didn't think it was all that noticeable, from what I've heard.
It's good to hear optimistic reports about the quality of the film; but what I'm worried about is changes to the story.
I think it is weird that they did a screening of just clips. The first review discussed pacing issues briefly and there is no way they can understand pacing issues when they only saw clips.
Well, that sounds encouraging. I'm surprised they're saying it has better effects than the first two, though. Better than LWW? Sure. But better than PC? Really?? The effects in PC were pretty frickin good (for the most part).
Well, maybe they don't want to show clips that would make very little sense outside of their context. It is also possible that some scenes aren't finished yet, so they can't show the entire film.
What a shame. It looks like the story does not reflect the spirit of the book at all, and yet this may be the most well-made and professionally done film of the series so far!
I wonder why they say Reepicheep's voice is a "jarring change". I thought other people said they hardly noticed the difference. Hmm.
Anyway, glad to hear more positives. But the Puddleglum in me is getting suspicious of all the good things we're hearing. Do the viewers really like the clips that much? I hope the opinions don't shift when the movie comes out!
Hmmm, doesn't look like there's much 'new' news. Soo… just have to sit tight for December 11th (at least Awel and I do)… 😀
I find it interesting that they say the visual effects are better than the previous films. From what we've seen of the trailers they are quite the opposite..
As far as everything cinematic they say it is all awesome :).
It doesn't say anything new about the story though, guess we will just have too wait 🙁
yay! this movie is gonna rock! 😀 I can't wait! so awesome!
Well the first few trailers were obviously not finished. As more come out, including the newest one. The effects (expecially the one of the Dawn Treader at the begining) are starting to look stunning.
Georgie Hensley? *raises eyebrow* Overall, the reports are somewhat encouraging. Except for Reep's voice change, of course. "Jarring?" 🙁 So much for Apted's "It'll add more humor to the character."
I can't wait for December 10th! I wish they would have a midnight showing like with other good movies.
these reactions are very positive and make me excited and hopeful. i am kinda dissapointed that they said the most "jarring" change was Reep's voice, but its not that crazy major, so im okay with it.
I do agree with you there. they were suppose to find the seven lords not swords!!! and they were not ther to defeat the white which!!!!!!!!!!! i still have high hopes for this movie but i hope that is not the main focus of the movie.
Okay, now I am REALLY confused. The movie geek review said that Eustace was a human at Ramandu's island. If this is true, then how ARE the islands ordered? Does Dragon Island come after Ramandu's island?
All I know is that right after Dragon Island they go right to Aslan's country. So I'm thinking the sea moster and dragon fight is on the way to Aslna's country. So Dragon's island would be last.
Lets go see the movie when its released and find out!
"Fox faces an uphill marketing battle with “Dawn Treader,” which opens Dec. 10 — just one week before an even more-hyped blockbuster, Disney’s “Tron Legacy”."
Really? I must be hiding under a rock. though I think "hyped" is a great word for it. Not always a positive connotation. Though I think VotDT's ad campaign is greatly flawed, not as much news might be good news after the disaster that was PC.
I still don't think they can know anything about pacing by watching clips. If you are going to have a test screening to get peoples opinions of a film i think you have to show them the whole film or their thoughts are pretty pointless.
Definitely have had this impression since the reviews of footage completed quite some months ago. I can see there will be mixed feelings on the matter too.
There have been comments floating around about VDT saying it's ''news to Harry Potter 7'' and that fans will like it. Even though I'm sure it will be more successful than PC, its biggest challenge is pleasing its skeptical fan base that weren't impressed with PC which was why it was a flop.
yay! in your face Harry 😛
This is sooooooooooooooo exciting! SEE? we are going to like it after all.
43 days and counting!!!!
The We Are The Movie Geeks site said that Bill Nighty was still the voice of Reep. error 🙂
My thoughts completely!
I know for a fact that Dragon Island is before Ramandu's Island.
Yeah I know, I'm confused too O.o Spoilers I read still had Eustace as a Dragon when they went to Ramandu's Island and then the Dark Island is right after that…I dunno O.o