Two years after our last visit, it’s time to return to Narnia. Edmund and Lucy Pevensie are drawn back to Narnia through a painting of a ship together with their obnoxious cousin Eustace. They’re brought on board the Dawn Treader and are reunited with King Caspian and Reepicheep the noble mouse. Caspian is on a voyage into uncharted waters in search of the Seven Great Lords of Narnia and, together, they must overcome temptations and an uncertain evil before they reach Aslan’s Country.The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is a spectacular adventure which breaks away from the darkness of Prince Caspian and returns to the wonder of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. The film stays true to C.S. Lewis’ novel, capturing its mythological elements and influence from that other great voyage, The Odyssey. Of course, no discussion of Narnia is complete without talk of its Christian themes and Dawn Treader really walks a tightrope with this. While some references are artfully subtle, others are painfully direct. Depending on your personal views regarding religion, you’ll either feel nourished or alienated.Dawn Treader is the first film in the series to exclude the elder Pevensies, Peter and Susan, and their presence is sorely missed. In their cameo appearances, you realize that the chemistry between the four leads is what made the first two films special. And though Dawn Treader is also the first 3D film in the series, most 3D scenes are unnecessary.The film’s battle sequences are captivating but convoluted, as it’s never really clear who exactly our heroes are fighting. Yet despite its flaws, the film is still an undeniably entertaining holiday season blockbuster.