The movie is absorbing Castellitto is particularly charming but surprisingly unresonant in memory, perhaps because the passions seem entirely theoretical.

NEWYORKER: Va Savoir

As played with a sublime light warmth by Sergio Castellitto, Mario convinces Martha that, despite their temperamental, almost elemental differences, he appreciates her for who she is.

NEWYORKER: Mostly Martha

Played by 26-year-old British newcomer Ben Barnes as a kind of Mediterranean, pretty-boy Hamlet, the prince escapes a plot by his uncle King Miraz (Sergio Castellitto) -- who has usurped his throne -- and falls in with a rag-tag band of talking badgers, valiant mice, dwarves, minotaurs, griffins and centaurs.

CNN: Review: A glowing 'Prince Caspian'