REEL CRITICS:

The second installment of the “Chronicles of Narnia” series amplifies the action and adventure elements of the first effort. But the new screenplay for “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” greatly diminishes the wonder and magic that made the original such a big hit with family audiences.

A promising beginning gives way to long battle scenes that become repetitive, boring and steal the film’s best energy.

The young actors from the first movie return again. But they find the mystical world they once discovered on the other side of the magic wardrobe has greatly changed. Conquered by an outside enemy, the inhabitants of Narnia are in need of a fighting champion. Prince Caspian comes to the rescue with the assistance of these young explorers turned warriors. But there’s precious little chemistry between the youngsters and the other players.

There are great special effects with mythical beasts, talking animals, dwarfs and fighting knights. But they all just go through the sci-fi motions. Aslan the Lion and the great Witch, who were so central to the first film, are almost invisible. In more than two hours they get only a few moments on screen. In the end, the epic production values can’t overcome the empty emotional impact of way too much swordplay and not enough sorcery.

These French, low-key flicks are must-see material

“Roman de gare”

I love French films — even the most modest ones are nothing if not original.

In Claude Lelouch’s “Roman de gare” we get a bit of mystery, comedy, and romance wrapped around a famous French novelist (the glamorous Fanny Ardant) accused of murdering her ghost writer.

Cut to a scene of a simple man (Dominique Pinon) speeding down a highway, singing to the radio. Is he an escaped serial killer, a man who’s just abandoned his wife and children, or just a little lonely?

To give away more of the plot would spoil the fun. “Roman de gare” may be as light and flaky as a croissant, but just as delightful.

“The Visitor”

Word of mouth has kept this film busy on the art-house circuit for weeks now. It has no big stars and no big plot, but rich story and characters that will warm your heart — and break it.

Richard Jenkins (“Six Feet Under”) is quietly wonderful as a widower who leads a totally joyless existence in Connecticut, apart from an occasional nice glass of wine.

He discovers a young immigrant couple living in his seldom-used New York apartment. Instead of calling the police he allows them to stay.

Their acquaintance winds up changing his life. Rich with intelligent performances and low-key commentary about the complexity of our immigration policy, this is a definite must-see.

SUSANNE PEREZ lives in Costa Mesa and is an executive assistant for a financial services company. JOHN DEPKO is a Costa Mesa resident and a senior investigator for the Orange County public defender’s office.