I wasn't sure whether to put this thread in the General Movies Discussion or the Talking About Narnia section.

I was thinking the other day, whilst driving between jobs and it occurred to me that whilst there's several things I could think of that I love about each of the Narnia films, there are also things that stand out that I particularly don't like.  I was reflecting about how in the era the Narnia books were written and published, a lot of the books aimed at boys in particular but probably for all kids, characteristics such as respect, honour, humility, and chivalrous characteristics were endorsed and encouraged.  In the books, these characteristics are exemplified too IMO.  Some examples from my observation:

Peter's portrayal throughout the book exemplifies many of these characteristics, how he submits and to Aslan's leadership, follows instructions and how he conducts himself both as the oldest brother and as High King of Narnia.

Caspian - how he honours and respects not only Aslan but Peter and other Pevensies and the humility with which he takes up the Kingship of Narnia, recognising that he doesn't feel himself sufficient to take up the kingship of Narnia.

I could probably list so many other examples and specific examples too of these characteristics.

My issue with the Walden Media films in relation to this however is that these characteristics appear to be lacking in the characters in the films - examples of this:

In LWW Peter seems practically to be dragged kicking and screaming into the calling Aslan has for him as High King, only doing it because he has to, and even considers sending his brother and sisters back to our world, rather than how he embraces the whole adventure in the book - saying that He is longing to see Aslan - even if he does feel frightened when it comes to the point.  This is followed up in PC by him being WAY too emotional and appearing to see Caspian as a competitor rather than being supportive of him and helping to establish him as the King of Narnia.

Caspian in PC also appears to lack all the characteristics that he seems to have in the book, but seems to also see Peter as competition for him.  He also seems over-the-top emotional.

Then there's another little example - the portrayal of Lord Bern in the film of VDT - he seems to be portrayed as a coward hiding away in a dungeon rather than how the book portrays him - challenging the Governor Gumpus  on the slave trade and also quietly working against Pug's trafficking of slaves.

So is this just my opinion or did they take away or downplay these characteristics - if so, why?