Hmm... sounds pretty good, but the changes and additions feel like they could bring about Prince Caspian-esque fail. The seven swords plot line seems entirely unnecessary, and what's with having to do it "to keep the White Witch from returning"?? Having dragon-Eustace fight the sea serpent is a pretty big change too... that makes it sound like he remains a dragon for longer than in the book, and it takes away his moment of bravery where he hacked at it with his sword (though I suppose this fight could be fairly brave, since it appears the sea serpent is quite a bit larger than him, even as a dragon, but still...)

Other than that, the rest of the changes aren't too bad, so hopefully the two there aren't as major as they sound.

One other thing I noticed from the article was that they simply mentioned that Aslan "suddenly appeared" once they got to the shore at the end, with no mention of them encountering him as a lamb... did they get rid of that part?

Your interpretation of the Dark Island doesn't seem right. The dreams don't actually become real. After they escape the Dark Island, Lewis writes that all at once they realized there was nothing to be afraid of and never had been.

Depends on which version you're reading: it only says that in the British version, while the American version only compares their feelings when coming out of the Dark Island to how you feel when waking from a dream and realizing it wasn't real; however, it doesn't say they had nothing to fear, and the Dark Island remains and is not destroyed as it was in the British version.

I have not read everyone's posts yet but I will. I wanted to get my reactions down before reading other people's.
All quotes are from the Examiner article

But first, here is a non-spoiler summary of the "Dawn Treader" movie plot. … to find the seven swords that will release the magical power of Narnia in order to fight evil.

Well, the first part of the summary was good but "release the magical power of Narnia" ? give me a break.
Clip #1

Back at the Scrubb home, Eustace is shown writing in his diary: "Dear diary, it is now day 253 since my wretched cousins Lucy and Edmund invaded our house … If only one could treat relatives like one could treat insects, my problem would be solved. I could simply put them in a jar and pin them to a wall."

I wonder if it has really been that long. Nice characterization of Eustace.

Edmund’s uncle is reading a newspaper, and Edmund sticks his tongue out at his unsuspecting uncle.

That seems rather childish. I don't see point in their adding that.

Susan mentions that she was invited to a tea party by a handsome naval officer.

This fits nicely with Susan's character.

Upon reading that part of the letter, Lucy looks dismayed and wails, "Another few months! How will we survive?"

Wouldn't they be back in school at some point? Especially if they have already been there the length of time Eustace said.

Eustace, who is unconscious, is revived by Reepicheep, and he immediately clashes with the mouse. Eustace angrily accuses Reepicheep of trying to "claw my face off." Reepicheep defends himself by saying he was just trying to expel the water from Eustace’s lungs.

Yes! Reepicheep is the first Narnian Eustace sees!
Clip #2

During the Dawn Treader voyage at sea, there’s a shortage of food (and tempers) on the ship. Reepicheep catches Eustace stealing an orange. Eustace denies it. Eustace grabs Reepicheep by the tail, and Reepicheep tells Eustace in no uncertain terms, "No one touches the tail!" Reepicheep challenges Eustace to a sword duel. During the fight, Reepicheep uses his sword to pluck the orange out from Eustace’s clothes, where he was hiding it.

An Orange !?! I really really hope Eustace does more than just grabs Reep's tail. I really really want to see it as it was written. NOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Eustace should not FIGHT!!!!!!
Clip #3

While the Dawn Treader passengers are sleeping on a beach, Caspian wakes up and discovers that Lucy has disappeared. He alerts everyone, and they begin searching for her. It appears that Lucy has been kidnapped by two invisible giants that take her to a strange-looking garden and to an invisible house, where she finds the Book of Incantations.

They only take Lucy that's no fun. Giants!?! I suppose this an attempt to make it more dramatic.

Clip #4

Lucy, Edmund, Caspian and Eustace meet a magician named Coriakin (played by Bille Brown), who tells them about Dark Island: "a place where evil lurks" and which "can make your darkest dreams come true." Coriakin says that the only way to stop the evil is to break its spell by finding seven swords. Coriakin then rolls out a map and tells them to follow the blue star to Ramandu’s island, where the seven swords must be laid at Aslan’s feet. "Only then," Coriakin says, "the true magical power will be released. But beware, you’re all about to be tested. Until you lay down the seventh sword, evil has the upper hand. It will do everything in its power to tempt you. Don’t fall to temptation. To defeat the darkness out there, you must defeat the darkness inside yourself."

Well, at least we know what the purpose of the seven swords are. It seems rather ridiculous to me. I wonder if they are playing it that Aslan can't destroy the island until he has the swords or he won't destroy the island. I really hope it is the latter.
Clip #5

Eustace has been turned into a dragon as punishment for stealing gold. In this clip, Eustace (looking depressed, with a tear rolling down his face) and Reepicheep are gathered at a campfire. Reepicheep tries to comfort Eustace by telling him stories about other dragons that Reepicheep has encountered.

Yes, that is very much like in the book. I'm glad they included that.
Clip #6

She welcomes the Dawn Treader people, introduces herself as the daughter of Ramandu, and tells them that she is their guide.

Well, at least Ramandu is mentioned.

Caspian remarks, with an awestruck expression, "You are most beautiful!" Lilliandil answers, "If it is a distraction for you, I can change forms." Caspian and Edmund both answer at the same time: "No!" Caspian and Edmund then give each other annoyed glances as they realize that they are both attracted to Lilliandil.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

Lucy looks slightly exasperated, as if she’s thinking, "Boys will be boys."

I wonder if they move the Deathwater fight here. Caspian and Ed fight over Lilliandil and Lucy reacts. I don't like it.

she says that they were men that arrived at Ramandu’s island "half-mad" and ready to kill each other, so they were "sent to sleep" since "violence is forbidden at the table of Aslan." Lucy asks when the men will wake up. Lilliandil replies, "When all is put right."

Well, they are asleep and will be awakened after the quest is completed so that is good. But I don't like the "violence is forbidden thing." I prefer that they touch the knife.
Clip #7

This clip was a brief part of the epic battle scene between an evil sea serpent and the Dawn Treader group. This part of the footage showed Eustace (in dragon form) getting the brunt of the attack. The sea serpent is much larger than Eustace, and it is by far the most fearsome creature seen in a "Narnia" movie so far.

I was really hoping that Eustace would not fight the sea serpent. They had better make it crystal clear that his bravery had nothing to do with his undragoning.
Clip #8

Before introducing this clip, Apted said at this point in the movie, the Dawn Treader group has found the seven swords, and the serpent and witch (presumably he was referring to the White Witch, played by Tilda Swinton, since she was shown in the first "Dawn Treader" trailer) have been defeated.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not her again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! At least it doesn't say the serpent, who was the witch. So if the have defeated all of the enemies found the swords why are they still going on? If they find have to lay the swords down at Ramandu's Island does that mean we were wrong that the Dark Island is after Ramandu's Island or is it some weird lay down the swords get magical "destroy dark island powers"?

The five Dawn Treader victors end up on a beach where Aslan suddenly appears and congratulates them. Lucy asks, "Is this your country?’ Aslan replies, "No, my country lies beyond."

He shouldn't have anything to congratulate them about unless it is just reaching that far.

Clip #9

After being told that if they go to Aslan’s Country, there is no going back, the children decide to go home to their families.

WHAT!?! They get a choice! Seriously, would they really chose to go back to England.

Reepicheep asks Aslan if he can go to Aslan’s Country. Aslan says yes. Lucy asks to hug Reepicheep, and he consents with mock reluctance.

I'm glad they included this.

Reepicheep goes in a miniature row boat, rows out on a tidal wave and disappears into the sea.

Yes! He uses his coracle.
I'm in major need of some ice cream. I suppose I should eat dinner first.

First off, there are a lot of positive comments in these interviews. I'm really glad! I got the impression that the press really enjoyed the screening, so hopefully that positive feedback is a foreshadow of VDT's success!

Now, on to the spoilers.

Some things I really liked:
The letter we saw on the bed in the first VBS clip belongs to Susan.
Eustace's abrupt awakening on the Dawn Treader!
The duel between Eustace and Reep is there!
Reep comforting Eustace after he turns into a dragon.
And I know it's not in the book, but I still can't wait to see the battle between Eustace and the sea serpent. (I'm a sucker for dragons )

What I didn't like:
I'm still not buying the seven swords subplot...how is laying them at Aslan's feet going to get rid of Dark Island?
Edmund's reaction to Lilliandil.
THE WHITE WITCH?! Are you kidding me? dotK, I totally want to join that club of yours.

Is it possible that the reporter from Comingsoon.net misspoke or misunderstood Apted? Or maybe, since Dark Island is the island where dreams come true, the WW is somebody's nightmare trying to become real? (Our worst nightmare? )

Maybe the filmmakers really do believe that Jadis and LotG are the same person... *hides from angry mob*

But overall, I'm very impressed by what I read. And I can't wait for the next trailer to come out, because it sounds like it will be soon!

I like most of what I read but there are a few things that anger me.

I'm not worried about the love triangle since it will probably just be played for laughs and because I don't see Edmund getting angry over not getting Lilliandil. And it could set up Lucy's self esteem beauty issues.

But was really gets me mad is the WHITE WITCH!! SHE'S DEAD!! Her reappearing each film is getting old. It was cool to bring her back in PC since it actually fit with the story, but this is just uneccessary and unwanted.

Honestly, it would have been so much better if they used the Lady of the Green Kirtle instead. Not only would it make more sense (since the WW is already dead), but it could have been a good set up to her character. The White Witch has gotten so old by now, but had they had the Lady of the Green Kirtle be the one behind Dark Island it would have actually been kind of interesting and fresh in the audience's minds.

Because if a living witch creates the darkness, it makes sense. What doesnt make sense is an evil darkness just popping up out of nowhere to ressurect a dead witch.

Truth be told, I think they pretty much stuck to the leaked script and just changed the Lady of the Green Kirtle to the White Witch.

Am I on the Dark Island right now?

That is what it feels like. Aslan if you ever loved us help us now! (I think that is what the line is. I don't have my book handy) I think this nightmare won't go away.

At the moment I am still so overwhelmed by all of the spoilers that I'm not sure this post is going to make any sense. Anyway, the White Witch? Seriously? Again? I once joked in the Town Square about starting a club: "The Society for Witches Who are Dead to Stay That Way." I'm not joking anymore. The White Witch is dead. Dead. Dead. She can't come back. In PC the scene with her almost made sense, but this makes no sense at all.

I agree and if the society is for people who want dead witches to stay dead, I will gladly join. (oh and your post makes perfect sense)

Edmund is acting like a brat.

That he is. Haven't we seen this somewhere before? I must be dreaming because Edmund was a very well behaved boy in LWW and Peter was a perfect example of a High King in PC. *insert sarcasm*

Invisible giants? What ever happened to Lucy wanting to read the spell because it was an honorable and heroic act? *sigh*

At first I didn't realize the full implication of this chance. *sighs* That does take a way from it.

How does Coriakin know everything?

A very good question, since in the book it clearly states he didn't know what they would find ahead.

I love almost everything I read, especially this:

Lilliandil (played by Laura Brent) appears to them as a star and then in human form. She welcomes the Dawn Treader people, introduces herself as the daughter of Ramandu, and tells them that she is their guide. Caspian remarks, with an awestruck expression, "You are most beautiful!" Lilliandil answers, "If it is a distraction for you, I can change forms." Caspian and Edmund both answer at the same time: "No!" Caspian and Edmund then give each other annoyed glances as they realize that they are both attracted to Lilliandil.

Good Bye Forever Suspian!!!

I mean what actual sweet comments has Caspian given Susan except glance at her like some crushing middle schooler? This is so sweet and romantic! Come on people who cares if Edmund might have a crush on Lilliandil. He's a guy who is 14 or 15, all guys would be lovestruck at any girl at that age. And I also agree with Josh it could help with Lucy's self-esteem. But OMLanta!!! I am so happy right now I feel like throwing a party about seeing this! Long Live Caspian & Lilliandil Forever & Ever & Ever & Ever & Ever & Ever!!!!!!!!!!

One thing that I do not like is the Darkness in this movie is WW trying to come back. When are they going to give it up?! She is dead!

A lot of this sounds like good news. I really cannot wait to see Eustace and Reepicheep! Susan sounds good, too, even if that makes three scenes she's in.

I do not like the humor between Caspian and Lilliandil. And I am annoyed at other spots too -- not least is the White Witch! I would much prefer the LotGK at this point. At least that wouldn't be clinging to a long-dead villain.

"It appears that Lucy has been kidnapped by two invisible giants that take her to a strange-looking garden and to an invisible house, where she finds the Book of Incantations. "

Didn't notice this 'till someone else posted it- questions! Take note it says "appears and giants. Did the clip atcually show Lucy being "kidnapped" or is that the conclusion that Caspian and the others came to? Perhaps she wasn't atcually kidnapped, but they thought that she was- and the producers only showed this part of the clip rather than her leaving with them. Also we know that they are making the dufflepuds smaller- don't we? So perhaps this is just the author's interperetation (especially since the dufflepuds have large feet ) Honestly this is leaving me feeling more confused than anything else.

I really wish I could see the clips myself, I hate having to rely on interviews and reviews and articles, because we do not know exactly what the author saw and what they interpereted, and we don't know if what they interpereted was right. That's why I try not to place any judgement on the movie before I watch it, and I always take these things with a grain of salt. There have been many times where I have read articles on upcoming movies, and if I listened to them I'd never bother to watch the movie, but when I watch the movie I end up loving it (To Save A Life, for example is tied with Narnia as my favorite movie, but most reviews would cause me to turn away if I had not watched it first.) I can't wait 'till the week of Dec 20th when I'll be able to watch it, hopefully I can earlier, but it doesn't look promising. (I really hope it stays it theaters that long)

It's really annoying how much they changed it. I knew they would change it, they always do, but I never realized how much it was changed until reading that article.

^ A lot of the changes are not that bad! The only one I'm still trying to get over is the crew having to constantly bring the WW back. But everything else seems smooth and cant wait to see how the changes are portrayed on screen!

"It appears that Lucy has been kidnapped by two invisible giants that take her to a strange-looking garden and to an invisible house, where she finds the Book of Incantations. "

Didn't notice this 'till someone else posted it- questions! Take note it says "appears and giants.

Raises hand! Oh oh, I get it now. Like you said, the key word is 'appear'. If you saw a footprint of a dufflepud, wouldn't you think it was a giant's footprint? They see giants footprints and naturally assume that invisible giants have kidnapped her! Of course, it is really the dufflpuds who have captured her.

This movie doesn't even sound like the book. Everything up until Coriakin's Island sounded fantastic, but the rest of it is absolute rubbish. The Dufflepuds kidnapping Lucy? Forcing her to enter the house and read the spell? So they've taken a generally harmless group of goofy characters and made them villainous. Coriakin's dialogue sounds horrible.

Words fail to describe the stupidity of the swords plot. So what, Aslan is not capable of destroying the Island without the swords?

Edmund drooling over Ramandu's Daughter sounds like Susaspian all over again. It wouldn't surprise me if she's torn between the two, or some other ridiculously contrived piece of nonsense subplotting.

But the bit about the White Witch being defeated is what makes me think there's no hope of this movie being decent. You can talk about how the WW personifies evil or whatever till the cows come home, but Aslan killed her. If she's capable of coming back whenever she pleases, that means Aslan does not have the power to destroy her. I don't see how you could interpret that any other way than as reducing his power.

Whether or not Eustace earns his transformation back by fighting the sea serpent, the vast majority of the non-book fans will probably assume that he did earn it. Horrible move.

Come on people who cares if Edmund might have a crush on Lilliandil. He's a guy who is 14 or 15, all guys would be lovestruck at any girl at that age.

And this is different from Caspian being lovestruck over Susan how exactly?

Watziznehm, Exactly! How can we be positive she was kidnapped, until we see the finished version? (By the way- did anyone from NW see the clips?)
Anyone else have any thoughts on this?

Come on people who cares if Edmund might have a crush on Lilliandil. He's a guy who is 14 or 15, all guys would be lovestruck at any girl at that age.

And this is different from Caspian being lovestruck over Susan how exactly?

It's different because Caspian and Susan both acknowledged their glances yet said no devotions on how they felt. At least Caspian is making an effort with Lilliandil first telling her how she looks the "Most beautiful" and then Lilliandil makes a remark about distractions and is prompting to form into her star self or something and then both Caspian/Edmund shout 'No!' The glances that Caspian and Edmund gave each other could be the only thing that the person who wrote this story got mixed up with. Perhaps it's not jealous/annoying glances, maybe Caspian and Edmund only glanced in a "You Ginx" sort of way or Edmund going "oh okay, Caspian likes her so I probably shouldn't stand in the way". How are we to judge this scene without seeing a lot anyways? I don't think anything will happen between Edmund and Lilliandil anyways considering her character may be along the lines of Caspian's age. whatever.

Okay, I think I've gotten over the initial shock now.

And Aslan gives them a choice of going to his country and they refuse? Firstly, Aslan wouldn't give them that choice, and if he did, they would go to Aslan's country not home. I hope they don't learn "there is not place liek home" or something. That moral is in the wrong story. After all, they are searching for they're true home, which would be with Aslan.

Wait, they get a choice? This makes no sense. Why would Aslan let them choose whether to go to His Country or not? And, if given the choice, why would they choose not to go?

Truth be told, I think they pretty much stuck to the leaked script and just changed the Lady of the Green Kirtle to the White Witch.

You took the words right out of my mouth (hands?). Instead of the LotGK using a soul-sucking cave of doom we have the White Witch and her malevolent green mist which creates an unfathomable fate that can only be destroyed by the seven swords of the seven lost lords which glow when the Blue Star is nearby.

Take note it says "appears and giants. Did the clip atcually show Lucy being "kidnapped" or is that the conclusion that Caspian and the others came to?

I'm going to guess that the Dufflepuds do kidnap Lucy. Although I'm not sure how they would manage to do it quietly..........but the others assuming that the Dufflepuds are giants based on the size of their footprints makes sense.

A few other things I noticed this time around:

Eustace has been turned into a dragon as punishment for stealing gold.

Eustace becoming a dragon is a punishment? I guess I can see where that interpretation is coming from, but him turning into a dragon because he had greedy, dragonish thoughts is more unique (and therefore more interesting).

men that arrived at Ramandu’s island "half-mad" and ready to kill each other, so they were "sent to sleep" since "violence is forbidden at the table of Aslan."

Why are the lords half-mad? Who sent them to sleep? Why is violence forbidden?

Aslan suddenly appears and congratulates them.

Congratulates them for what? For destroying the Dark Island?

At the screening, Apted hinted as much to the audience when he said that "Dawn Treader" will have more appeal to girls than the previous "Narnia" films have appealed to girls.

Ooookaaaay. Was not expecting that. How is it supposed to appeal more to girls? Other than whole Caspian/Lilliandil thing.

but his identification card says "Alberta Scrubb" so clearly Edmund is trying to fake his age.

They mean Harold Scrubb, right?

"Note to self: investigate legal ramifications of impaling relatives."

I would never have imagined giving a line like that to Eustace, but I think it will work. Eustace is going to be awesome.

but when she walks away and looks in another mirror in the room, she sees that she's still the same. When she goes back to the book, some dark energy known as Green Mist starts swirling around and that clip ends.

So does Lucy accidentally create the unfathomable fate or does the Mist appear whenever someone is tempted? I'm guessing it's the latter.

he tells her that the one sword they carry must be united with six others

Maybe I am over-analyzing on too little information, but if they didn't know about the Mist before getting to Coriakin, how did they know to bring Lord Bern's sword with them? And how does Coriakin know everything?

Whether or not Eustace earns his transformation back by fighting the sea serpent, the vast majority of the non-book fans will probably assume that he did earn it.

I wasn't even going to get into that, but it's an excellent point. Whether they intended Eustace to earn his redemption or not, by fighting the sea serpent it will look like he did. Which not only ruins one of the best scenes in the story but also the entire point of redemption.