The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

7

ClintM.Dec 12, 2005

In my opinion, not as good as the Harry Potter movies by any means, but definitely enjoyable.

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5

RussellDec 12, 2005

The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe isn't one of my favorite stories, and the film is pretty much the same as the book. The film provides more context than the book, which is nice. While this TLWW seems like it is supposed to be a The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe isn't one of my favorite stories, and the film is pretty much the same as the book. The film provides more context than the book, which is nice. While this TLWW seems like it is supposed to be a moving story, it wasn't.… Expand

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10

hugom.Dec 12, 2005

Lo mejor del año.

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9

NigelP.Dec 11, 2005

Having read the book, seen an adaption on television and having also seen a play; it was with eager anticipation to be able to see the film. I was in no way disappointed. Brilliant adaptation, totally true to the book with fantastic effects. Having read the book, seen an adaption on television and having also seen a play; it was with eager anticipation to be able to see the film. I was in no way disappointed. Brilliant adaptation, totally true to the book with fantastic effects. Tilda Swinton gives a superb performance as the witch and stands out as lead character, although being made up to seven feet tall, I suppose she would ! !… Expand

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9

BrianS.Dec 11, 2005

I very much enjoyed this movie. Though I didn't think it quite reached the 10 rating I would give the Lord Of The Rings movies, I reserve very high hopes for the sequels... And Lucy was just SO darned cute!

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10

YonatanJ.Dec 11, 2005

For anyone who grew up loving the book, this film does not disappoint. Brilliantly acted, with seamless special effects, the film faithfully adheres to the classic tale and, in some areas, improves upon it (or at least improves the movie For anyone who grew up loving the book, this film does not disappoint. Brilliantly acted, with seamless special effects, the film faithfully adheres to the classic tale and, in some areas, improves upon it (or at least improves the movie experience through occasional elaboration). It is hard to imagine how this wonderful book could have been made into a better movie. My 5-year old son was utterly entranced, and I was equally enthralled. If you loved the book, you must see this movie.… Expand

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10

HeidiDec 11, 2005

Narnia was wonderful, the movie theatre was filled with young children, teens, familes and even seniors. With any classic story like this, you always fear that the creators of the movie version will "wreak it". That is not the case with Narnia was wonderful, the movie theatre was filled with young children, teens, familes and even seniors. With any classic story like this, you always fear that the creators of the movie version will "wreak it". That is not the case with Narnia. You will laugh and you will cry, This movie will become one of my all time favorites.… Expand

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5

BrianF.Dec 11, 2005

Narnia stumbles on many areas, but most of all simply on presentation. Everything is too mundane to be impressive as a fantasy, and too childish to be impressive as a legitimate work of fiction that strives for allegories. Only sparse Narnia stumbles on many areas, but most of all simply on presentation. Everything is too mundane to be impressive as a fantasy, and too childish to be impressive as a legitimate work of fiction that strives for allegories. Only sparse performances highlight this sleeper.… Expand

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5

johnw.Dec 11, 2005

I so much wanted this to be good. Long time fantasy reader. But this was not much better than the plodding British series, just spent A LOT more money on it. Very empty. Boring characters. Took the book too literal instead of becoming more I so much wanted this to be good. Long time fantasy reader. But this was not much better than the plodding British series, just spent A LOT more money on it. Very empty. Boring characters. Took the book too literal instead of becoming more cinematic in it's telling. Spent all this money on CG but the sets felt like stages. I thought the death and resurrection of Aslan was mishandled. Very disappointed. Has attempts at serious family dynamics, but forces them into the stiff plot. My nine year old liked it. I normally don't trash movies because they are so hard to make, but I was seriously underwhelmed by this production. Frankly, I'm just angry at all the wasted money and talent.… Expand

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10

LyndaS>Dec 11, 2005

Never before as an adult have I been so captivated,transfixed & so ushered into a world of pure magic. One of the richest films I have ever seen. An absolute masterpiece of emotion, color, texture, adventure & wild eyed wonder!

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3

JelouiseR.Dec 11, 2005

C.S. Lewis is sometimes cited as "Tolkien for Slow Children". Whether that's fair or not, this movie can certanly be compared to the Lord of the Rings films in the same way. It's long, bland, shallow, and gratingly preachy, with so C.S. Lewis is sometimes cited as "Tolkien for Slow Children". Whether that's fair or not, this movie can certanly be compared to the Lord of the Rings films in the same way. It's long, bland, shallow, and gratingly preachy, with so many "homages" to the Tolkein films cinematography that much of the audience was snickering at the obvious cribbing.… Expand

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10

ShellyM.Dec 11, 2005

I definately got the biblical references in the material.

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5

AliCDec 11, 2005

Ok, this may look like a British adaptation of a British novel, but Hollywood's grubby fingers are all over this irritating and at times unbearably schmalzy movie. Yes the special effects are good (particularly talking animals), but the Ok, this may look like a British adaptation of a British novel, but Hollywood's grubby fingers are all over this irritating and at times unbearably schmalzy movie. Yes the special effects are good (particularly talking animals), but the acting is bad and 6th form play cheesy. Like the earlier Harry Potter films, this is let down by child actors (perhaps surprisingly, particularly the older two), which begs the question: how is it possible for a CGI beaver to be more convincing and sympathetic than a real human being? And why didn't they just CGI the human parts too? Take your kids, but take a good book too (maybe something by CS Lewis).… Expand

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2

johnc.Dec 11, 2005

Disneyfide right down to the cheesy new-age soundtrack. I implore the estate of C.S. Lewis to choose a different studio for the sequels.

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7

MartiHDec 11, 2005

Enjoyable movie for kids and adults. The plot was reasonably faithful to the book. Tilda Swinton was great as Jadis the White Witch. If this one proves to be successful ($), Prince Caspian is likely the next film to follow.

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10

TylerWDec 11, 2005

An amazing film, it followed the book better than any novel based film I have ever seen. Staying true to the Christian themes that meant so much to Lewis and the various readers of this series, the movie is a thrill and well worth the time An amazing film, it followed the book better than any novel based film I have ever seen. Staying true to the Christian themes that meant so much to Lewis and the various readers of this series, the movie is a thrill and well worth the time whether you're a kid or adult.… Expand

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6

BDavidN.Dec 11, 2005

I read the books and was captivated so warning to a biased righteous fan's opinion. It wasn't a bad movie but to me it felt like the mini commericals Macdonalds makes for it's happy meal toys, after they advertise said meat I read the books and was captivated so warning to a biased righteous fan's opinion. It wasn't a bad movie but to me it felt like the mini commericals Macdonalds makes for it's happy meal toys, after they advertise said meat and sandwich products. I'm sure the director had good intentions, but from the first title scene you know its a franchise coming from an economic venture based on Disney's failure to cash in on Lord of the Ring's. It was a good kid's movie but as a fan of the books I felt it couldn't compare and the characters seemed a lot less endearing. The best part, other than the minotaurs, is the queen's dwarf. He is worth the price and looks like an Osama Bin Laden imp. His death in the movie is hiliarious.… Expand

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3

EricSDec 11, 2005

I honestly expected quite a bit coming into "The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe", having enjoyed the book when I was seven or eight. Unfortunately, I was unpleasently surprised to find that other than the visual aspects of the film, what I I honestly expected quite a bit coming into "The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe", having enjoyed the book when I was seven or eight. Unfortunately, I was unpleasently surprised to find that other than the visual aspects of the film, what I had was... a "classic" that could have been written by a bunch of 6 year olds at Sunday school? The story was hopelessly sappy and predictable. If we need to sit through a 2 hour+ bible reenactment, at least try and be a little more subtle. Some of the dialogue sounded like it was written by an evangelical Christian. No wonder the Catholic Church saw the story as a viable "alternative" to Harry Potter, a far superior novel and movie. The children were well cast and reasonably talented, but unfourtunately they didn't have much to do other than cry and gaze in awe at the goofy talking animals and un-inspired settings. The White Witch was decently portrayed, but something felt a little off. Perhaps it was the feeling that I'd seen such a villain a hundred times before (in books and movies BEFORE Narnia.) The ending was by far the worst part of the film. Not only was it sappy and overwrought, but it felt way to rushed (although I hardly wanted to sit through any more). Maybe this was how it was in the book (I don't remembe the details), but it was nevertheless a poor way to wrap things up. The fact that every character ended up alive and well proves that "The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe" is purely a children's fairy tale and not worthy of all the praise heaped upon it. What reason was there to bring all the characters back if not to appease the story's target audience of 4 year olds? If you are in the mood for a shallow, undaring and mindless fairy tale complete with a healthy dose of preaching, see this movie. If not, finding something better shoudln't be too difficult.… Expand

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9

JadaGDec 10, 2005

Absolutely wonderful. Writing, Filming. Editing, Casting, Special Effects.

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10

MichelleDec 10, 2005

I loved it! I was in tears for almost the last half of the movie. I'm so glad one of my favorite stories made it onto the big screen.

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10

[Anonymous]Dec 10, 2005

I loved this film, being a very big fan of C.S.Lewis and from reading the book several times didn't blink an eye the entire time watching the movie (even if it was midnight).

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10

AdamDDec 10, 2005

An amazing movie.

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3

TitusDec 10, 2005

Doesn't work well as allegory, the story itself is leaden, the acting and direction weak . . . the whole thing just bores. There is magic and greatness in the movie for about 10 mintues, but mostly there is just a weak movie Doesn't work well as allegory, the story itself is leaden, the acting and direction weak . . . the whole thing just bores. There is magic and greatness in the movie for about 10 mintues, but mostly there is just a weak movie masquerading as a blockbuster.… Expand

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5

DanB.Dec 10, 2005

[***SPOILERS***] Looks great. Acting's good. Story is... illogical and and overly simple, even for a children's film, I think. Like suddenly Peter is this amazing fighter? He knows how to use a sword? Why because Aslan told him he[***SPOILERS***] Looks great. Acting's good. Story is... illogical and and overly simple, even for a children's film, I think. Like suddenly Peter is this amazing fighter? He knows how to use a sword? Why because Aslan told him he could, so now Peter's a general? Worse, it makes it seem as if Aslan *knows* he'll be resurrected... which doesn't make it much of a sacrifice.… Expand

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10

ThomasL.Dec 10, 2005

A picture perfect translation from book to screen. Everything I had imagined while reading as a child and more. Not to be missed.

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9

chucky.Dec 10, 2005

This film is one wild ride!

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10

JeromeH.Dec 10, 2005

Phenomenal movie! Great christian symbollism (more than our family realized after reading the book). Wonderful acting, great directing and cinematography. Not too violent, as some reviewers have suggested. Go out with your family and see Phenomenal movie! Great christian symbollism (more than our family realized after reading the book). Wonderful acting, great directing and cinematography. Not too violent, as some reviewers have suggested. Go out with your family and see this wonderful movie!… Expand

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10

GarrettB.Dec 10, 2005

The children were excellent, the characters were all fantastic, and the story could not have been told any better. Can't wait to see it again!

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10

ChaseP.Dec 10, 2005

I loved the movie. It is the best movie of the year!!!! I cant wait for the rest of them to come out!! I liked the books, but I love the movie!!! Thanks Andrew Anderson!!!

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10

leahpDec 10, 2005

I couldn't be more pleased with how this movie was handled. The book to screen adaptation was perfect - hardly any alterations from the story whatsoever. The children did a great job with the acting. The Christian themes and symbolism I couldn't be more pleased with how this movie was handled. The book to screen adaptation was perfect - hardly any alterations from the story whatsoever. The children did a great job with the acting. The Christian themes and symbolism were prominent, the graphics were decent, the scenery was beautiful. I was nervous coming into this, seeing as Disney had some input. They can really screw things up. But they did a great job, and for that, I'm very grateful. I cannot wait to see the other six books come to life, especially if they're as careful with them as they were with LWW. Great movie.… Expand

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2

RRDec 10, 2005

It's overlong, boring, feels like it was stitched together with a branding iron and has no depth whatsoever. No sense of dynamics, timing or atmosphere. I began to really loathe the wide-eyed-wonder-look in the kids' eyes, It's overlong, boring, feels like it was stitched together with a branding iron and has no depth whatsoever. No sense of dynamics, timing or atmosphere. I began to really loathe the wide-eyed-wonder-look in the kids' eyes, especially because my own eyes were constantly falling shut out of boredom. Two saving graces: Tilda Swinton is really evil (imagine having a mother like that and see what I mean), and the Lion is well done (from a special fx point of view). Best worst scene: the obnoxious children and two slightly less obnoxious beavers are being pursued by the witch; theythen take cover in a scene that SCREAMS "LOTR FOTR hobbits hiding from the Nazgul nudge nudge", when all of a sudden the beaver announces the coast is clear, it's just Santa Claus who's appeared to bestow valuable gifts to "eve's daughters" and "adam's sons". I kept rubbing my eyes, hoping this godawful scene was just a nightmare. Even the effects were at least two leagues below LOTR. The sets were kind of well done, but they all looked like ... sets. no suspension of disbelief for me, it all looked so... fake! Plus, the believability of a little boy slashing his way through rows of minotaurs and other evil creatures (who all look like LOTR pre-production rejects) is... kind of a lot to take. Save your money. This is such an obviously calculated, badly executed film to make you want to abstain from going to the cinema altogether. To even think of 6 more films in this series makes my stomach ache.… Expand

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10

NickP.Dec 10, 2005

Wonderful movie worth seeing. Truly makes you feel as if you're in another world. A litlte bit heavy on the CGI on some places,yes, but wonderful acting, beautiful visuals, and overall very much worth seeing.

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4

MattyM.Dec 10, 2005

The film is a blunder; a mere excuse to throw in creatures fighting against each other for some poor action, followed by irritant performances by the Pevensie kids, and tedious moments that drag on and on. The entire movie is a The film is a blunder; a mere excuse to throw in creatures fighting against each other for some poor action, followed by irritant performances by the Pevensie kids, and tedious moments that drag on and on. The entire movie is a dejá-vu, but it still features Tilda Swinton and Liam Neeson, which is not a bad thing.… Expand

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10

FederS.Dec 10, 2005

Amazing, is like a new myth.

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4

AlanT.Dec 9, 2005

A half-hearted and forgettable film that represents a huge missed opportunity to bring these great books to the big screen. What a waste.

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10

JanoooR.Dec 9, 2005

So much better then the first Harry Potter. And will only get better with the next 6 movies.

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10

BenH.Dec 9, 2005

I had a great time at the movies! The translation from book to screen was great. A quarter of the way through the film I stopped referencing the book in my mind and simply went all into the movie. TLTWTW was a great movie going experience. I I had a great time at the movies! The translation from book to screen was great. A quarter of the way through the film I stopped referencing the book in my mind and simply went all into the movie. TLTWTW was a great movie going experience. I can't wait for the next one!… Expand

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9

DavidM.Dec 9, 2005

There is a wonderful balance between lighthearted moments and scenes of heavier (though bloodless) action. All four children were very well cast and the added character introductions at the beginning of the movie set the pace instead of There is a wonderful balance between lighthearted moments and scenes of heavier (though bloodless) action. All four children were very well cast and the added character introductions at the beginning of the movie set the pace instead of slowing the movie as some have suggested. Tilda Swinton is wonderful as the frosty titular villain, though unfortunately she doesn't quite project the menacing visage I thought she should have. Instead she comes off as simply a spiteful squatter, desperately hoping the real ruler of Narnia doesn't show up and kick her to the curb. The first novel in C.S. Lewis' series has Christian imagery and allegory so obvious it's like a bat between the eyes, but fortunately Adamson again strikes a balance, giving devout Christians a nod while satisfying agnostics such as myself by keeping the symbols open to interpretation. As I mentioned earlier, there are significant similiarities to the previous LotR movies. If Aslan-as-Christ doesn't suit your fancy, how about Aslan-as-Gandalf? Adamson was quite possibly patterning some scenes after famous ones in the LotR movie trilogy, and it does make you wonder a few times, "haven't I seen this movie already?". This is not enough to completely detract from the quality of the film, fortunately. C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkein may have been friends, but their respective worlds were very different, and honestly on different levels. That is not to say one is superior than another; while Middle Earth had depth, Narnia had humanity, and that is the difference and the reason why it is unfair to use LotR as some sort of yardstick that all fantasy movies much now be judged against.… Expand

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10

DeirdreJ.Dec 9, 2005

Though not absolutely flawless, it is so extraordinary that I have to give it a 10. It is amazingly true to the spirit of the book, well crafted, well structured, and beautiful to look at. The kids do a very good job, and Tilda Swinton is awesome!

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10

ElizabethE.Dec 9, 2005

Amazing! The film proved to stay fairly true to the book, which made all of us Narnia fans quite happy. Not only that, but the movie in general was just simply fantastic! Go see it!

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9

WallyS.Dec 9, 2005

The children will be enchanted, and the adults will love the material, but the chronicles are only beginning, and brace yourself, because this is a sensacional adventure.

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10

JohnS.Dec 9, 2005

Excellent.

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9

GeoffH.Dec 9, 2005

Excellent cinematography and character development. The slight changes that were made from the book worked well, overall it was a fantastic movie for both kids and adults! Would have like it to be a bit longer, but it is well worth seeing, Excellent cinematography and character development. The slight changes that were made from the book worked well, overall it was a fantastic movie for both kids and adults! Would have like it to be a bit longer, but it is well worth seeing, especially if you're already a fan of the story.… Expand

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10

JeremyR.Dec 9, 2005

Excellent in almost every way. My only complaint (and this small) is that Mr. Beaver never gets a chance to tell the children that Aslan is "Not safe, but He's good." Otherwise I loved it.

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4

CSLSDec 9, 2005

Chris B. was dead-on when he called it the "cinematic equivalent of a Creed concert." Whatever susbtance is under the flash is all allegory, while the flash is far too familiar. I don't see how they can get 2 more films out of this.

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5

ElsaS.Dec 9, 2005

While the film has many fine moments, it also has many draggy, poorly paced ones, too. The special effects are sometimes breathtaking, but often quite clumsy, too. The end result is an unformed mish-mash. Had more care gone into it, the film While the film has many fine moments, it also has many draggy, poorly paced ones, too. The special effects are sometimes breathtaking, but often quite clumsy, too. The end result is an unformed mish-mash. Had more care gone into it, the film might have ended up a timeless classic. But it falls far short of that mark.… Expand

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9

ProfBDec 9, 2005

Got to see an advance of this, and it's terrific. The review above calling it a LOTR Jr. is just about right. A thrilling and heart-warming (in a non-crappy-tv-movie way) movie.

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10

JamesK.Dec 9, 2005

Maybe it's because you were looking for the symbolism. And if you've been to a Creed concert, It's already apparent your judgement is impared.

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9

CharlesC.Dec 9, 2005

Watching this movie was like discovering an old dusty book and finding it to be a really good yarn. An absolutely enchanting beautiful mythical world best viewed with a childlike heart. Its worth opening the door and entering Narnia.

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10

ToreS.Dec 8, 2005

I had been waiting for it ever since it was announced, so of course I couldn't pass up the chance to see a press preview this morning. Naturally it did not coincide 100% with my own vision of Narnia visually, but emotionally it rang I had been waiting for it ever since it was announced, so of course I couldn't pass up the chance to see a press preview this morning. Naturally it did not coincide 100% with my own vision of Narnia visually, but emotionally it rang absolutely true, choking me up several times and really touching me. I walked out of the theatre with a warm, contented feeling - just like I feel every time I read C.S. Lewis' book! The stand-out performance was definitely Tilda Swinton's as the White Witch, but I liked all actors/voices, from cute little Lucy (newcomer Georgie Henley) to majestic Aslan (Liam Neeson). I thought the children did a great job, considering their relative inexperience and the amount of blue screen work involved.… Expand

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10

JohnS.Dec 8, 2005

Excellent.

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10

JasonS.Dec 8, 2005

The best movie of the year!!!

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6

ChrisB.Dec 7, 2005

It's been nearly twenty years since I last read The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, and I don't remember seeing the Christian symbolism of it back then. Ever since, I had learned more about CS Lewis and how The Chronicles of It's been nearly twenty years since I last read The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, and I don't remember seeing the Christian symbolism of it back then. Ever since, I had learned more about CS Lewis and how The Chronicles of Narnia very much reflected his philosophy and religion. Fine. But, man, if I didn't get that impression as a kid reading the book, I sure got it hammered into my skull as an adult watching this movie. At the end of it, I felt like I just came out of the cinematic equivalent of a Creed concert. (That's bad, by the way.) What amazes me is how this is being marketed as a good Christian alternative to Harry Potter movies. Where the HP films are fully committed to the pure fantasy that their characters and situations inhabit, Narnia slavishly needs to qualify everything that happens on screen with a biblical reference point, reducing the kids into Sunday-schoolbook caricatures. And having a CG lion as a Christ figure is about as bad as Scott Stapp posing as Jesus on-stage at that aforementioned Creed concert. Other than that, there is some lovely visual adaptation of the cool stuff I do remember from the book. The kids were capable but uneven in their talents, having cast a blockheaded but handsome Prince William-lookalike as the eldest boy, Peter, while the youngest had an almost creepy precociousness in her performance as Lucy. Tilda Swinton as the White Witch was fantastic, her styling was incredible, and I would have loved to see her have more screen time rather than the badly rendered animal villains. The CG characters were noticeably weak, and even Azlan seemed much less majestic than the lion my imagination had painted as a child.… Expand

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10

michaelf.Dec 6, 2005

Wonderful adaptation of a classic childrens book. The movie is not an allegory, but an interesting supposal. Exciting movie for the intelligent family.

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10

dougalp.Dec 6, 2005

An instant classic. Great perfomances from the kids and a never-to-be-bettered Tilda Swinton. Terrifically faithful to the book. A real pleasure.

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10

DanielN.Dec 3, 2005

Amazing!

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The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

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