Review Roundup: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

LaSalle hit the nail right on the head (as he often does). For a Christian, the story of Narnia is profound and powerful; it exists primarly as a religious allegory- no excuses or explanations need to be made for that fact. And the story has great appeal to a secular audience as well, of course.

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I saw a TV version of the movie as a child eons ago. I can wait to see how it's rendered in the age of CGI.

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i know you have no reason to listen to my advice but maybe that makes the difference. DO NOT see this film unless you are a fan of the book. Whilst the film is produced rather well (apart from some really bad sfx) the whole dramatic structure falls totally to pieces. I couldn't care less what happens to ANY of the characters in the whole story. the first half starts of rather average but after that its just sad... oh well, saw the movie yesterday in switzerland. greetings!

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For another negative review check out Roger Moore at Orlando Sentinel ( http://tinyurl.com/7984h ).

Also if you're in the Orlando area or planning to visit stop by the Disney-MGM Studios to see the walk through Narnia exhibit. I'll post details after I visit this weekend.

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It's an excellent movie. Recommended!

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I saw this movie at the 1st midnight showing, and I was not dissappointed. Granted, I have read all the books, so I knew exactly what was going on, but seeing it on the screen was greatly moving. The characters coming to life, and the pictures in my head becoming more vivid. I hope they will make more...I'll see every one! It was awesome!

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First of all, the news stories that this is 1) a family friendly movie, or 2) a Christian movie need to be put aside.

Sure, some Christian Biblical concepts were there, but Zoroaster, Buddhism, Paganism, Judiasm, and a lot of other old universal stories of good against evil were combined with favor to none. It was a morality play - to be sure - but a very, very bizarre one, made fun for me just because of the magical characterization of the youngest girl to appear in the film. She was marvelous. It was the most bizzarre thing I've seen since my first viewing of The Wizard of Oz, a story written as a parable of the monopolies taking over in the late 1800's. There were themes of ressurection, but it was all presented in a very weird backdrop of Pan characters (half man, half goat) Centaurs (human torsos on horses), and a lot of the other things that made this just another fantasy piece. Not that the idea of a ressurection isn't fantasy to the common mind, but hey, if God could get me here once, I'm sure lightning can strike twice.

But all told, I have to give it an A+ - the kids acting in this thing - especially the youngest one - were just great to watch. The scenery included Los Angeles, Guatemala, Poland, Czech Republic, and New Zealand. It was easy to get lost in the believability that in some alternate universe and place, such things and people could exist.

Best of all, it was a very compelling story of good and evil, that was perhaps a parable of the Apocalyptic writings in the Bible, such as Ezekiel, Daniel, or Revelations. But this Lion - the King in this Universe - was no Jesus Christ. But, in this story, the lion certainly was the leader of the good guys. I don't know if C.S. Lewis wrote it this way, but the choice to make a "cold woman" the demonized characterization of evil perhaps reflects an unfortunate experience with women.

It is a story of good against evil, and is worth watching. It is not easily recommended for young children who will have nightmares lasting years without plenty of Parental Guidance. Against the scenery and effects, and interesting story to be sure, nothing should overshadow the excellent - Academy Award acting performances in this film.

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I saw this film last night, and it completely fulfiled all of my expectations!
I fell in love with the book and animated film version as a child, and always wanted to be Lucy falling into Narnia for the first time, or Peter fighting for Narnia.
This film brought the whole book alive for me, more so than my imagination. The special effects were amazing, and the settings so beautiful. The whole film had me falling in love with Narnia all over agian, and every hair on my neck was raised because of the excitment!
It was also interesting to recgonise the Biblical imagery in the film, the best part was when Aslan comes back in the halo of light, I have never smiled and felt so happy at a film before!
The actors really played their parts well, and unlike many films that have adapted books, this didn't disappoint!
Go and see it, soon.

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Saw the movie a couple of days ago and we were entranced. We didn't know the story beforehand so it was a wonderful surprise to us. Wish I could find out where the different scenes were done - just beautiful and yes, the children were perfect.



Best movie out in a long time.... *****stars

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