A Wonderful Film

Rating: 10/10 (5 April 2006)

I thought that the Chronicles of Narnia was a great film. It was a bit shaky at times (you could tell that this was Andrew's first live action film), however I found this added to the story and made it more realistic. The music is wonderful and inspiring. The actors/ actresses were more or less how I pictured them in the book.
The only actress that seemed out of place was Tilda Swinton (the white witch), simply because I always pictured the character of Jadis as having dark brown hair and green eyes. This is kind of a stereotype, so I am kind of glad that they decided to give her dreads and blonde hair instead.
All of the weapons, costume designs, props and computer generated characters were on par with Lord of the Rings. The wardrobe was simply beautiful. A true Narnia fan (like me) could pick out all of the little details and be nerdy about it. For example; the wardrobe tells the story of the first book, through the images that are carved into it. Look for this the next time you watch the film. Also...all of the books shown in Mr. Tumnus' study were the exact ones mentioned in the book. Check for this too. Little details like this are scattered throughout the film. They are fun to look out for. It's good stuff. ^_- The Chronicles of Narnia did not quite live up to my expectations. I almost walked out on this film when I went to see it. But I gave it another chance. I rented it and watched it through with a cup of hot cocoa in my hands. I found that it warmed my heart and even emotionally touched me when I let go of my personal interpretation of the book and chose to view it with Andrew's "realistic" vision. After watching it a second time it became a favorite. I think Andrew took it in the right direction by making it more "real." Making it too magical might have made the story seem cheesy...and just another Disney Stereotype.
(Of course Disney is not on my "nice" list right now. It keeps making crappy sequels. One day, just for that, I shall buy out the Disney "Empire" and return it to its former glory. But that is beside the point.) I felt that the Chronicles of Narnia has more heart and spunk then the first Lord of the Rings movie. And Peter Jackson had prior experience with live action. This was Andrew's first. So give him a break. I bet the first time you made a drawing in art class the teacher had to keep themselves from laughing. Had I been Andrew's teacher I would have been staring at the screen with my mouth agape. This film was pretty damn good for a first time live action. So I give it ten stars.
OK...so they added a few scenes. I'll admit that they skimped a bit on the character development. And they did cut some things from the book. But if this is what you are all complaining about...take a look at the Fellowship. They didn't even add Tom!! Or Goldberry! Where was the "magical" element in that? So all these people who say it's a Lord of the Rings reject...heh. I suggest going back and watching the first movie again. The Chronicles of Narnia surpassed it by far. Even in music.
My advice to the hard core fan (like myself) is to give the movie another chance. Go back and watch it a couple times. Appreciate all of the extra things they put in the film (for the hard core fans to notice ^_-) and marvel in the fact that they actually took the time to make this movie. Then think of the future. If this is the way they started the series...then I bet it will finish with bang. Look at the Fellowship. It was long, didn't have much of a plot, and the characters were dull if anything else. But by the time the Return of the King rolled around, I was balling my eye out. The next two became quick favorites. I was the first person in line to buy copies of the "two towers" and "return of the King" midnight when they were both released. Jackson restored himself and became one of my favorite directions from then on.
Andrew just needs some time to warm up. Once he makes the next movie, people will take back all of the bad things they've said about the first one. Even me. So I am giving him the benefit of the doubt. At least he included all of the characters. And Aslan was great! I cried when they killed him on the stone table. It was a powerful and memorable scene. Overall, I give this movie ten stars. It wasn't perfect, but it was enough to rekindle the hope of Narnia fans everywhere that there beloved book series would be produced with the care they deserve. So because of this, the series had my support and Andrew has my complete faith. Well done Andrew. Can't wait to see the next one. Keep up the good work and thank you for restoring my hope in cinema.
P.S. If you think this version in bad, you ought to see the original BBC version. The beavers are people in furry suits...with painted faces. This is a MAJOR step up from that. So appreciate the artistic quality of this film and stop griping. If your fans, support the cause! And that's all I have to say.