Excellent filmography makes up for pedestrian plot

Rating: 8/10 (8 December 2005)

I was actually quite surprised to see this movie open in Malaysia before the US, but anyway, I went to see the film today after its premiere here. I hadn't really intended to go, because I'm not into fantasy fiction (I had trouble finishing the LoTR books, and have never seen any of the movies), but my friends invited me along. I wasn't sure what I was expecting, but from what I knew, I was sure I could expect a lot of references to Christian theology and probably a predictable plot.
Well, I wasn't wrong on either of those counts. The plot is loaded with references to things from the Bible, and considering how predictable *that* book was... (Don't get me wrong. I'm a Christian.) Fortunately, once you put aside this necessarily mediocre plot, you get a pretty darn good movie.
The acting might actually turn out to be worth something, and most of the kid actors actually look like they might be people caught up in something they want no part of. The directing and filmography are the best part of the movie, however. I'm not big on fight scenes, so I can't say how well-choreographed they were, but I certainly can't complain. And there's no doubt that you'll be transported into Narnia thanks to the efforts of those funny New Zealanders behind the scenes.
Overall, if you have a family, go. There's no blood, the violence is rather tame, and the plot definitely won't turn your kids into baby-eating liberals/conservatives. If you don't have one, tough. If you have a little cash to spare and don't have much else to do, definitely see this movie. If you think your two and a half hours can be better spent, however, you won't be missing that much. Just wait for the DVD.