I am PAINED by the potential this Movie misses out

Rating: 4/10 (26 January 2006)

My heart aflutter, I settled in the seat for what promised to be, well, a modern classic. The movie does have its moments - the special effects are terrific, the overall "environment" created splendid and the "feel" of the film is technically excellent. The music is enjoyable.
But frankly, thats where the accolades end. I am pained that a film with such tremendous potential could fall so flat that finally it was an exercise in patience to sit through the whole 140 mins. Having said as much, it is worth a see ~ but with MUCH lowered expectations than what the studios and marketing drones in Hollywood would have us collectively believe the delights the film holds.
I found in Tilda Swinton's portrayal of the Evil White Queen absolutely excellent ! She was interesting, and a character who though evil, one could not help silently rooting for at some level. A brilliant actress indeed.
The 4 children, who were the key players in the plot, should all be sent to the Prisons of Askaban - where perhaps they might pick up some acting tips from the excellent cast of the Harry Potter films. I have seldom seen such a pathetic and uninspiring performance as from the two boys who were supposed to carry the film. The little Poppelwell girl did a half decent job, but she ain't no Dakota Fanning. Frankly I found the animated characters far better at acting real than the children in fulfilling the roles allotted to them.
All in all I would recommend this film as it is well made technically and well, because i am a fantasy movie buff. But please watch it with a nice big tub of popcorn and a large coke - you'll need them to get through the more dragging parts.