The Most Magnificent Film of the Year

Rating: 10/10 (13 December 2005)

The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe is a truly great film in every sense, and is without a doubt the best family film I have seen in a long time. I can't remember the last time I saw a movie that people actually applauded. Narnia is brought to life in amazing detail, and represents the novel in a way I doubt C.S. Louis could have ever imagined. It is sad he could not live to see his creation finally given the attention it deserved.
The performances of the four stars are amazing, with the young Georgie Henley as Lucy Pevensie stealing the show. Tilda Swinton is cold and ruthless (and amazing) as the White Witch. The performances of the CGI creations are also beyond expectations, achieving a level of excellence and realism I have not seen since Gollum of The Lord of the Rings. When Aslan first walks onto the screen, he does so with all the might and majesty of a real lion. As with all the other characters, the fact that they are CGI completely disappears, as every hair and muscle on their body moves with the grace of a living creature.
The story is as close to its source as I have ever seen, and never strays too far to flesh the story out. The climatic final battle outshines any other like it. Also, for those afraid of how Disney might handle a story with such obvious religious symbolism, do not fear. I will not spoil the details, but suffice it to say that NOTHING, religious or otherwise, has been changed from the original story. It is nice to see a movie with such high morals do so well. In the end, this is an amazing story with fantastic effects and brilliant actors but most importantly, it makes you feel good when you leave the theater. I wish there were more movies like this.