This is how kids movies SHOULD be made...

Rating: 8/10 (1 June 2008)

There's a real sense of wonder and magic in the air throughout this film. It has something for everyone: Fun, adventure and a deeper meaning than you'll find in most children's movies. It has an innocence about it, but does in no way talk down to kids. It's a genuinely enjoyable film that delivers in all areas.
For someone like myself (who is usually unimpressed with kids movies and annoyed by the child actors who populate them), I can - in all honesty - say that I was in no way annoyed by the four young lead actors in this movie. The standout is obviously Georgie Henley, as the youngest Pevensie (Lucy). I assure you that seeing her reactions - which are *so* genuine - to everything around her will take you back to what it was like when you were a kid and still had that sense of child-like wonder. The friendship she immediately strikes up with the goat-legged Mr. Tumnus (James McAvoy) shows what it's like to be a true friend and accept someone who's different (which is a message kids need to learn). Lucy's youngest brother, Edmund (Skandar Keynes), is almost the total opposite. He's the angry one, who's always getting into trouble and making bad decisions. Even though I found him to be the least likable of the four siblings (and the actor over-emoted on occasion), he *does* prove his worth by redeeming himself at the end.
The two older actors (William Moseley as Peter and Anna Popplewell as Susan) both give solid performances. While Peter does come close to being the typical angst-ridden teen (and Susan the bossy know-it-all), they thankfully manage to keep their characters likable and don't overact too often. Tilda Swinton - who literally plays an ice queen by the name of Jadis - imbues her character with a real sense of malice, but - at the same time - keeps her performance dialed down (opting for an eerie calm instead of over-the-top yelling). She is cold as ice, in all senses of the word, and this is what makes her White Witch so formidable (well...that and when she's kicking butt with twin swords).
Of course, it wouldn't be Narnia without the many magical creatures who populate it. They are brilliantly brought to life by a mix of impressive CGI (except for that one dodgy-looking rhino) and well-cast voice actors. Liam Neeson is marvelous as the mighty Aslan (the way the animators manage to convey so much emotion on his face is truly amazing). Mr. and Mrs. Beaver (Ray Winstone and Dawn French) are a likable pair and aren't the usual annoying variety of talking animal that you find in kids' movies. Michael Madsen is suitably menacing as Maugrim, the White Witch's head wolf. Rupert Everett even gets a memorable cameo as the helpful Fox. There are also many other extraordinary creatures throughout - most of which are on display in the epic final.
The scenery is quite breathtaking. When you see the meticulous effort that has gone into designing Narnia, you'll no doubt be overcome with the same feeling of awe as young Lucy. The movie benefits immensely from a very fitting and memorable score (and make sure you don't walk out as soon as the end credits begin to roll. There's something extra only a little ways into the closing credits - proving that good things do indeed come to those who wait). The creatures, the scenery, the music - all of it combines to bring alive this truly magical land that you will never want to leave.
As far as family films go, this one is - in a word - perfect. It will appeal to kids and adults alike. Before you know it, you'll be searching the back of your wardrobe for a magical land. And should you not find one there...you'll be taking a sledgehammer to the back of your wardrobe and knocking holes in it until you find such a wondrous place as Narnia.