Haven't had so much fun since Willow first opened...

Rating: 9/10 (23 December 2005)

A year of overdone franchises, pretentious biopics, and realistic downers at the movies ends with this well-timed, refreshing piece, which is even more amazing considering it is indeed the most fantastic allegory of the Greatest Story Ever Told.
In short, the four Pevensie children escape the war-torn suburbs of early 40s London, joining their relative, an eccentric professor (Jim Broadbent) and his governess-like assistant at his countryside manor. The kids have trouble appreciating one another, despite the harsh circumstances they have just faced. Gradually, they discover that the spare room wardrobe is actually a portal to a world beyond their imagination, the world of Narnia. They find themselves on the run from the White Witch (Tilda Swinton), caught up in the centennial struggle between the Witch and the icon of justice, Aslan (Liam Neeson), and most importantly, becoming a family again.
Despite its most serious origins, this story is just plain fun. I may be biased--I've read the wonderful source material from C.S. Lewis thrice. If accuracy in comparison to the novel would bother you, stay away. This is truly a big screen interpretation, but done most respectfully by Andrew Adamson, the director best known for the Shrek films. (Yeah! I know!) He shows quite a departure here, showing love and reference for the original story in this interpretation. Although a few stars are involved, one of the big reasons to see it is for the previously unknown talent, including breakout performances by James McAvoy (Mr. Tumnus), Patrick Kake (Oreius the Centaur General), and, of course, William Moseley, Anna Popplewell, Skandar Keynes, and Georgie Henley as Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy respectively. Breathtaking visuals, that quite frankly, outdo the best of Potter round out the mix. The final battle is not to be missed. Finally, nothing from the original work that was left out of the film will be terribly missed. (I was delighted, in fact, that the Christmas Party was not attempted. Arguably, the saddest part of the story.) The audience aimed at is certainly children, but don't be surprised to find yourself enchanted as well. Even though you may not like to, please, PLEASE stay for the credits to see the epilogue, straight from the book, as well as some nice compositions. A very good time.