Story setting nice but characters did not endear

Rating: 6/10 (7 December 2005)

Saw the movie preview screening on 6 Dec 2005.
Some quick bites:
This is a personal view : I never read the book so perhaps the characters would have been more endearing on the silver screen. Kids will probably love this movie but it didn't seem well-tailored for the adults (or perhaps adults who haven't read any of the books before). From the perspective of a clueless viewer such as I myself, I couldn't help but feel nothing of the plight of the foursome (in truth, Lucy was not too bad and was acceptable) and couldn't find much redeeming factors even at the very end. Perhaps with the hindsight of prior reading, I my change my views.
CGI's were top-notch especially Aslan who looked uncannily life-like.
I've always had a soft spot for fantasy-based movies and this was no exception. It had a fairly solid storyline although I must admit that some scenes could do with more brevity and moved the movie at a quicker pace.
Special mention must go to Swinton's portrayal as the White Witch - she was totally in her element, fleshed out her character superbly and was truly a piece of excellent casting by the directors. Though suspiciously a bit like Kate Blanchett in style in LOTR, Swinton played the evil role superbly and was easily the star of this movie.
My kids will love it for sure. But just a 6/10 from me.