"Narnia" is a beautiful and amazing Hollywood Blockbuster.

Rating: 9/10 (9 January 2006)

"The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, Witch and The Wardrobe" is about four children who are sent away to live with a professor because of a war going on in London. Once at the professor's house, Lucy (Georgia Henley) suggests that they play hide and seek. Lucy runs into a room which contains nothing but a wardrobe closet. Out of curiosity, Lucy opens the wardrobe closet and discovers that this closet leads to the world of Narnia.
When "Narnia" first began I will admit I felt quite bored but it wasn't long before I got involved with the story and the beautiful set designs and locations. I also must admit, I have never read this book before yet I was very well aware that it was based on a very popular series of books. As a film, "Narnia" really impressed me especially for a Hollywood Blockbuster. What I liked most about the film was how beautiful it was! The director Andrew Adamson really captured the beauty of the set designs and filming locations.
Normally I feel special effects lately are so over used. The last "Star Wars" and "King Kong" are both perfect examples of how special effects are used to much and actually make a film lag because of it. "Narnia" on the other hand used special effects but used them wisely. I also think that the special effects in this film looked more realistic then "Kong" and I think they added more to the story. The entire battle scene was captured brilliantly.
The acting was very good in this film. Tilda Swinton plays the White Witch and played the bad character like the role was tailor made for her. The children in the film Lucy (Georgie Henley), Edmund (Skandar Keynes), Peter (William Moseley) and Susan (Anna Popplewell) all did fantastic jobs. Not to mention, Liam Neesen who voiced Aslan the lion. Liam really brought the lion to life. Good job all around.
I can't comment much on the writing since it was based on a book and since I never read the book, I can't say whether or not the screenplay was loyal to it. However as a normal Hollywood "Big Budget" Blockbuster, I will say that I thought the script was very well done especially when building the story and character development. As I mentioned earlier the director behind "Narnia" is Andrew Adamson who was also the director of both "Shrek" films. He did a great job directing and capturing all the beauty and emotion of the film.
So in conclusion, "The Chronicles of Narnia" is a near perfect big budget Hollywood film. I for one really enjoyed the film and now can not wait for the sequels. I enjoyed this film as much as I enjoyed the last "Harry Potter" film and I think the reason is because it seems like a grown-up type of movie that some kids can enjoy too. The violence in "Narnia" probably keeps some parents away from taking their kids to it but I think that's a good thing. This movie is definitely one of the most beautiful films I have seen all year and on top of it is probably one of the best blockbusters I have seen as well. I recommend this movie to all who enjoy fantasy films or well made Hollywood blockbusters.
MovieManMenzel's final rating for "The Chronicles of Narnia" is a 9/10. Definitely one of the best big Hollywood blockbusters I have seen in the last couple of years.