Has bite but lacks charm.

Rating: 7/10 (10 December 2005)

I saw this at a special midnight preview screening. The place was packed to the rafters with not a child in sight.
The film is shot on an epic and majestic scale of 2:35 and every inch of the wide framing is packed with rabid detail. It looks gorgeous and the lighting is splendid, the costumes are colourful, the landscapes reveal wonder upon wonder, the creatures are stunningly created and the script moves along at a cracking pace. The Walpurgisnacht-esquire scene will creep out most people and I recommend any parents to be vigilant when it starts. This is a fairly provocative and terrifying orgy of violence that could well disturb many kids.
The major flaw is the uninspired score and the lack of escapist magic and charm. The four kids in the film are anemic and devoid of any real emotion. This hampers any connection or engagement with their characters.
I still prefer the old animation from the 1980's over this multi-million dollar venture.
Still, it's not all bad and there is much to enjoy and savour. There's even a sly reference to KING KONG and many nods to THE LORD OF THE RINGS. Take your kids and spend a couple of hours in the world of the Wardrobe.
Above Average.