A Cinematic Grab-Bag

Rating: 4/10 (10 December 2005)

"J.R.R. Tolkien criticized Lewis's first Narnia book, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. He thought that there were too many elements that clasheda Father Christmas and an evil witch, talking animals and children."
Tack on the blatant Christian overtones and you have the convoluted, pretentious, and self-righteous film that is "The Chronicles of Narnia".
If I was to pick a saving grace for Narnia, it would be the scenery, which, while lacking variety, was beautifully imagined and shot. Unfortunately you don't see much; the snowy woods were about the only set, until the epic concluding battle. Also, the visual-effects were extremely impressive, especially the photo-realistic animals, and creatures which inhabit Lewis' world. Although not on par with the Lord of the Rings (in part due to slightly weak voice-acting) the animals were vibrant, likable, and on occasion amusing. The effects are what truly shine in this movie, but not enough to carry it beyond mediocrity.
As for the acting (Despite a wonderful performance by the White Witch) well, it's difficult to criticize child-actors, as they are often way out of their league. Unfortunately, it must be done. The children were an abomination, the screen cutting away at every point any semblance of talent might be required, followed by shoddy voice-over crying. Susan, it seems, was purposely miss-cast, and her acting doesn't cover the void between literary character and on-screen heroine. There is no character development, aside from a ridiculous case of sibling rivalry. Apparently, a trivial argument between brothers is the basis for something far grander, grasping at straws in order to explain certain deeds, the writers fell short.
JRR Tolkien was correct in calling C.S. Lewis' story "a literary grab-bag" and that rings true with the film as well. Atrociously anti-climatic, with every single epic war cliché pulled from everything from the Lord of the Rings to Braveheart. How many hero's must we see wielding two swords before it stops eliciting the excitement of the first time?
Not having much to do with my overall review of the film, but something which must be mentioned, is the religious element to the film. The underlying Christian themes were overt and insulting to anyone of moderate intelligence. It's nothing more than religious propaganda, under the guise of a fanciful story.
Perhaps, if you loved the books as a child (and are a practicing Christian), or are a child yourself, you will find a worthwhile film in "Narnia". If not, I'd avoid this movie like the plague, go rent, or better yet read, Tolkiens work. A chop-shop fantasy tale such as Lewis', makes one truly appreciate the true genius of writers like Tolkien. Likewise, a chop-shop fantasy movie, helmed by the talented Andrew Adamson of Shrek fame (who, despite his best efforts, was unable to bring meaning to Narnia), makes you truly appreciate the efforts of someone like Peter Jackson. I hate to have to make so many Lord of the Rings references, but it was Narnia who made them so blatant in the first place. Frankly, and I'm being brutally honest, it comes off as a Rings-rip off, toting Christianity. Undoubtedly explaining the success it will see.