Narnia is a rarity to be cherished

Rating: 9/10 (12 December 2005)

Ah yes... Narnia.
A dazzling display of color and richness fills the screen as you are immersed in the wonderful world of Narnia. Groundbreaking special effects, CGI, and film quality throw you back in your seat as the story unfolds before your eyes. As if that isn't enough, wait till Aslan grazes the big screen mid-way through the movie.
William Moseley, Anna Popplewell, Skandar Keynes, and Georgie Henley all put forth an exceptional performance. Their true emotion will leave your face moist from the salty tears that escaped your eyes throughout the film. In fact, Henley's performance was so brilliant for her first film that she deserves nothing less than Breakout Performance of the Year. James McAvoy was lovable and fun as Tumnus and served as a delight to the screen. Tilda Swinton served as a perfect White Witch who balanced evil and charm perfectly, how the 45 year-old woman swung the swords around in the big battle was an immense credit to her versatility.
Lavish sets from all over the world are wonderfully portrayed in this film. The snow is mildly fake and takes away from some the glory of the scenes, but it is still adequate.
Improved dialogue, added humor, intense fantasy/realism, a glorious battle, all are present and accounted for.
All in all, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe is a visual masterpiece that will take a place in your heart forever. One can only hope that the next 6 will live up to their predecessor.