An enjoyable fantasy film

Rating: 7/10 (29 June 2006)

I haven't read the Narnia books so I didn't know what to expect about the movie. Surprisingly, The Witch, The Lion and The Wardrobe was an enjoyable and lovely picture. It was not the best fantasy film I have seen but I liked it very much.
The story was very typical but well-made and compelling. There were some very impressive and touching scenes although some of them were too scary for kids. It's same with Potter movies: they're meant for children but sometimes, at their scariest moments, you start to think if they're really suitable for kids. Or maybe I just overreact. Anyway, this movie really made a huge impact to me.
Especially I liked the warmth of the story. It was visually stunning and good-looking but it also had a heart and a soul. I really cared the characters and felt sadness and joy when they felt it too. That's something that you don't find the Potter movies. Also the world of Narnia was charming and full of the sense of wonder. It was very easy to me to be wrapped up in this magical land of miracles.
Kids were good in their roles. Also Tilda Swinton was excellent as the White Witch. I liked the way she played the role: no shouting or exaggerating looks but unassuming and well-balanced performance which made her character very scary. Instead, Jim Broadbent was just the annoying professor.
However, the movie was not perfect. I think it was quite over-long. Especially in the middle of the movie story didn't seem to move on. Also some of the funny lines were unnecessary and even stupid. I was not satisfied the ending. It was too over the top. (Okay, this is the fantasy movie but still it was too silly, even for fantasy!)
Some of viewers have criticized The Witch,etc. because its Christianity. Well, I'm not a devout Christian and I don't like too religious movies. Still, I didn't feel Narnia's Christianity irritating or too preaching. I think it was well integrated to the story and filmmakers didn't underline it too much. Besides, the movie can be watched even without thinking its Christian message.
Conclusion: The Witch, The Lion and The Wardrobe is better than most of Potter movies but cannot match the LOTR -trilogy.