Excellent Realization

Rating: 9/10 (6 December 2005)

I read the Chronicles of Narnia when I was little and remember distinctly being very moved by the story, in particular when Azlan's story unfolded. So many years later, the movie that I created in my head has come to the screen in all its glory.
Thanks to the visual effects of WETA and excellent acting by the young cast, Narnia lives if only on screen. Little time is wasted getting the audience into the story and once the action starts, it doesn't stop. It's difficult to tell where the effects start and stop which is what contributes to its believability.
This is fantasy of the highest order, suitable for children of all ages - including the older ones like myself. It's not often that the audience breaks into appplause at the end of a movie but that was the case here, and it's well deserved. You are cheating yourself if you wait for the inevitable DVD: this one is truly majestic on the silver screen, and should be seen that way.