Breathtaking

Rating: 9/10 (9 December 2005)

I just got back from seeing the midnight showing of Narnia. It's been quite awhile since I have read the book, but from what I recall, the movie stayed very true to the novel.
The CGI effects were outstanding and the scenery was breathtaking. The audience was comprised of younger teens and adults and there were quite a few laughs and some outright sobbing at various points throughout the movie.
The human actors were quite good in their roles and dramatic without being over the top. The storyline was easy to follow and no one in the audience left during the film for popcorn or a bathroom break, all eyes were focused on the screen.
Possible Spoiler***There are a few scary scenes that parents of younger children might wish to be aware of - when Peter faces a wolf, the sacrifice of Aslan, and some of the scenes in the battle to name a few.
There has been a lot of talk about the religious undercurrent of the film. If you are looking for it, you will find it, but it is not "in your face" obvious. The film can simply be enjoyed as fantasy by anyone of any or no religious persuasion.