Bravo! Excellent fantasy film for children.

Rating: 8/10 (13 December 2005)

First of all, I want to say...let this film stand on its own merits! It is not Lord of the Rings reborn, nor is it the same sort of fantasy as Harry Potter. And while teens and adults will enjoy the film it is definitely aimed primarily at a younger crowd or "family" audiences. Some reviewers have called this film "boring" and I can only think that they are either trying to appear sophisticated or they are judging on the wrong level. I went the day after it opened; the theatre was completely sold out and, being a matinÃ©e, I would say that at least 50% (& probably more) were children ranging in age from preschoolers to age 12--but they were so mesmerized by the film that you wouldn't have known they were there. No fidgeting. No crying. No getting up & down. No talking. And when the film was over, the audience broke into applause which doesn't happen often.
I went to see this film with a bit of trepidation: I had enjoyed the BBC miniseries years ago and doubted a 140 minute film could equal it. I am happy to say that I was wrong. Although the CGI is a bit shaky in certain parts (notably the centaurs) and the ears for Mr. Tumnus & the centaurs being done on the cheap, overall Disney and director Andrew Adamson have brought the fantasy world of Narnia to life so well you have no problem suspending disbelief for it.
The casting of the child actors is, for the most part, ideal. Unusually for these times we are presented with non-bratty, non-smart-mouthed characters--a refreshing change. The young actors do a great job of portraying the more innocent, less sophisticated kids of the 1940's. Georgie Henley, in particular, is perfect for her role of Lucy Pevensie, evoking the wide-eyed wonder of a young child discovering a magical land. The scene in which she first discovers the wardrobe and then goes through it is well-handled by the director. William Mosely as Peter gives the weakest portrayal & the scenes in which he wields a sword are simply not believable.
Tilda Swinton as the White Witch makes for an excellent villain. Her glacial stares send a clear message that she cares for nothing but herself and her own goals; her costumes distort her shape, especially around the shoulders & neck, giving her an inhuman look.
Aslan, the CGI'd lion, is totally believable and Liam Neeson's voice can raise chills on your spine.
Finally--yes, this story is a Christian allegory. If you are a devout Christian this film will speak to you. Aslan's death and rebirth in particular. However, the film works as a plain fantasy as well and if one is not a Christian (as I am not) the spiritual aspects don't get in the way.