Surprisingly fresh

Rating: 10/10 (30 December 2005)

I expected a recycled version of some kids adventure I'd never seen before. Something along the lines of Masterpiece Theatre or Dr. Who kind of "wonder". Wow, was I surprised.
The acting in the film is very very good, from Mr. Tumnus to Lucy to the White Witch. They were able to instill the right feeling of wonder at the right places, as well as at other times indignation, anger, and great sorrow.
The animals in the film were the best seamless blend of, well, animals and other types of characters. I truly believed the gryphons could exist as they did in the film, as well as the cheetahs. There were some 'CG' moments, and the appearance of a rather well-known folk figure was the longest stretch. But even then the role that was there and how it was presented was masterfully done. Not leaning too hard either way.
The educated, serious film watcher will complain and nitpick about silly details (army tactics, inexperienced swordsmen against masters), but relent that the story is the main thing, and it is very very good.
Very much looking forward to more in the series, if they can keep up with the masterful screen writing.