Very entertaining viewing

Rating: 7/10 (30 December 2005)

I've never read the Narnia Chronicles (gasp!) so I came to this movie with very few preconceptions. And I have to say the film was a pleasant enough diversion for a couple of hours.
As one might expect, the movie is heavily dependent upon CGI effects for its realisation, but it would be a terrible inaccuracy to say that it depended on them for its entertainment. True, the animal inhabitants and fantastic beasts of Narnia are all the better for the CGI treatment, but its the actors (and voices) that really make the movie worthwhile. In particular, the young stars of the film playing the Pevensey children are outstanding and I'm sure we'll be seeing more of them in the future.
It's rare also that I spot something particularly well done amongst the omnipresent CGI effects these days - usually its quite the reverse, but I did here. In the large final battle feline warriors of both sides charge and leap at each other. The way the cats meet each other and twist in the air will be immediately familiar to anyone who has owned cats, particularly kittens, and watched them fighting. These brief scenes are exceptionally well-done and hats off to the CGI artists for this.
The animals are not overtly anthropomorphised either, which is nice. They speak, and make head gestures rather nicely like a human might. But the features aren't too "altered", if you know what I mean.
As for the story, you are either familiar with it (having read the books) or ignorant of it (like me) but the basic plot is instantly familiar and recognisable. Good vs. Evil etc. and the ending is exactly as you might expect it to turn out.
That said, the film is enjoyable thanks to the cast and effects and I'm sure we'll be seeing more of Narnia in the future.