Review from someone who hasn't read the books

Rating: 4/10 (9 December 2005)

I didn't have any expectations regarding this movie but still it managed to disappoint me. The special effects are fantastic and are sadly the best part of the movie. Aslan looks amazing! My main problem was that the movie wastes a lot of time in some scenes like the War in London, Pevensies taking the train, going to the new home, Lucy meeting Tumnus... The Witch is far from being scary and her castle or evil deeds are unimpressive. The Beavers look great and are believable. Aslan is great. The rest of the characters in the movie are given ZERO depth. Are we supposed to feel sorry when they die in the war? I didn't even remember their names. There is little if any character depth in this movie... even the Pevensies. Geographically the movie gives us little or no indications as to where the characters are or where they are going. People just show up like it's a 20 minute ride. In the frozen lake bit the kids are half way through but they manage to outrun a sled in a couple of minutes. Suddenly there is some ancient prophecy that we don't know and now the kid has to die. Then there is a war and the kids know how to fight and to lead a medieval style battle. Everyone who read the book will probably hate my comment but this is MY OPINION. I didn't read the books and honestly I don't have any intention on doing so. If you want to give something for your kids to read get some Enid Blyton. There are no mythological creatures but the adventures are far more interesting.