An amazing film... a masterpiece

Rating: 9/10 (13 January 2006)

It's been a while since I last read the book, so I can't say how true to the book it is... but I absolutely loved the old version of this, so when I watched it the first time, I was comparing it the whole time. Which is why I saw it again, and it just took me away! The film starts with the devastation of the Blitz in 1940. Very quickly it moves on into Narnia, and how all 4 children eventually come to enter that world. The children learn their purpose in Narnia, and although they have their doubts about it, they travel across the land to meet the great Aslan and defeat the White Witch.
Like I say, the film moves very quickly to begin with. There's not much (if any) unnecessary speech, or slow moving shots to fall asleep to. When the children are in Narnia, the story still moves fairly quickly, keeping you interested. Unlike the old version, I felt there was a constant chase from when they left the Beavers' house right up until they get to Aslan's camp. Being an action fan, this kept my eyes fixed on the screen! Aslan was portrayed very majestically, with a voice of someone who really cares, but with a roar so powerful that if you were really there you'd be shaking! The final battle made me think instantly of the likes of 'Braveheart', yet is was filmed in such a way that you can see how brutal battles are, but without showing any blood or gore, so that kids can enjoy the film as well.
To ignore the Christian themes in the book would do it injustice. The film showed these themes, neither making light work of them, nor pushing them 'in your face' as it were. Anyone who has a small understanding of who Jesus is will see these themes, and can ponder them in their own time, but kids can easily watch the film and take it purely as a great adventure story of good overcoming evil.
This film is far better than the old one (although the old one is still great!), and anyone can enjoy it. If you are not wanting to watch it because of the Christian themes in it, then watch it as an adventure film (like 'Willow'). This really is a masterpiece, with a fantastic soundtrack to accompany it!