Great but it didn't move me

Rating: 8/10 (12 January 2006)

Having read the book, made a Mr Tumnus' house collage at school and watched the BBC series I was looking forward to this movie a lot. I must say, and I apologize if Sophie Wilcox reads this, that the Lucy in this film is a lot better looking than the girl in the BBC version - no buck teeth and bowl cut for a start. The whole movie was very beautiful, the effects, scenery and costumes were great. However, despite all of its great attributes, I didn't emotionally connect with this film as much as I thought I would. Aslan's death was rather scary, and sad, yet it did not cry. I am not sure if it was because, subconsciously I knew he would rise again or not. I'd like to think that is the case. The White Witch was a departure from the usual "snow queen" image. While she did have an icy crown of sorts she wasn't swathed in furs and, for once, did not have dark hair. She had blond dreadlocks and dead looking eyes. Very effective. Mr Tumnus was younger than I usually pictured him but still very cool. He wasn't as treacherous as I remembered either, though it has been more than 10 years since I read/saw Narnia last. Edmund was a little weasel and the boy who played him - Skyander Keynes (interesting name) did a great job. The beavers added some comedy and were very well animated. I thought through the whole movie that Aslan was voiced by Patrick "And-I've-seen-everything" Stewart, but it was Liam Neeson instead. I am not sure why I don't rate this film higher, I can't think of anything wrong with it, I just didn't come away thinking it was spectacular. A great film though, one that will no doubt spur on a revival of C.S Lewis' works.