The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)

You won't be disappointed!

Why so much hype?

Beautiful, moving film.

The film may be flawed, but its message is not.

I had grown up with the Narnia books and while I enjoyed all of them, the one that stayed with me the most was The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. It introduced us to a world inspired by Greek mythology and the Christian Bible. I admit that if you're not Christian, this movie isn't for you, but if you grew up with the books seeing this movie may be on your to-do list. I did not get to see it in theaters, but I got to watch it that spring around Easter. Not only do we get lions, centaurs, griffins, fauns, and other critters but we get four siblings who stay together and look out for each other. Now that's family!

It was great to see an award winning book turned into a solid children's fantasy film. Especially to kick off the first movie in the Narnia franchise. I never would have guessed the movie was from 2005 considering that the special effects were so exceptional. The casting I believe was just as good. Tilda Swinton made a great White Witch and Liam Neeson nailed his role as Aslan capturing the selfless beast he was meant to be. Though the movie was fairly long, certain scenes did move rather quickly. Select portions of the story line passed by too quickly in the film like the ending fight scene between the White Witch's army and that of Aslan's. Also, more time could have been put into the training of Peter becoming a warrior instead of him hardly knowing how to use a sword against a wolf in one scene and being able to slay many of the witch's experienced army himself the next. All in all, it was still a great movie that I enjoyed very much and I'm looking forward to seeing the latest expansion in the franchise, The Silver Chair.

I wonder what would say old Walt about what his company has become: it wants to be the reference of entertainment, magic, dreams family values and child happiness and what they sell at the end is war, blood, violence, soldiers… Here the movie starts like a escapist fantasy, a bit cold with this snow Queen but funny with those talking beavers and then it turns into an army recruitment: a sort of Santa Claus brings guns to the kid, they must hail to the old lion king before going to the killing field fighting the usual ugly dark forces! It's a shame! I'm appalled! You will see a happy, courageous 8 years old girl with a knife and nobody reacts! Her siblings have swords, arrows and it's the same apathy! Where is the old, sweet, compassionate Disney ??? I always thought that using kids in a war was a crime against humanity but now, because it's Disney and the pal of Tolkien is become fun and entertainment! I wish audience could wake up and think AGAIN!... In a bizarre way, America keeps on putting good values on the package but the inside message is totally twisted (no democracy, no tolerance, enemy everywhere, massive weapons,...). I found the young team rather good and the siblings rivalry interesting but at the end i can't support such brainwashing and violations! (and i didn't comment the rather disturbing friendship of a young girl and a Satyr!!!)...

Narnia is a book a series that I admittedly have not read, not a single one, but I have seen the film adaptations of those best selling books. This first installment is the best of all of them in my humble opinion. First of all, let's start with the sets. The film's sets are so on point for the time period this is set in, its very historically accurate and they all have great visual attraction to them. The Narnia scenery is beautiful, breathtaking views of snowy mountains, then of all a sudden, the season suddenly turns to a wonderful spring day, complete with trickling rivers, budding flowers, and a huge battlefield, which is where the big final battle takes place. The actors really handle their characters very well, all the teens are great actors/actresses and they all show great potential, especially Peter. Tilda Swinton is absolutely incredible as the White Queen, there couldn't have been a better choice to play the wicked antagonistic role. Tilda brings a certain cold, distant, and effortlessly evil presence to the role, which works very well. The writing is very good, it adds a good bit of character depth, which is pretty rare with movies starring teenagers. The effects, makeup (Oscar nomination), and the action sequences are all so intricate and well done. Especially the makeup, that is a very important factor for some characters in here. I suggest kids, teens and adults all see this if you haven't already had the pleasure. 9/10.