December 07, 2005
The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe Reviews
The early reviews for my personal most anticipated film of the season (The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe) are upon us, and as expected they are looking really solid.
I guess the marketing plan has worked too, since every major theater in my area is already reporting that every single showing of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe are sold out for Friday's premiere. Good grief! I was even able to snag tickets for Harry Potter the day before.
So here's what some of the critics are saying about The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe:
"What is lightly sketched in the novel, where much is left to the imagination, blossoms into full-blown, richly detailed life in the movie."As of this writing, The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe is holding an 80% rating over at Rotten Tomatoes and I expect that number to rise. I'm quite excited about seeing.
Kirk Honeycutt, HOLLYWOOD REPORTER"It doesn't just live up to its source material, it surpasses it by finding nuances in the story that C.S. Lewis didn't."
Joshua Tyler, CINEMABLEND.COM"Not only does Adamson do right by C.S. Lewis' beloved book, but he sets the stage for a very promising new franchise."
Rob Vaux, FLIPSIDE MOVIE EMPORIUM
Posted by John Campea at December 7, 2005 09:37 AM
Comments
Posted by: pablo at December 7, 2005 10:35 AM
It looks like it will be amazing. Can't wait to see it. But I am not going to go out until after the weekend. Last time I saw Harry Potter on opening night, stood in line for 30 minutes just to get in to find a seat and then was left in one of the front rows (with a crooked neck afterwards). Somebody spilled soda all over the floor...it was hot, overcrowded. Grrrr...I think I'll wait to see it at 10:00am on Monday or Tuesday.
Posted by: Brooksilver ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](../../../../nav-commenters.gif)
at December 7, 2005 11:03 AM
I got my ticket for tomorrow, dont worry i wont tell you what happens at the end (as if we dont already know)
Posted by: pendragon00 at December 7, 2005 11:13 AM
John,
My family and I saw this last Saturday at a special screening here in St. Louis.
Although the trailers give it a LOTR feel, there are not as many action-packed sequences, thus those looking for more of the same may be disappointed. It's more of a road adventure movie where three of the four children have to find the
fourth, before the White Witch catches up to
them.
It reminds me more of older Disney live action films such as 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and the Swiss Family Robinson which is not a bad thing at all.
That being said, the overall production is wonderfully executed and has quite a few memorable performances, starting with Tilda Swinton as the White Witch. She's mean as hell and leaves quite as impression as one of the best film villians in recent years. Her abrupt attitude changes from (false)kindness to anger is
quite chilling. Georgie Henley as the youngest child Lucy and James McAvoy as Mr. Tumnus also stand out.
And you needn't worry about Liam Neeson as Aslan's voice. He turns out to be perfect for the character, somewhat soft spoken and wise but aggresive and assertive when he needs to be.
The one big battle scene is very well done and has some great cinematography and CG. The shots of the White Witch riding towards the camera in her chariot being pulled by three polar bears, as shown on the movie poster, is a great effect.
Overall, it seems to be a film that grows on you after you leave the theater. I m giving it a solid 9 out of 10 and wouldn't mind seeing it again soon.
Posted by: Redcon11 at December 7, 2005 12:13 PM
Great to hear - looking forward to it myself. Kong is my #1 film anticipation-wise.
Posted by: Lou_Sytsma at December 7, 2005 10:27 PM
hmmmm, its more of a "road adventure" ? now i am concerned.
The trailer focuses on action sequences throughout? can't say i am excited now.
My last month of movie watching has been dire:
1. potter-tripe
2. transporter 2 garbage
3. do i watch narnia?????? nope think i will give it a miss
will just dig out happy gilmore for soem entertainment in the mean time.
Posted by: pablo at December 8, 2005 05:04 AM
Concerned about the movie being more of a road adventure? Then perhaps you should get more familiar with the original source material, i.e. the book. If you're looking for nothing but action sequences with little plot to get in your way I suggest Troy and King Arthur; well filmed battles with very forgettable plotlines.
Posted by: Mr. Seadog at December 8, 2005 10:09 AM
Just been to see the film.
FANTASTIC
EFFECTS 10/10
ACTORS 10/10
A must see!!!!
100%
Dont dis it until you have seen it!!!!
It's amazing and magical
Posted by: Richard at December 12, 2005 06:00 PM
Aslan was DEFINITELY worth the ticket price.
Posted by: Simone at December 17, 2005 03:37 PM
this movie sucked OUT LOUD. who are you people? there was NOTHING about this movie that was good. unless this is the first movie you've ever seen. then you are free to be impressed by how much crap $180 million will buy.
Posted by: marc at January 9, 2006 01:57 AM
The only review i have heard was from jonathan ross and he says quite the opposite.
Although he did say brothers grimm was a lot of fun, so maybe that ain't a bad thing.