Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (PG)
Mike:
Scott:
Scott: Tonight we are reviewing The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
, a story about 4 young children and their adventures in furniture. Just kidding- kind of at least. When one child hides in a Wardrobe at an old English manor, she finds a new world and that world Narnia, has been waiting for her.
Mike: So what did you think?
Scott: Well then, hmm, what to say "Old Chap"? I liked it... I really did like it- in places that is. Seemed to be a bit slow here or there. Overall it wasn't too bad though. And you?
Mike: I liked it, too. I wasn't bowled over like I had hoped to be, but I think that kids and families will love it.
It started off a bit slow and I have to admit I was waiting for the battle scenes I had seen in the trailer.
Scott: I was too. The movie had a roller coaster effect on me. The movie would get you going, and I would really get into it, and then they would throw the brakes on you.
Mike: I agree it was up and down. The good thing is even though I had not read the book or books; I did not find the story predictable. In fact it makes me want to go back in time and read them as a kid.
Since I can't do that I may just pick them up and read them now.
Scott: I haven't read the books either so I can't say what was missing or what wasn't. It felt like there was more to a couple characters than the books were letting on. For one, I thought that Jim Broadbent's character Professor Kirke played a larger role in the book than in this movie. For some reason I want to say that he was actually the Lion. No reason behind it other than a feeling.
Mike: Uh, OK.
Scott: I also had the feeling that in the book we learn more about Oreius played by Patrick Kake. The movie barely brushed by his character with no development and little screen time considering he seems to lead the good guy's armies.
Mike: Visually the movie is amazing. Narnia will definitely stick with you. The creature effects are also incredible, especially the beavers and the lion. If they weren't talking you would think they were real.
Scott: I enjoyed the effects. They looked real enough throughout. A few shots looked like they were shot in front of a painted background, but mostly it was quite fun.
Mike: In English class we always had to identify the theme of a story and this one definitely fits that old standby- Good vs. Evil.
Scott: Good vs. Evil, I'd say you are right about that.
Mike: Tilda Swinton does a great job personifying evil as the White Witch. She's right up there with the Wicked Witch of the West. Or is it east?
Scott: She looked really good, spooky even.
Mike: From the trailer you may think this movie is very Lord of the Rings, but I think it is more Wizard of OZ. I will admit when it comes to the evil creatures it does start to look like LOTR.
Scott: I thought I saw an Orc... I did, I did.
Mike: Did you recognize Tilda; she was the Angel Gabriel in Constantine.
Scott: Ah, that was where I recognized her from. She looked the same in both really. Her wardrobe was odd in this, her shoulders were bare often, but the top of her dress was all funky and sticking out.
Mike: She's very androgynous looking. UH OH, I've been looking in the dictionary again.
Scott: Good choice of words, I was trying to come up with a big word like that, but got stuck on spooky.
Mike: The movie also has some biblical elements as well as some WWII references. I won't reveal the religious elements, so as not to give away story elements for those that haven't read the books.
Scott: Let's say that it wasn't quite Man vs. Satan.
Mike: As far as World War II, the movie happens during that time period. But even some of the battle scenes in Narnia are reminders, especially the giant birds that drop rocks. They look a lot like the German bombers dropping bombs from the beginning of the film.
The cast is largely unknowns, but the are a few famous voices in the film, most notably Liam Neeson as Aslan.
Scott: The young actors playing the young humans that venture into this strange land are Lucy Pevensie (Georgie Henley), Edmund Pevensie (Skandar Keynes), Peter Pevensie (William Moseley), and Susan Pevensie (Anna Popplewell).
Mike: The kids are pretty good as average kids, but no real amazing actors in the bunch.
I don't think any of them are related, but they sure do look like brothers and sisters.
Scott: There was no outrageous crying like in some movies about Wars in other Worlds.
Mike: Are you still on that? I finally saw that movie the other day and I have to say it didn't bother me half as much as it must have bothered you.
You have to admit that it's a great fantasy idea to be able to step into a giant wardrobe and step out into a completely magical realm on the other side.
Scott: To be sure I think that. I was thinking, "I have to find one of these wardrobes." That would be so freaking cool!
I was rooting for this movie to be good just because I thought the idea was great. How many young imaginations are centered on going to a secret place and being a hero?
Mike: There are a few scenes that may upset younger kids, but I want to tell them that everything works itself out. Everything.
Scott: The killing in the movie was GI Joe killing. You know someone was hurt, and maybe killed, but you really don't see anything.
Mike: True, not a drop of blood.
Once again, let me mention the score. Very fitting for a fantasy movie, with some great heroic themes.
Scott: I never even noticed it. You believe that? I'll take your word for it though.
Mike: One more thing did you know what hit movies the director Andrew Adamson is most famous for?
Scott: No.
Mike: Would you believe Shrek and Shrek 2? Now you know.
Scott: Interesting. Would not have guessed it.
Mike: Also, let's warn people that this movie is on the long side about 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Be sure to make a pit stop before the movie.
Scott: Children who read the book should enjoy it, but it is a bit long. Adults who read the book seemed to like it.
So what do you rate this one Mike? I'll call it family adventure.
Mike: I give the movie 4 stars for family adventure and 4 stars overall.
Scott: I give it a 2.5 overall and a 3 for family adventure.
Scott: Also, there is a bit of an extra during the credits, make sure you don't leave before catching it.
Finally, you may want to wear a sweater to the movie as seeing all of that snow on screen makes the theatre feel a bit cool.
Mike: Don't say its "Narnia" business, go and see this movie.
