Narnia!

[Sarangel]

This morning we were lucky enough to go to a pre-screening for Narnia (hey, that Disney Visa is good for something after all ) and all I can say is "Wow!"

Let me start by saying, I'm a lifelong fan of the books and I've seen to BBC version of them. This blows away the BBC version and anything I've seen come out of Disney in, literally, years. They managed to stay faithful to the books without compromising the film. The did cut out a few sceens, and added a few in that weren't in the book, but the overall effect is wonderful. I especially liked what they did with Mr. Beaver, the professor, and Edmund's transformation (no, I won't spoil anything for those of you who haven't seen it).

The four children were lovely, though I've yet to see a Lucy that matches my image from the books. The casting for Mr. Tumnas (who I didn't get from the credits) was inspired, he was immediately likeable. The CGI was very good, though I'm not crazy about some of the things they did (technically) with Aslan. The rest of the creatures (as one would expcet from WETA) were all practically perfect.

I can't think of one major thing that I didn't like about this film, and very few minor ones (as noted above). I'd rate this as a definate keeper, and I may even plunk down another $10 to go see it again before it leaves the theatres (something I can't remember doing for anything since Aladdin).

The Christian subtext was there, but was barely more prevelent than in the books. Which is to say that if you want to ignore it, you can. When you go to see this film, get there early since I'm betting this will do well at the box office. Oh, and stay into the credits....

I'm happy to answer any questions from the peanut gallery.

 

[Texowl2]

Not too bad-entertaining, but not Lord of the Rings. Incredible number of fantastic creatures-fawns, centaurs, minotaurs,eagle/lions, dwarves, cyclops, unicorn, others I don't know the names of. I think it will do pretty well, but it is not for those under 10 or so....

 

[ryley26]

thanks for the message going this weekend can't wait

 

[Alysa]

How exciting - I LOVED these books as a child - tied with Anne of Green Gables for my favourite childhood stories of all time. Can't wait until Friday!
Worried about everyone's criticism of Aslan - but then so much was left to your imagination in the books, how can he possibly stand up to what you have pictured? Perhaps he will be like gollum in the first Lord of the Rings and improve greatly over the next SIX films! I have heard that they have already started on Prince Caspian. Thanks for the post!

 

[freakylick]

In your opinion, what is the age range of this movie. I am considering taking my nephew (6), but not sure if he is old enough to enjoy this yet.

 

[Sarangel]

In your opinion, what is the age range of this movie. I am considering taking my nephew (6), but not sure if he is old enough to enjoy this yet.

A lot depends on the attentions span of the child in question. I would take our 2 1/2 year old daughter to see this, except for the fairly realistic violence. I would think that 6 would be a good age, just be prepared for the battle scenes. There is no inappropriate language or sexual content.

And I have to say I disagree with Texowl2 - I'm almost 40 and I enjoyed this film a great deal (way over the age 10 limit). I suppose that's personal opinion for you.


Sarangel

 

[CarnotaurDad]

I've read a lot of reviews and almost universally it is getting a huge thumps up. most of the reviews go like this:

"I thought there was no way of ever depicting on screen at C.S. Lewis' vision was like, but this version goes beyond what I ever could of hoped for."

Personally, I'm surprised how many reviewers recall loving the books as little children. IMHO, this might go way beyond Lord of the Rings from a "personal connection" standpoint.

 

[Kaelyn]

last i heard they are almost done writing the script for p.c. and have all the actors under contract. they are waiting to see the numbers from this one before disney gives the funding to start filiming. i am just hoping that it doesn't go the way of h.p. with a new director for every film and that they NEVER bring in the director of azkaban. let's not loose the continuity factor from film to film.

 

[rwodonnell]

And I have to say I disagree with Texowl2 - I'm almost 40 and I enjoyed this film a great deal (way over the age 10 limit). I suppose that's personal opinion for you.

Perhaps Texowl2 has edited their post, but that's not how I read it - I think they were saying that 10 and under may have trouble with portions of it.

I'm very excited about this movie as well, and am happy to hear your glowing review!

 

[Sarangel]

You're right, I mis-read the post. Ooops.

 

[PrincessAurora]

I agree that it is a great film. I saw it on Opening and was pleasently surprised. I agree with you Sarangel about Lucy. She was good but just not what was in my head from the books.

In grade school I played Lucy in the play and my friend told me that she also did the play in school playing the White Witch. It does seem like it really is nostalgic for lots of people. I hope they continue to make quality films from this series.

 

[erikthewise]

I've read a lot of reviews and almost universally it is getting a huge thumps up. most of the reviews go like this:

"I thought there was no way of ever depicting on screen at C.S. Lewis' vision was like, but this version goes beyond what I ever could of hoped for."

Personally, I'm surprised how many reviewers recall loving the books as little children. IMHO, this might go way beyond "Lord of the Rings" from a "personal connection" standpoint.

I think maybe you underestimate the "personal connection" factor in the Lord of the Rings movies. There were tens of millions of people worldwide who had read and loved the books, and millions (such as myself) who qualified as full-fledged fanatics. When popular surveys of the greatest books of all time are made (as opposed to literary critics), "Lord of the Rings" shows up somewhere in the top ten. The movies made $3 billion worldwide, which translates to somewhere between 300M and 500M viewings, and that doesn't even consider the DVD's.

The Narnia movie(s) will probably do well, perhaps even approaching the Lord of the Rings, but there's no way it can go "way beyond".

 

[CarnotaurDad]

Hi Erik,

I probably didn't do a good enough job explaining "way beyond". I don't think there is any way it will approach LOTR at the box office. What I was suggesting, though, is that there might be more of a personal connection for people than LOTR. Because the Narnia books are more accessible (IMHO) to children, there are more adults who read it as children than LOTR. I would wager that LOTR was introduced to most somewhere between 10 - 14, if not later; whereas Narnia can be introducted sooner.

That said, I agree there isn't the fanatacism (and I don't mean that in a bad way) around Narnia as there is around LOTR. Not at all. I also don't think Narnia will threaten LOTR. It will be a nice franchise, though, I imagine.

 

[erikthewise]

Hi Erik,

I probably didn't do a good enough job explaining "way beyond". I don't think there is any way it will approach LOTR at the box office. What I was suggesting, though, is that there might be more of a personal connection for people than LOTR. Because the Narnia books are more accessible (IMHO) to children, there are more adults who read it as children than LOTR. I would wager that LOTR was introduced to most somewhere between 10 - 14, if not later; whereas Narnia can be introducted sooner.

That said, I agree there isn't the fanatacism (and I don't mean that in a bad way) around Narnia as there is around LOTR. Not at all. I also don't think Narnia will threaten LOTR. It will be a nice franchise, though, I imagine.

OK I see your point better now, that people could get in touch with it at a younger age. Makes sense. LOTR is a difficult book even for adults and I read it the first time at ages 12-14 as you mention. (From the first US edition by Ballantine books -- still have those copies!)

 

[searchdisney]

I also liked the film, especially Tumnus, Lucy and the White Witch.