I have been a fan of the series for years and while I enjoy movies based on boooks, I also come into them with some reserve. However, I had been waiting to see this movie since I saw the first teaser trailer about six months ago and all I have to say is... AMAZING!!! Ihis is the best movie I have sen in a long time, not to mention my new all-time favorite! It was all that I expected it to be and more! I was very impressed at how true it stayed to the book although there were a few minor changes. I am a big stickler when it comes to movies about books matching closely with the text and I was very pleased. The changes that had to be made were done so in the interest of the film's cohesiveness, etc and clearly weren't made arbitrarily. I can honestly say that it is a faithful retelling and that is a lot coming from me.

All of the characters were superb. they couldn't have found anyone better to cast as the Pevensie children. I was so surprised at how closely the real child's character matched their on-screen character. they also had an uncanny resemblance and rapport with one another that seemed just astonishing to me. I just couldn't get over how wonderfully Aslan was portrayed as well. I was very astounded at how well they had his character put together. Liam Neison had the perfect voice; Assertive, yet gentle. It was so difficult to imagine that the lion on the screen was computer generated. They made him look so real! I coudn't have been prouder or more pleased with my favorite character!

I also appreciated that the frigntening events in the story and a lot of the more graphic aspects of the battle were more implied and not shown outright. It wasn't C. S. Lewis' visiion for the story to depict graphically detailed encounters or battle scenes (the battle carried enough weight and was very exciting and action-packed without these elements as it was) and I am glad that they stayed with a chlid-friendly premise throughout the movie, as to fit the inteneded audience of the book. It is also nice to see movies for children, and adults too, without a hint of sexual inuendo or the usual crude humor that is so prevalent even in chlidren's films. Having said that, though, I do feel that parents and guardians must consider the chlid and his or her dispositions well before taking them, expecially if they are very young, as some of the scenes and characters can seen very frightening. the artistry, make-up, and costuming is outstanding, and thus, if a character is supposed to look scarey, it does, although not to the point to where its over-the-top. My general recomendation is that it will be suited for children around the age of eight and over, depending on their sensativity and maturlty level.

I was also pleased that there was no attempt to remove the underlying Christian themes that Lewis himself wrote into the story. A lot of reviewers in the media are using that fact as their basis for criticism, which makes me angry considering too many people today have turned away from Christianity and try to tell everyone else that the Christian view is wrong, which really gets under my skin above all else. In response to this, I will proudly proclaim that I am a Soldier of the Cross and am not ashamed to tell the world that I am a Christian. However, I am also am a consumer as well, And like others, I prefer to spend my money on entertainment options that fit my views. Christians, like myself, are entitled to entertainment choices that we can feel good about. I don't spend my cash or time on things that I don't care for, and I am sure those people don't either. If you don't like the Christian messages that is fine because you are entitled to your own opinion but don't tell the rest of the world that is is wrong just because you think it is because everyone else is entitled to form their own opinions too. The fact of the matter is, the movie can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of their faith, which is another positive aspect of the movie.

Kudos to Disney for this one. It is far better than anything they have produced in a very long time.

I think many of the classic stories make far better material for movies that most realize. I am glad for the trend that has developed in adapting classis literature to film. this one will certianly help to carry it further.

In my humble opinion, this movie has earned all five stars! Go see it while it is in the theater if you haven't already. You won't regret it!

However, if you are like me and have or plan to see it multiple times, let us shout together...
BRING ON THE DVD!!!