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

Review by Jenga

4.6 / 5

Each of the actors portraying the Pevensie children truly amazed me with their expressive talents. Skandar Keynes displayed Edmund's inner trials with incredible precision and his amazing eyes. Anna Popplewell definitely held down the fort as the practical Susan, who experiences all sorts of emotions and in the process learns who she is in this tale. William Moseley as Peter was truly inspiring, and Georgie Henley as Lucy was enchanting, especially during her scenes with Tumnus.

I reread the book after watching the film and noticed that they had slipped with some minor details, such as Mr Tumnus' fur, which is originally black in the novel. I'm glad they went against the original writing in this example, because black hair has become somewhat passé in today's culture.

The special effects were well implemented, especially with Mr Tumnus' fireplace, unexpectedly ending with Aslan's roar! Much of the cinematography kept me guessing, such as Maugrim jumping out of seemingly nowhere at several points in the film. The scene of Aslan's death was very tastefully filmed, in my opinion. Too many of today's movies shoot the wound instead of the person, which desensitizes the viewer to the death.

The Narnian creatures were beautifully made up and looked incredibly real. The only problem I could see was the fact that many of the creatures on the White Witch's side looked too much like those from the Lord of the Rings. I know they used the Weta Workshop artists, but a little variation would have been appreciated.

I enjoyed this film, a true popcorn flick with heart and a deeper message than most. Certainly not for the little ones, but a worthy one to go see. When it comes to a more affordable theatre nearby my house, I'm going to see it again!

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Category scores

Directing5
Acting5
Screenplay5
Cinematography5
Music (Score)4
Art Direction4
Costume Design5
Make-Up4
Special Effects4
Editing5

Cast

Liam Neesonas Aslan5
William Moseleyas Peter Pevensie4
Anna Popplewellas Susan Pevensie4
Georgie Henleyas Lucy Pevensie5
Skandar Keynesas Edmund Pevensie4
James McAvoyas Mr. Tumnus5
Ray Winstoneas Mr. Beaver5
Dawn Frenchas Mrs. Beaver5
Rupert Everettas Fox5
James Cosmoas Father Christmas4
Tilda Swintonas The White Witch5
Kiran Shahas Ginarrbrik3
Michael Madsenas Maugrim5
Patrick Kakeas Oreius4
Shane Rangias Otmin4
Jim Broadbentas Professor Kirke4
Elizabeth Hawthorneas Mrs. Macready4
Judy McIntoshas Mrs. Pevensie5

Moments & details

Andrew Adamson in bringing The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe to the big screen5
The realism of the computer-generated creatures and armies of Narnia5
The opening bombing-raid scenes in London4
The realization of Lucy meeting Mr. Tumnus on screen5
The addition of the escape on the icy river by Peter, Susan and Lucy3
The realization of meeting Aslan for the first time on screen4
The realization of The Stone Table on screen5
The Battle at the Fords of Beruna5
The resurrection of Aslan5
The final sequence at Cair Paravel4
The Hunt for the White Stag3
The emotional effect of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe5
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