…I couldn’t tell the difference.
Warning: Spoilers ahead and a negative review from someone who hasn’t read the books.
Disclaimer: Last I checked, I am not a child, so perhaps the whole concept of Narnia is far below my reach for entertainment. I am partial towards Lord of the Rings because there is more depth than can be grasped in a lifetime of study. That is the kind of “entertainment” I love. I have no prejudice against the Narnia books since I have not read them. I will surely read them, and read them to my children. But for now, what you are reading below is shooting from the hip.
I must say that I was thoroughly annoyed with this movie/story. There were so many things wrong with it. Kalila and I went into it pretty jazzed to see a classic like this put to film, hoping that it would not be a cringing semblance to Lord of the Rings. We both have not read the books, as was the case with LOTR, but were anticipating the new fantasy experience. We were dissappointed. A movie/story like this puts a massive divide between Tolkien and Lewis, MASSIVE. Lewis is good, Tolkien is genius. Let’s explore why, though. I will begin with what was good about this film.
The Good. As a film, the CGI was great. It was on par with, if not superior to, any CGI out there. The cinematography was done very well and you could feel that it was another world. Aslan looked great, very realistic, as did the beavers. Tilda Swinton was very good for the part, she reminded me in many ways of the witch/queen from Willow. The children looked great for this role; classic British WWII era kids. They have/had so much potential to make this film great.
The Bad. The worst thing about the movie/story was that certain concepts were simply stupid, or didn’t make any sense. I’m sure this is because there is no narrator or simply that the filmakers did a poor job of portraying the story. For instance, the children are faced with crossing a river below a waterfall when the ice was frozen, but melting. The wolves cross on top of the waterfall because it is obviously sturdier. Why wouldnt’ they have done the same thing? Instead they are surrounded on the melting ice by wolves? Edmund had an opportunity to escape from the Witch when they were by the river, he could have just jumped in. With regards to things I know are in the book: Why is the winter ending before there is a battle or there is any “victory”? How come no one but the children know where the portal to Narnia is? Does the Narnia world have any concept of the human world? Obviously, they do, because they know of “Sons of Adam, Daughters of Eve”. What is the significance of the “table” breaking in half after Aslan is resurrected? “According to the Deep Magic, if an innocent gives their life for another on the stone it breaks in two”. So what? Dude, what in the world is Santa Claus doing in Narnia? That concept is completely stupid. Why does the witch come to call account with Aslan for Edmund as a traitor? Is not she a traitor and deserve to die? What are the consequences if Edmund or Aslan is not killed? It just seems very suspect that a lawless witch is holding people to the law. Why not capture/kill the witch when she comes to meet about Edmund? Moreover, there were chemistry issues also. Peter’s “General” has this allegiance that is completely contrived and is completely cheesy. “I’ll be with you to the end.” The same goes for Aslan and the children, very little foundation for their relationship.
Conclusion. The only conclusion for me is to shut my mouth till I read the books. That doesn’t mean I will like them all, but that will probably answer most of my questions. I still can’t get over Santa Claus though. That is just lame.
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6 comments so far
Wow pretty harsh review. Did you realize you were going to watch a kid’s movie (5-12) based on books for kids? Content and concepts conceptualized for children not lacking depth but emphasizing simple wonder and love growing for Aslan as you encounter him.
The main disappointment of the movie for me, having read the stories, was the downplaying of the redemptive story and development of the children’s awe and love of Aslan. I think Lewis did a great job of exploring simple childlike love and excitement as the Christlike figure (Aslan) is encountered and come to be known by the children and the movie didn’t capture it enough. Lucy came the closest but they could have done better.
A couple of other responses your review.
The river and wolf scene not in the book think added for dramatic effect. Remember it is a movie suspension of disbelief is part of the experience.
Father Christmas and the melting snow.
Aslan has come the beginning of the end of the queen’s kingdom. Father Christmas had been kept out by her power not it is breaking, in fact you see it melting including her crown. These things were explained in the movie.
Regarding the Witch, did you see any satan parallels? Accuser, deceiver, etc.
I hope you read the books. They are wonderful but remember they are explorations of know Christ and redemption in a way that will be understood by children. The two most powerful parts of the movie were the exchange between Lucy and Tummnus after the coronation about Aslan not being tame but being good. Then the professor and Lucy as the credits were rolling, but to get the most of that one you probably need to read The Magician’s Nephew.
Hi Dave,
I too haven’t read the books, although Paul & the kids have read them repeatedly (and really appreciated the movie). I was surprised by Santa and the kids assured me that Father Christmas IS in the books.
It is so easy to be be critical though..it certainly wasn’t as exciting as LTR, but neither are the books!
ya, its geared to a younger audience but i think you would like the book. you gotta admit tho, the part when aslan rises from the dead is pretty freakin awesome.
Thanks for your feedback guys. Check out the latest posts for more thoughts.
Jason-welcome to blog world! I’m assuming this is Mr. Tockey. I read your post on Narnia too, good stuff.
Peggy-it is easy to be critical when we are spoiled with Lord of the Rings. it’s so well done.
Daniel-Aslan’s roar was pretty freakin loud. i was just unsatisfied with his explanation for the resurrection. i’m just going to keep reading/listening.
Hey Dave!
I have trouble respecting your comments…you seem to be comparing two very different types of movies, made for two different audiences. It is like trying to compare Saving Private Ryan and Lassie.
Certainly, there were some things (like the wardrobe’s role as a portal) that were not thoroughly explained: even in the books Lewis leaves much open to mystery and the imagination. As for the winter ending, there is your inaugurated eschatology, etc.
And about LoTR: they movies were okay, but nothing compared to the books. You seem to be quite dazzled by the impressive cinema of Peter Jackson (which I still respect) but which created a whole list of incongruencies that are not in the books. Things as ridiculous as the ice in Narnia. To nit-pick by way of uninformed opinion is, as you said, “just shooting from the hip”. Carefully you do not accidentally fire upon something of value.
I liked the Narnia movie: they captured the spirit of the books and brought the story to a new audience. It was not perfect (I have my own heistations about it) but it connected in a big way with me.
Read the LoTR and Narnia books! That is where the good stuff is.
thanks for the comments John, but check out the post after this one entitled “While I’m At It” and also read the comments. shoot me an email and let me know how things are going. and for God’s sake, John, BLOG!
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