Although we have Netflicks, Kalila’s aunt was nice enough to give a gift card for Blockbuster. So, we got Revenge of the Sith (since Kalila had not seen it), and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I had prejudices against Charlie and the Chocolate Factory since the previews were all lame, and they make Willie Wonka out to be…oh, what’s the word…lame. The first 30 minutes weren’t bad, it was just when they went to the Factory that it took a turn for the worst. I’m sorry we wasted our time with such an awful rendition of a perfectly good movie. Gene Wilder was impossible to top. I really don’t know what Tim Burton was thinking. I understand this was not supposed to be a remake, but a different interpretation of the book. But if Roald Dahl helped work on the original, why would you even try?

With regards to Revenge of the Sith, is it possible for Hayden Christiansen to act worse? His performance was deplorable. Natalie Portman wasn’t much better. This film had great effects, generally, but was riddled with bad acting, probably as result of a bad story line. The problem for us is that both Star Wars and the Chocolate Factory are movies that you have to see, even though they are a waste of time and money.

In response to those who have not liked what I’ve had to say about Narnia, let me assure you that I did have disclaimers and I have started reading/listening to The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. The book is better than the movies portray. Since last week I have also talked quite a bit to friends about the film and books. It is funny how quickly people jump to defend Narnia (no offense to Jason, Peggy, or Daniel for their comments). Here are some common remarks I have heard, including those responding to last post:

It is for kids, thus it is simpler and leaves much to wonder.

I know it is for kids, but there are many other movies/stories that are for kids that have more coherency and are entertaining for adults. For example, Willie Wonka and the Chocoate Factory, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and ET to name a few.

You cannot compare Lord of the Rings with Narnia, they are different genres and written for different audiences.

I do believe this to be incorrect. Although Lewis was more prone to allegory, both Narnia and LOTR are in the fantasy (fairie) story genre and were initially intended for children. I have found nothing in Tolkien biographies that have indicated LOTR was intended for adults. I would also consider Harry Potter in the same genre. Both Tolkien and Lewis were literature professors and had overlap in genre when writing their classics.

The winter ending in the movie before the children “accomplish” any thing signals an inauguration of her demise, much like the inaugurated kingdom of God.

This seems to make sense when thought of in these terms, especially as the “prophecy” about the children is being fulfilled in that they are there.

The fact that this is a series of movies that will be released for the next few years means that they will get better.

I agree with this. As the budget is maintained, as they get feedback, and as they learn how to adapt the book after the first one, one would think they would only get better.

More to come as I read the books.

…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.

Would have blogged more last week but I was too wrapped up in commenting on James’ blog to put something together. Life continues to march on here and I am less than 3 weeks from my wedding. Don’t know what to feel. I’ve been telling people that I am going into things with no expectations, no ideals (theoretically atleast). I coundn’t be happier. On Saturday I bussed Kalila back here without her family knowing (round trip cost around $150). We had a precious 58 hours together before I dropped her off at South Station this morning. I have Friday and Saturday off, so I shall pick her up on Friday and we should get back on Saturday night. Then she will be done Ithaca for good, and we will have terminated our tenure as a long-distance couple, finally.

I’m feeling bad because I haven’t been to church in 6 weeks and really miss the beloved saints from King of Grace. They probably think I’ve left the church by now! But that is certainly not the case. Looking forward to sweet times with them this summer.

Saw “I Love Huckabees” last night with Kalila. Hilarious movie about the tensions of existentialism and nihilism in a most briliant comedy. Who would have guessed Mark Wahlberg would have been my favorite character.