Disney's Narnia

[Theophilus7]

Hello folks,

It's been a while. As some of you know, I've started a degree at St. Andrews, and have been a bit bogged down with Physics and Philosophy ever since!

But I wanted to see what some of you guys thought about the recent Narnia film (ok, not all that recent, but better late than never).

For my own part, I was pretty disappointed (I have written a short review here if you're interested) - particularly with how they presented Aslan. He didn't seem much more to me than a magic lion. But what did you think?

T7

 

[SteelDisciple]

Hello folks,

It's been a while. As some of you know, I've started a degree at St. Andrews, and have been a bit bogged down with Physics and Philosophy ever since!

But I wanted to see what some of you guys thought about the recent Narnia film (ok, not all that recent, but better late than never).

For my own part, I was pretty disappointed (I have written a short review here if you're interested) - particularly with how they presented Aslan. He didn't seem much more to me than a magic lion. But what did you think?

T7

I thought it was a great film. It WAS a little rushed and I read a recent interview from the director who said an Extended Edition will be released as well. I think this will help A LOT to flesh out Aslan and his relationship to the children...and I suspect the relationship between the Minotaur and the oldest kid will be fleshed out as well. I think the Ext. Ed. will really raise the notch on it.

Building that relationship between Aslan and the kids will make the sacrifice all that more meaningful.

I think it's a good fantasy flick in the same way Legend is. Meaning it's not as epic as the great Lord of the Rings...but a great DIFFERENT style of fantasy story.

 

[Captivated]

I'm a huge Narnia fan and have read the books many times. I enjoyed the film and spent much of the first time I saw it in tears because it was so much as I imagined it. Apart from TPOTC I don't think I have been as much moved by a film. However, I think it is perfectly possible that I brought a lot to the film myself being a Christian and knowing the book inside out. I can see that some of the significance of the book may well be lost on someone who has neither of these advantages. I take your point about the relationship between the children and Aslan. It has no time to develop leaving us to question the apparent depth of Lucy and Susan's feelings when he is sacrificed by the White Witch. Maybe I am settling for something less than it could have been because I feel that it was as good as I could expect from non-Christian movie makers. That doesn't detract from my enjoyment level however.

 

[sherri]

I've been a christian all my life - the narnia books were my favourite books of all time and I read the series so many times over it wasn't funny. (I'm talking 10-12 here for my favourites)

Someone finally told me that it had christian themes when I was in my 20's and I went huh? You're kidding?

Sorry, but as a 'christian' series I find it hugely overrated.

The only effect it had on me was increase a longing for the whole world of fantasy and magic and boredom and frustration with normal life. ie the normal effect of books that glamorise magic (supernatural power from a source other then God) and fantasy on kids. It also had the other usual side effect of encouraging daydreaming and fantasy/escapism.

Sorry but as much as I love C.S.Lewis's heart - that whole series, movie or book gets a major thumbs down from me.

 

[Alpine]

I thought it was a great film. It WAS a little rushed and I read a recent interview from the director who said an Extended Edition will be released as well.

It was rushed. I think it took them about a year and a half to make the movie which for a special effects spectacle is very fast.
I thought the special effects were so so.
I'd probably rate the movie at the same level of Harry Potter films. Only difference was I didn't feel very connected to the children for some reason.

 

[Tranceformer110]

I thought the acting was blah.