GroshLink

Hey there, Theresa had the opportunity to see The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe this morning. I can't wait to join members of Church of the Ascension for a Saturday showing, but none-the-less I wanted to set appropriate expectations. So Theresa, what's your initial reaction to the film. Did it meet your expectations(note: if you don't want to read the spoilers ignore more)?

Yes, I thought from the previews that it appeared to be well done, but I was afraid that these were the best parts. In this case the whole movie was as good as the previews. I was most curious about the talking animals, especially Aslan, and I definately thought they were well done. There was even a little comic relief, the Beavers were most humorous.

So Aslan was believable?

Yes, I think Aslan was believable. He looked better than the BBC series. The 2 things that validate him are what he looks like and what he sounds like. His gentle, deep voice matched my expectations (note from Tom, voice provided by Liam Neeson, much better than James Earl Jones . . . it would have been difficult to overcome the legacy of Darth Vader).

Is it true to the book?

Yes, my friend who joined me for the showing agreed with me that it was true to the book. There were a few scenes that were not in the book, but we also agree that they added to the character development. Make sure you stay for the credits, there is a pause to set-up possible sequels.

Would you take Hayley & Ellen (our 5 year old twins) to it?

Although the battle scenes were not gorry (driven by implied violence), the witch's forces were as ugly as the LOTR orcs and I think my girls would not be up for such a film for another year or so, I might let them see it a little sooner not in the theatre. I thought my nephews (11, 9, 8) would really like it.

Anything else?

I think that covers the main things. It's great, wholesome, quality entertainment. It's not preachy. It's just like the book. You can take your preconceptions into the film and look for the parallels between Aslan and Christ, but you could watch the film w/o any of those preconceptions and enjoy it as a wonderful story (note by Tom: that points to the Kingdom of God . . . don't tell her I added this note).