Starring: Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes, William Moseley, Anna Popplewell, Tilda Swinton, Liam Neeson
Written by: C. S. Lewis (novel), Ann Peacock(screenplay)
Directed by: Andrew Adamson

I had unnaturally high expectations for this film. The previews suggested a vivid landscape, outstanding effects and lots of action. Honestly, one can't look at any aspect of this movie and not think about The Lord of the Rings - I told myself that if this film was anything less than Frodo Baggins and Hermione Granger's lovechild, then it would be a complete and utter failure. Then, to compound it, I realized that it was a Disney film and lost all hope. I expected a committee driven piece of guano with cutout characters, bad design and probably directed by Bill Paxton or something. Thankfully, I was wrong on all accounts.

Narnia (forgive the shortening of the title, but I'm just a touch lazy) isn't nearly as epic as The Lord of the Rings and not as faceted as Harry Potter. However it has something else -- the earnest desire to do this classic story justice, and I think that does a lot for it. For those unfamiliar with The Chronicles of Narnia it is a series of seven children's stories written by C.S. Lewis documenting various adventures of children in the magical world of Narnia. I find it interesting that Disney decided to start with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the first story published but the second story chronologically in the series. (Most modern printings will have The Magicians Nephew as book one).

Of course, this story is certainly much more Hollywood than The Magicians Nephew I will give them that. It follows four siblings: Lucy, Edmund, Peter and Susan Pevensie as they are shipped off from their home, during the bombing of London, to live with an eccentric old professor out in the country. Here the children stumble upon the wardrobe that leads them to Narnia and a world of adventure and war. They soon realize that they are the core of an old prophesy that says that they will end the reign of the White Witch (Tilda Swinton) and her endless winter bringing peace (and spring) back to Narnia.

While the film does a commendable job capturing the essence of the story, so much gets lost in the translation from book to film. What you really miss is the symbolism of Aslan (voiced by Liam Neeson) as the messiah / god figure. The key points are there, however you have to really put a lot together or come in with a little foreknowledge to catch them. That being said I think the film did a fantastic job of developing Peter the Magnificent, you literally see his innate leadership bloom, moving from bossy older brother to King. I give full props to newcomer William Moseley for that performance.

The film was directed by Andrew Adamson who brought us Shrek and Shrek II (and that's IT) I think that's fairly impressive for a first live action film. Also if you've seen the very end of his films, you'll know that he likes hidden surprises, so stick around.

This one is a must see, kids or no kids it's fun and has something for everyone.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe opens nationwide December 9th.