The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe

All topics relating to Disney-branded content.
User avatar
Pluto Region1
Special Edition
Posts: 684
Joined: Wed Oct 26, 2005 9:13 pm
Location: Where Walt is Buried

Post by Pluto Region1 »

SofaKing381222 wrote:I kept waiting for the kids to trully shine through. I wanted to see them as a hero. Susan got this cool bow and arrow set but she only used it once on a dwarf thing after the battle was over. Peter disappointed me. I really would have liked to see him do something that was worthy of a hero. He did kill the wolf, but the wolf more like fell on his sword rather than him killing it..... It seemed that he needed Aslan for everything, and couldn't do anything that he had actually set out to do.
I had completely the opposite opinion on this... I've never read the books either so I was a complete newbie to the whole story. But I was never expecting them to pull off any battles, in fact since I knew that none of them knew how to fight, I was expecting the worst during the final battle scene.... They were untrained kids from another world; they'd never had sword fighting lessons. How in the heck could Peter have even fought so well with the sword in the final battle scene? Or the sister do so well with only one practice session with the bow and arrow? Because I do pirate reenactment and have actually has some basic fencing and sword lessons (of which I am a grand failure) I can attest that it is quite difficult to manage to do a sword fight like that (in terms of making the movie, the whole sword scenes are scripted and they have to take lessons...) - in real life and in the film there was nothing magical about that sword that could have helped him do so well in that scene where he is fighting for his life against the witch... (if they had said the sword was "magical" and whoever wields it will fight like an expert, then I could have bought that whole scene of him fighting as well as he did....) he'd never wielded a sword in his life and now he is fighting like an expert? common... this was quite unbelievable... but then again everything is really just make believe. In real life, there's no such thing as Narnia, the witch or flying cougars with wings.... :D
Pluto Region1, Disney fan in training
Image
User avatar
Jeremy
Gold Classic Collection
Posts: 176
Joined: Sun Dec 05, 2004 7:00 pm
Location: Finland

Post by Jeremy »

Pluto Region1 wrote:How in the heck could Peter have even fought so well with the sword in the final battle scene? Or the sister do so well with only one practice session with the bow and arrow?
Well, it was said in the book that when children came to Narnia, they somehow grew more faster and Narnia affected greatly (and almost magically) to them. As a result in quite short time they grew up in Narnia and became heroes and kings and gained the ability to fight and to go to the battle.
It was Narnia's magic that affected them.
User avatar
Pluto Region1
Special Edition
Posts: 684
Joined: Wed Oct 26, 2005 9:13 pm
Location: Where Walt is Buried

Post by Pluto Region1 »

Jeremy wrote:
Pluto Region1 wrote:How in the heck could Peter have even fought so well with the sword in the final battle scene? Or the sister do so well with only one practice session with the bow and arrow?
Well, it was said in the book that when children came to Narnia, they somehow grew more faster and Narnia affected greatly (and almost magically) to them. As a result in quite short time they grew up in Narnia and became heroes and kings and gained the ability to fight and to go to the battle.
It was Narnia's magic that affected them.
Ok well then I guess the answer here is that this was not explained in the movie, that they DID get some sort of magical abilities to wage war... I neer read the book and was seeing the story via the movie, for the 1st time... I was dumbfounded as to how all the sudden Peter is fighting like an expert. :o
Pluto Region1, Disney fan in training
Image
User avatar
Loomis
Signature Collection
Posts: 6357
Joined: Fri Apr 18, 2003 4:44 pm
Location: Sydney, Australia ... where there is no Magic Kingdom :(
Contact:

Post by Loomis »

Pluto Region1 wrote:
Jeremy wrote: Well, it was said in the book that when children came to Narnia, they somehow grew more faster and Narnia affected greatly (and almost magically) to them. As a result in quite short time they grew up in Narnia and became heroes and kings and gained the ability to fight and to go to the battle.
It was Narnia's magic that affected them.
Ok well then I guess the answer here is that this was not explained in the movie, that they DID get some sort of magical abilities to wage war... I neer read the book and was seeing the story via the movie, for the 1st time... I was dumbfounded as to how all the sudden Peter is fighting like an expert. :o
Father Christmas also made some reference about putting faith in the bow and arrow, and if you did, it would rarely miss. I guess by extension - and the fact that they were all destined to take up the mantle - you could say that they were all magically endowed with abilities once they stepped into Narnia. Or they always had it in them, or something...
--------------------

As you can probably guess, I've just come back from seeing the film. Although it had been some years since I had read (and re-read) the books as a young 'un, I had continued to enjoy the tales through the BBC reproductions back in the late 1980s/early 1990s, the first of which I watched again last night. To cut a long story short, Disney's adaptation certainly doesn't disappoint.

My initial impression of the film was positive, as watching the bombs fall on London really set the scene for new audiences. The BBC version assumed that everyone would know about the children's war evacuation during the Second World War, and this version contextualises the film without dumbing it down.

Although I wish that we'd lingered a bit longer in the Professor's house - as the BBC version painted a delightful and playful Professor which we only get glimpses of in this version - getting to Narnia was the part we were all waiting for. The makers do a great job of bringing this alternatively bleak and vivid world to life.

The children were great, and one of the few examples of children that CAN act and are NOT annoying. Harry Potter producers take note!

Perhaps the only dull point - if I can say this without SPOILERS - was the ultimate fate of the White Witch. It just seemed a little anti-climactic.

As for the special effects, I have to say I was impressed. Some were "obvious", but none of them detracted from the story. Indeed, I think the chief strength of the effects here were that they added things to the story rather than replacing them. In fact, it was because the story was so strong that I was able to overlook the odd CGI faux pas, something that can sadly not be said for King Kong. (Don't want to start any more arguments, but at 3 hours +, KK didn't have enough story to justify all the action). Aslan was spot on, and the beavers may be some of the cutest examples of the format in years.

At any rate, they have themselves a solid franchise here. Let's hope Disney do well out of it.
Behind the Panels - Comic book news, reviews and podcast
The Reel Bits - All things film
Twitter - Follow me on Twitter
User avatar
Disneykid
Diamond Edition
Posts: 4816
Joined: Fri Apr 18, 2003 9:10 am
Location: Wonderland

Post by Disneykid »

Loomis wrote:Perhaps the only dull point - if I can say this without SPOILERS - was the ultimate fate of the White Witch. It just seemed a little anti-climactic.
SPOILERS:

While I agree that her demise was rather quick, it's even worse in the book. This is what the book says:

"Then with a roar that shook all of Narnia from the western lamp-post to the shores of the eastern sea, the great beast flung himself upon the White Witch. Lucy saw her face lifted toward him for one second with an expression of terror and amazement. Then Lion and Witch had rolled over together but with the Witch underneath..."

And that's it. We don't even know she died until the next paragraph where it says her army fled when seeing her dead body. The movie, at least, made sure of it by adding what I think was Aslan eating her face off (albeit not so graphically). I think Disney was scared of Narnia Nuts crying foul over an extended death scene for her. Heck, you should see how ticked off they are at the face-eating addition. The only other way I can think of doing it while still calming fans down is to have both Aslan and the Witch roll down a very steep, rocky hill for a long period of time with Aslan coming out just fine but her body still lying down there at the base of the hill. It's been years since I've seen the BBC version. How did they portray it there?


Either way, I'm glad you (and pretty much everyone else in this thread) really liked the film. :D Luke has posted on the main page about there being a deluxe edition retailing for $39.99 alongside a standard $29.99 version. The Digital Bits had said earlier this year the same DVD producer of the X-Men and Lord of the Rings: Extended Edition DVDs was working on Narnia, so I'm hoping this means the standard one is a 2-disc and the deluxe one a 3-disc.
User avatar
Loomis
Signature Collection
Posts: 6357
Joined: Fri Apr 18, 2003 4:44 pm
Location: Sydney, Australia ... where there is no Magic Kingdom :(
Contact:

Post by Loomis »

Ah, if it's in the book, it's ok then :D

It is hard to discuss this without revealing spoilers, but perhaps my use of the phrase "dull point" made it appear as though I really disliked the scene or something like that. Far from it, I was so into the momentum at that stage that I think it was just anti-climactic. That said, if it is the way it happens in the book - and as I said, it has been years since I read it anyway - I would be complaining louder if they had drawn it out for too long and made it into something that it wasn't.

I look forward to seeing the follow-up films, and can't wait for that possible deluxe DVD.
Behind the Panels - Comic book news, reviews and podcast
The Reel Bits - All things film
Twitter - Follow me on Twitter
PatrickvD
Signature Collection
Posts: 5207
Joined: Fri Sep 19, 2003 11:34 am
Location: The Netherlands

Post by PatrickvD »

I hope they'll do an extended edition of Narnia. Would be cool to see what was cut. Strange I am saying this, because I haven't even seen the movie yet. I'm seeing it tomorrow night. Anyway, it's doing great in theaters, so Disney has succesfully set up a new franchise. Now bring on the next Pirates flick! :P
User avatar
Scabbie
Gold Classic Collection
Posts: 295
Joined: Sat Feb 28, 2004 6:29 am
Location: Elst, Netherlands

Post by Scabbie »

I'm going to see it tomorrow too. And this week I finished reading the book. And of course I'm going to see the uncut version. The Dutch spoken version has some cuts so it could have a lower rating then 12. The English spoken version is the original and uncut. But I'm curious about how they are going to do this with the DVD next year...
Disney's musical Tarzan. Coming to Holland 2007.
PatrickvD
Signature Collection
Posts: 5207
Joined: Fri Sep 19, 2003 11:34 am
Location: The Netherlands

Post by PatrickvD »

Scabbie wrote:I'm going to see it tomorrow too. And this week I finished reading the book. And of course I'm going to see the uncut version. The Dutch spoken version has some cuts so it could have a lower rating then 12. The English spoken version is the original and uncut. But I'm curious about how they are going to do this with the DVD next year...
I was wondering the same thing. I'm seeing the uncut version today as well. I hate how they mention it in every commercial though :P
PatrickvD
Signature Collection
Posts: 5207
Joined: Fri Sep 19, 2003 11:34 am
Location: The Netherlands

Post by PatrickvD »

Finally saw it. LOVED it. It's twice the movie King Kong is. A great family film. Definitely the best live action Disney film I've seen in quit a while.
User avatar
Scabbie
Gold Classic Collection
Posts: 295
Joined: Sat Feb 28, 2004 6:29 am
Location: Elst, Netherlands

Post by Scabbie »

I LOVED it too! It's such a wonderful movie. And it's very true to the book. I'm looking forward to see it on DVD. If only the cut version will be released here, I'm going to import the DVD.
Disney's musical Tarzan. Coming to Holland 2007.
Werwolf
Member
Posts: 17
Joined: Mon Jun 20, 2005 6:31 am
Location: Somewhere in the Black Forest

Post by Werwolf »

Very uninspired movie. It had a nice beginning but that was gone as soon as they entered Narnia.
User avatar
AwallaceUNC
Signature Collection
Posts: 9439
Joined: Thu Dec 11, 2003 1:00 am
Contact:

Post by AwallaceUNC »

WARNING: Spoilers will abound below (though you've probably already seen it):

I'm quite behind the times here, but I've finally see it! Sadly, I missed the bombing scene at the beginning, but was still in my seat before the opening credits began. I'll have to go back to see that scene.

I absolutely loved it. What an amazing movie. So much went right in this movie, pretty much all of which has already been touched on in this thread. I thought the acting was all spot-on... all four children, the professor, Mrs. MacReady, the White Witch, the voice acting... all wonderful. The score was magnificent too, and I'm going to have to part with a few dollars to buy this soundtrack now. I had already heard Alanis' song and was in agreement with what Luke wrote in his review about this song, but it felt especially fitting as I walked out of the theater as it was playing. I don't understand what I kept hearing about Aslan looking too weak... I thought he came off as compassionate, loving, and wise... slow to anger... but still righteous, strong, and powerful. The Christian parallels were conveyed with exactly the delicacy that was called for by the books. I might even agree with Kelvin in that the film may have surpassed the book, but I'll have to revisit both before concluding that.

A few negatives:
*The CGI was off sometimes (I was a little less impressed with Aslan in a few places than many of you seem to have been, but I thought he looked good overall)

*The scene when Lucy first emerges from the wardrobe and the kids don't believe her felt extremely rushed, as if all their tempers flaired immediately without reason. That was the only scene I remember feeling was off

*And my biggest qualm of all (though it's really a small deal): In the movie, Father Christmas tells the children that winter is beginning to melt away because of the hope they've brought to Narnia. (BOOK SPOILER:)But in the book, he says it's because "Aslan is on the move." I just can't turn away from the fact that they obviously had to make a conscious decision to change this line and it robs Aslan of some power and gives it to the kids instead... I just don't understand why they would choose to do that.

None of these detracted from my overall experience of the film, however. Ultimately, I'm just thrilled that this movie has been made (and that it's sequel is on its way) and that I've been able to see it... and even more than that, that so many other people are getting to see the world of Narnia for the first time in a way that is so faithful to its creation.

-Aaron
• Author of Hocus Pocus in Focus: The Thinking Fan's Guide to Disney's Halloween Classic
and The Thinking Fan's Guide to Walt Disney World: Magic Kingdom (Epcot coming soon)
• Host of Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Pod, the longest-running Disney podcast
• Entertainment Writer & Moderator at DVDizzy.com
• Twitter - @aaronspod
User avatar
PixarFan
Gold Classic Collection
Posts: 202
Joined: Fri Jul 23, 2004 10:35 pm
Location: Indiana

Post by PixarFan »

According to Box Office Mojo, Narnia broke the $200 million mark on Friday, and has stayed above King Kong all week. Narnia's estimated total as of December 30 is now $201,651,000. Keep it up, Narnia!

Happy New Year, everybody!
User avatar
Kenai
Gold Classic Collection
Posts: 498
Joined: Sat Apr 02, 2005 10:32 am
Location: New Mexico,USA

Post by Kenai »

Go Narnia! Yes, it made back it's production budget! :D Now where's the announcement to greenlight Prince Caspian? 8)
Timon/Pumbaa fan
Platinum Edition
Posts: 3675
Joined: Sat Feb 12, 2005 4:45 pm

Post by Timon/Pumbaa fan »

Finally got to see Narnia tonight!

WOW!!! Well what can I say that hasn't been said? The special effects were amazing! Aslan looked incredibly life-like, and the humans blended in perfectly to the CG world! The score was tremendous! But yet the story stayed true to the book and it was just a gigantic thrill to watch. It was amusing in some places, but yet still managed to be both serious and heart-warming!

Of course it did have very few flaws:

1. Georgie Henley was an okay actor IMO. While she did great for her age, there were a few crying scenes which were kinda poorly acted.

2. There were a few elements of the book that could've been explained slightly better IMO! For instance, I felt that they should've explained that the 'turkish delight' was under a spell which made Edmund tempted. It was never actually explained in the movie, which I felt they should've somewhat mention it as it would seem pointless for Edmund to go back to the Queen without knowing that fact that it was the spell that made Edmund do it.

But in the end, I'm glad to say, Disney made an EXCELLENT epic movie! Much better than any Harry Potter film and Lord of the Ring film to date! And it was 100 times better than the horrible King Kong! IMO!

Oh yeah almost forgot: LIAM NEESON RULES! :D

9/10 from me!
Last edited by Timon/Pumbaa fan on Sun Jan 01, 2006 1:15 am, edited 1 time in total.
User avatar
AwallaceUNC
Signature Collection
Posts: 9439
Joined: Thu Dec 11, 2003 1:00 am
Contact:

Post by AwallaceUNC »

Timon/Pumba fan wrote:For instance, I felt that they should've explained that the 'turkish delight' was under a spell which made Edmund tempted. It was never actually explained in the movie, which I felt they should've somewhat mention it as it would seem pointless for Edmund to go back to the Queen without knowing that fact the it was the spell that made Edmund do it.
Good observation. I think it was implied, but yes, that could have been clarified. It's pretty specific in the book. I actually remember waiting for that explanation to come, but I must have forgotten about it at some point during the rest of the movie.

-Aaron
• Author of Hocus Pocus in Focus: The Thinking Fan's Guide to Disney's Halloween Classic
and The Thinking Fan's Guide to Walt Disney World: Magic Kingdom (Epcot coming soon)
• Host of Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Pod, the longest-running Disney podcast
• Entertainment Writer & Moderator at DVDizzy.com
• Twitter - @aaronspod
User avatar
Loomis
Signature Collection
Posts: 6357
Joined: Fri Apr 18, 2003 4:44 pm
Location: Sydney, Australia ... where there is no Magic Kingdom :(
Contact:

Post by Loomis »

AwallaceUNC wrote:
Timon/Pumba fan wrote:For instance, I felt that they should've explained that the 'turkish delight' was under a spell which made Edmund tempted. It was never actually explained in the movie, which I felt they should've somewhat mention it as it would seem pointless for Edmund to go back to the Queen without knowing that fact the it was the spell that made Edmund do it.
Good observation. I think it was implied, but yes, that could have been clarified. It's pretty specific in the book. I actually remember waiting for that explanation to come, but I must have forgotten about it at some point during the rest of the movie.
I don't think it is explicit in the BBC version either. It does make for a more interesting character trait in some ways. Edward sold out his family and friends "for sweeties". If he was under a spell, it is all to easy to gloss over the gravity of what he has done. In some ways, I think not making it a spell resonates more with the audience, as it is a betrayal on Edward's part. (Don't forget, if this is a Christian analogy, Edward is probably a Judas figure). It also adds so much more weight to the scene where Aslan has taken Edward aside and is giving him a good talking to. Finally, as a result, it makes his redemption all the more powerful.

Sometimes the less said the better. It allows for multiple interpretations like the ones we have here.
Behind the Panels - Comic book news, reviews and podcast
The Reel Bits - All things film
Twitter - Follow me on Twitter
ichabod
Diamond Edition
Posts: 4676
Joined: Thu Sep 25, 2003 8:29 am
Location: The place where they didn't build EuroDisney
Contact:

Post by ichabod »

Loomis wrote:I don't think it is explicit in the BBC version either. It does make for a more interesting character trait in some ways. Edward sold out his family and friends "for sweeties".
I'm in agreement with Loomis, Edmund's greed being at the heart of the troubles makes for a much stronger character and much more of an interesting story, his betrayal of his own siblings gives much more grit than 'he was under a spell' would have.

Anyway, Narnia may have out-kinged Kong, but could it beat Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire?

Well Head of Buena Vista distribution Chuck Viane seems to think it could, and has stated it as their next goal to do so <a href="http://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=1975&p=.htm">here at Box Office Mojo</a> and I honestly believe Narnia could do it too! With Potter at 277.1 Mil after 46 days and Narnia at 225.7 mil after 25 days (only about half as much as Potter) It's certainly closing the gap.
Timon/Pumbaa fan
Platinum Edition
Posts: 3675
Joined: Sat Feb 12, 2005 4:45 pm

Post by Timon/Pumbaa fan »

Post Reply