altivo

Forget it if you read the book and didn't like it. Forget it if you're prejudiced against the supposed Christian message. Forget it if you never read the book and don't think you like that sort of thing.

If there's an ounce, or even a dram, of furry blood in your veins, you should see The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe. No, it doesn't replicate the book faithfully, though it does pretty much stick to the storyline. No, the acting (by human actors anyway) isn't stellar (though I did really like Professor Kirk.) See it for the animals. The beavers, the wolves, the fox, the centaurs, the horses, the gryphons (!) and most of all the lion. Leave your quibbles at the door and just enjoy the pictures and the voices. It's worth every minute for that.

I went in skeptical. I consider this to be the weakest book in the series of seven, and it's my least favorite. The fundamentalist Christian right has been trumpeting the film until I was prepared to be bludgeoned with Christian drivel that isn't even in the book. Well, it didn't do that. Sure, you can give it the Christian reading if you wish, but I could just as easily read the underlying pagan storyline and be perfectly happy with it.

Oh, and don't leave the instant the credits appear. An important but brief scene is spliced into the middle of the credits, and gets missed by many theatre goers who rush for the exit the minute the word "Cast" rolls onto the screen.

( Cut for possible spoilers )

You must see the gryphons, the centaurs, and all the rest. Just do it, and leave your prejudices and expectations at the door.