Imagine Lord of the Rings and Passion of the Christ integrated into one movie. Narnia (the film) exceeds LOTR (the film) in character expression and depth, but drags in pace.

Still, despite the slow, sometimes languishing momentum, each shot is delicate, precious (not in the LOTR sense) with a glow of childlike imagination and sincerity that charms. A smile will light your face for the first twenty to thirty minutes as the sweetest of child actors opens a wardrobe and stumbles bottom under feet into a snowy world of ice and fauns where kids might be kings - if only they dare to be.

Nice special effects in general, although at times the seams of digital compositing poked their noses from behind the trees. But the computer animators did not fail at nailing the lion -- an absolute necessity for success.

Excellent casting, and strong performances from each of the four young actors. Alas, after all is said and done, Narnia is not all fun and games, and may be a bit "intense" for younger kids.

The half-man-half-goat was CS Lewis' original inspiration for the creation of Narnia; says Lewis, "It all began with a picture of a faun carrying an umbrella and parcels in a snowy wood." From waist down Mr. Tumnus is all CGI. Actor McAvoy learned to walk on his toes for the camera to match the movement to a CGI gait. Georgie Henley (Lucy), didn't see the finished faun until the filmmakers were ready to catch her authentic reaction.

Related Links:
Read my review of Narnia: Prince Caspian.
Read the first chapters of my books.