NARNIA! [Most exclamation points used in a post: EVER!!!!]

I should preface anything I write about this movie (The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe) with the information that I first read this book in the 6th grade and loved it instantly. And I still love it and I’ve read it at least 20 times since then and I am convinced that this is a direct route to my 12 year old self because I love it as a 12 year old. I’m not convinced that your average adult, with zero knowledge of the book, will love the talking lion movie.

But I was on the edge of my seat every moment of it. Ten minutes into it and I was half-weepy excited to see it again. Can you believe Shawn Levy (the Oregonian movie reviewer) gave it a C+. WHAT?!?!?!?

He thought the acting and directing sunk a nice effort. He also had some remarks about the soundtrack and I have to half concede this point to him. But who cares, it’s Narnia. Mr. Tumnus come to life!

Yeah, sure. It is pretty much the Disney version of Lord of the Rings. But, so? The casting was perfect. The effects fantabulous. The talking animals — worked for me. Tilda Swinton a terrifying White Witch. And to quote Elijah Wood (Frodo), “The little girl carried the film. British teeth and all.” Who has never wanted to be Lucy Pevensie?

Other remarks: Anything added fit perfectly or helped the story, particularly the back story bits. One thing they perhaps telegraphed but didn’t make obvious was that the Turkish Delight was enchanted and partly what made Edmund so insane to bring his siblings to the White Witch. So while technically he was a traitor and ended up that way through his own stupidity, there was magic involved.

Rate me: Not Even A Tiny Bit Disappointed. One million stars!!!!! Ten thumbs up!!!! Instant Classic!!!

And movie goers: There’s a small scene after the credits roll so stay in your seats!