Chronic!

Went to see Chronicles of Narnia yesterday.
Ho. Ly. Shit.

It was AMAZING. I didn't honestly think they could pull it off, but they did, in spades.

First off, the setup is perfect. They actually explain and visualize why the kids are fleeing to the country to avoid the WWII bombings of London. They establish the four siblings relationships with each other very well, something that doesn't come across that well in the book. Each of the children were perfectly casted, and have equal billing in the story. Even Susan, who doesn't seem to play much of a role in the book, had personality.

And, hell, the battle scene. O.M.G. Bloodless, but very effective, thanks to the people at WETA. And how can you not love a young king riding into battle on a UNICORN?

The White Witch was coldly and beautifully portrayed by the lovely Tilda Swinton, and Qui Gon... I mean Darkman.... I mean Liam Neeson does a great Aslan.

I was especially surprised by the performance of Mr. Tumnus, whose character I have previously loathed. But James McAvoy was perfectly cast for the part, playing old, young, innocent, jaded, and creepy all at once.

One would think that such a huge production would mean a lot of splashy graphics, but not so with this film, which relied a lot on the siblings' interactions with each other and the strange world they're trapped in. The visual effects for once take a second to the story and acting, and it was a very pleasant thing to know that my impressions of the film were not sole locked onto a particular scene or moment, but on the greatness of the epic tale.

Everyone, go watch this movie. Twice. Then read the books. Again, if necessary. I eagerly await Prince Caspian and Voyage of the Dawn Treader.