Film review: The Chronicles of Narnia

Release date

8 Dec (Cert PG)

The stars

The book has been a children's classic for more than 50 years - the story of four children who find a magical world called Narnia through the back of a wardrobe.

And the stars are the four kids, Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy. They make the film utterly believable.

The plot

Narnia is trapped in eternal winter by an evil witch.

But a prophecy tells of a time when four children will appear and defeat the witch.

As soon as Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy arrive in Narnia, they are whisked along on a series of magical adventures, although at the start Edmund is tempted to join the witch.

It culminates in them battling the forces of evil, with the help of Aslan - a giant talking lion!

Best bits

Numerous - the first meetings between Edmund and the witch are truly chilling.

The humour provided by the talking animals is wonderful. And the final battle scenes are outstanding.

Fave characters

Ray Winstone's Talking Beaver steals scene after scene. Skandar Keynes is especially good as the devious Edmund. And Georgie Henley is fantastic as Lucy.

Any weak bits?

A few dodgy effects creep in now and again, and the film does take a while to get going.

Hit or miss?

A definite hit - a moving and spectacular adventure that will definitely be one of the year's biggest hits.

NR rating:

Have YOU seen this film yet?

I found this film excellent and entertaining. The shots were amazing and I also liked the special effects on the animals.

Aiasha, 12, Slough

Brill! Best film of the year! 10 out of 10!

Katie, 11, Brynmawr

The book is great and so is the film. So if you liked the book you'll love the film.

Emma, 13, Aberdeenshire

Narnia is a totally awesome movie with totally awesome special effects. I love the bright colours. The Lion is so brave to give his life. It made me cry. The little girl is my hero. She is the smart one and I like the way she talks.

Teah, 7, Evans

I think the film was GREAT - one of the best films I've seen! My fave character is Lucy because she was very enthusiastic and really good at crying! Also she was the youngest and probably had the most lines to learn!

Lucy, 11, Middlesex

I thought Narnia was an absolutely brilliant film. When I first saw the trailer in May I really wanted to see the film but had to wait to see it! But I'm glad that I waited. I think it was better than Harry Potter which saying something, especially from me!

Cat, 14, Nottingham

I think this movie was just magical. My favourite characters were the wolves and my favourite part was when the children were escaping the wolves.

Dominic, 10, Kempston

Great movie, beautiful landscape shots (well, what else do you expect with NZ?) and great acting from the kids. The beavers got a bit annoying after a while, in my opinion; they seemed far too Disney and goofy for such a well crafted film! But that's my only gripe. I really enjoyed it!

Celia, 15, New Zealand

This movie is the best movie of the year! Well, ever! I love the Narnia books and this film is so close to them. Anna, Will, Skandar and Georgie all play their parts well! They are just amazing and the special effects in this movie are awesome as well!

Bethan, 14, Michigan

Narnia is an excellent movie - the only part I didn't like was Santa! He wasn't in the book - what a load of nonsense!

Immi, 12, Australia

I think this film is outstanding and true to the book. I think Aslan is really cool. I would give it a well deserved ten out of ten!

Lucy, 12, Seaford

The four young actors were BRILLIANT not to mention the others such as Tilda Swinton as Jadis (The White Witch) and James McAvoy as Tumnus. Every single one of them made the movie very believable! I give it 10/10 and STRONGLY encourage everyone out there to go see it!

Kara, 15, Greeley

The Chronicles of Narnia was really good, it kept to the book well and the casting was well done. But I didn't like the Queen who was really weird and dressed badly!

Roisin, 12, Swadlincote

It was one of the best films I've seen in ages!

Jordon, 10, Wakefield

I love this movie so much, I think it is the best one yet. At school we read the book and did a play on it and everyone loved it.

Isaac, 13, Kinston

I love the film. My Mum read The Chronicles of Narnia to me when I was little. When I saw the film I remembered loads. 10 out of 10!!!

Anna, 9, St Albans

I think the film is fantastic it has super special effects and follows the book well. Even though it is supposed to be for children some parts made me jump! It was an excellent film, a must see!

Matthew, 12, Gillingham

I thought it was magical and that they really understood the book. I loved all the characters, but most of all Aslan and Peter.

Sophie, 11, Canada

Narnia was BRILLIANT! It is beautiful and exciting! If you're a LOTR fan, you LOVE this! 9/10! Even if you don't like, you have to admit, it is beautiful!

Rebecca, 15, East Sussex

I thought it was fantastic and would definitely go and see it again. Much better than Harry Potter any day.

Chris, 11, Wellingborough

I thought the film was...alright! The effects can be VERY dodgy...but the story's good!

Chris, 14, Bideford

It's so amazing especially Aslan. I think that the people who play Lucy and Susan are strong role models for young girls.

Emma, 9, Shenstone

Brilliant. I loved all of it.

Sofie, 11, USA

Best film this year, fantastic. Really enjoyed it.

Bethan, 15, Manchester

I thought that the Chronicles of Narnia film was excellent! I have read the book and the film depicts the storyline perfectly! It has a great plot and id recommend it to any adventure lover!

Danielle, 13, Hertfordshire

The film is fab - 10/10.

Jennifer, 11, Newcastle

It is a wicked movie, better than Harry Potter and everyone should see it!

Cristina, 13, Luton