Posted: May 23rd, 2008, 5:25 pmI tried to see it through their eyes—through the eyes of my seventeen year old public school students who like the chemistry between Caspian and Susan. And it is driving them to the books—which seems worth the kiss.
I tried seeing it through the eyes of a good friend who has not read the books and thought it was fantastic. During the film, I listened to the laughter of two little girls under ten who adored the DLF and Reep.
The cinematography is breathtaking. Aslan’s appearance is even grander than before and brought tears to my eyes. The special effects are amazing, especially how the children are transported to and from Narnia and the awakening of the trees. The themes of trust, love, sacrifice, faith, choices, loyalty, and courage all ring true.
Despite the modernization, my advice is to see the film with an open mind. It is based on Lewis' book, and yes, as one person correctly stated "loosely based", but even if the story only echoes Lewis, then that echo is being heard, and it is still a wonderful, unique, special, powerful reverberation. If these little girls, teenagers, and folks who have not read the books thoroughly enjoy the film, talk about Lewis and his books, purchase and read the Narnia books, read more Lewis books now or later in life, it seems the good outweighs the negative.
I might even see it again this summer, will definitely buy the DVD, and eagerly anticipate The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. This purist (more accurately a perfectionist purist) gives it a thumbs up.
