THE RATINGS MAKE-UP (5) MUSIC (SCORE) (5) ART DIRECTION (4) ACTING (3) CINEMATOGRAPHY (5) COSTUME DESIGN (5) DIRECTING (4) SPECIAL EFFECTS (5) EDITING (4) SCREENPLAY (3)

I went to see King Kong with my 10 and 8 year olds but it was sold out. So Narnia was a second choice. But was I ever glad. (I still haven't seen King Kong.) My kids absolutely loved every minute of the movie. I was mesmerized. I was a child again watching this movie. Lucy stole the show in my opinion. The story was true to the book and the characters came to life although the acting was average (kid actors.) That's my adult critique on the acting but my kids, and I'm sure most kids, didn't notice. The cinematography was outstanding. It's no wonder that the movie took off and has kept going in the box office. I loved the music and the kids and I went out immediately and purchased the soundtrack although I was sad that the Andrews Sisters' "Oh Johnny" (the song that plays when they are playing hide and seek) was not on the soundtrack. This is a movie that will be around for decades. I expect my kids to watch it with their children. It is the "Wizard of Oz" for 2005. It is a must see. I will, of course, get the DVD on the first day available.