Now for something I am entirely too excited about. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is coming out this December 9, and by the looks of it, I think it's going to be a smashing success, as I would hope it would be. I viewed the teaser trailer after a very long day (A grateful Hat Tip to Daddypundit.), and I became quite choked up. It looks wonderfully magical. I've already made two of my students read the first book in one of the best children's series ever--The Chronicles of Narnia--and I will be making at least three others read it over the summer. I am so excited! And I know if you are familiar with the story and equally captivated by it, you'll soon be counting the days as well. If this one does well, I've heard they're going to begin the rest of the series. Harry Potter, be on the look out! :) Aslan's coming.
Here is the official website for the movie. It's amazing. You can take a virtual tour through Narnia! It's an incredible site.
Posted by Portia at May 11, 2005 09:23 PMWe're very excited about the movie too. My daughters keep asking me why we have to wait until December. We're reading the books together right now and should have them all finished by the time the movie premieres. Be sure to check out the behind the scenes video at the official website. It's clear they have gone to great lengths to be faithful to the books.
Posted by: Daddypundit at May 12, 2005 05:56 AMI've read the chronicles many times - my favorite collection of books. If it weren't for CS Lewis, I never would have been interested in reading at all! Thanks for the update!
Posted by: Mike Tallmadge at May 13, 2005 06:23 PMokay...not to be the bearer of bad news...but this is another case of Disney getting its greedy paws on another property and running with it. yes, it will look spectacular...but so did The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
THGttG was nothing like the books, and it smelled of first draft everywhere. truth be told, Douglas Adams wasn't all that high on the series from the get-go. he was only doing it because the fans of the books were clamoring for it. he died shortly after working out the screenplay.
to be honest, the movie stinks. it's no Lord of the Rings. it is, in fact, another Disney money-grab.
when I found out that somebody was doing the Chronicles of Narnia, I thought for sure that it was somebody like New Line or Universal, that was willing to take a risk, and make something out of this monumental series. then I heard that Weta was doing the special effects, and I knew it was going to be good.
then I heard Disney was doing it...and all hope was gone.
now, I'm not saying that just because it's a Disney film that it won't do well, or be an amazing film. it's just that they really don't have a track record of making good movies. in fact, Pixar is the only studio that can claim a success in all of the Disney brands.
I guess what it boils down to is Big Budget ? Good Movie.
Posted by: MacStansbury at May 15, 2005 10:47 PMI have to agree somewhat. When I first heard it was being made, I figured New Line or Miramax (stretch, I know), but some outfit that could take more risks (v. Disney). I was also disappointed to hear Disney was doing it, but I do take comfort in the fact that Douglas Gresham (Lewis' stepson) has been highly involved, making sure that the story is, in no way, watered down. If it is a terrible rendition, I have no doubt it will suffer in the box office and eventually someone else will do them one better. At least I hope. For now, I just have my fingers crossed. Thanks for visiting my site! I enjoyed yours as well.
And Mike, I'm with you. Lewis is my favorite author, hands down, and just about single-handedly responsible for my love of literature and fantasy (spare Star Trek et al).
Posted by: Emily at May 16, 2005 06:36 PMah. guess I'll have to actually make things interesting if I keep getting visitors...
Posted by: MacStansbury at May 16, 2005 09:36 PM
