Between computer problems and being buried at work, I am just now getting to the film and your opinions of it. It is fun reading such hearty debate about it.
Overall, I thought the film was wonderful. I was anxious to see it and see how they would make a children's novel into a feature film I could enjoy without slaughtering the story or hollywoodizing everything. I was so much happier with this one than with other versions I have seen. Kudos to the comment on expecting your ferret to talk when you came home! I was most anxious about this element. Most attempts at making the animals lifelike looked so cheesy to me. I was so happy to see that I was not at all distracted by the CGI in LWW. They really did an impressive job.
While I disagree with Skar on the level of his dislike of the movie, I must admit that I also noticed a few of the points he makes. For instance, I was surprised at Susan's ongoing protests. I feel they missed some of her character. I was also bothered by the wolves climbing across the waterfall. If they can do it, why can't the children?
A couple of other minor irritations--I also had noisy people around me. So no, I wouldn't recommend taking your three year-old as someone asked. I was surprised at how many other three year-olds sitting around me were taken out just a little too late.
I also didn't think Lucy was the greatest crier--but do you really expect oscar award tears from a child her age. I still thought she was charming.
Really though, these minor details weren't what made the movie. I still found myself caught up in the story, even though I already knew it. I'm thoroughly glad I saw it, and I will add it to my DVD collection.
By the way, did anyone else notice that Douglas Gresham, the stepson that CS Lewis adopted, was one of the co-producers of the film? I found this interesting. I'm sure most people wouldn't notice that, but I about jumped out of my seat when his name came on screen. I thought that made for an interesting touch.