I just got back from watching it. ***SPOILERS ALERT***
Very interesting flick. It had far greater departures from the book than did the first movie. And I'm not sure yet how I feel about that. I mean, they had an entire battle (at the castle) and animal allies (i.e. the eagles) that were not in the book at all. So they definitely took a lot of liberties. And they gave this movie a much darker tone than the book; it felt a little bit like they were trying to catch up to The Lord of the Rings' epicness. There was one change that definitely improved on the book--when the four siblings discover themselves in the ancient hieroglyphics at Aslan's How, as well as the first time they see the Stone Table again. Very moving! Whereas in the book, it was hardly an event at all. Of course, the thing I probably liked the least was how little air time Aslan got in the movie compared to the novel. But oh well.
But all in all, as a movie to be judged by its own merits, even with its changes from the book, I have to say that it succeeds very well. And the scenery--both outdoors in nature, as well as inside buildings, towns, etc. was absolutely beautiful. Can't be topped!
Overall, this film has Rew's recommendation.
