The problem with PC wasnt that is was dark. The problem was that it was advertized to be dark (alienating some younger children) and that the actual movie wasnt dark (alienating fans of a more mature fantasy).

It had lots of action, but there was way too much cheesy kid humor to be "dark". The only moments in the film that come close to "dark" are the end of the Night Raid and the Sorcery and Sudden Vengence scene.

The final battle was more "Wow thats cool" rather then depressing violent or scary.

I think if VotDT advertizes itself as a good film (not a kid film, not a teen film, not and adult film: just a movie for the general audience to watch), then it will do well.

^^I completely agree. That's why I put "dark" in quotes. It's annoying how PC before it was released in theatres was advertised as a dark, action flick and then you watch the DVD trailers and hardly any of them actually have any scenes from the battles or night raid. Just Lucy running in to Aslan and watching dryads, and them meeting Prince Caspian and such. All the "happy" stuff in the movie. That's part of what I think made the movie pretty much bomb- it was advertised horribly. I hope they advertise VotDT better, like you said, to a general audience.

I'm OK if they cut or combine islands. I'm OK with it because I just know they aren't going to stick to the books so I'm cutting my losses and am just crossing my fingers for an enjoyable flick (notice I didn't say "good"). VoDT the book sparks my imagination so perhaps it's best the movie not mirror that too much as it could never measure up to that in the first place.

I really hope the Dark Island stays in some form or another. I love the part with the albatross. It's such an atmospheric moment that I can't see a filmmaker passing it up though I do think it will look much different than the book. But they can skip the guy crying about the giant scissors.

Now Eustace's nightmare about large scissors I wouldn't mind seeing.
Dark Island is a really cool island and in no way do I want that completely cut from the movie.

^^ Eusatce dreaming of large scissors! wow, we are all in desprate need of seeing VotDT! December 10, 2010, come quick!!!!!!!!