Judy Thorburn's Movie Reviews

The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe

Judy Thorburn

The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe

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“THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE” - A FAITH-FULL, ENCHANTING SCREEN ADAPTATION

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe is the first of the Narnia series of children’s books written by C.S. Lewis. And, like other immensely popular literary works such as Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings that have become box office phenomenons, a ready-made fan base (over 100 million copies of the beloved classic novel have been sold) should help this movie adaptation and the inevitable sequels turn into a megabucks franchise.

For those who don’t know, C.S. Lewis was a devout Christian who embedded his stories in Christian theology and religious symbolism.  Needless to say, The Chronicles of Narnia is a clear example of that which inspired the author. Readers of the books will be happy to know that the movie translation is faithful to its original context.  But, meant to be written as a biblical allegory or not, the story’s message about love, courage, loyalty and sacrifice is universal and common to all faiths and beliefs.

The story revolves around the Prevensie siblings, Peter (William Moseley), Susan (Anna Popplewell) Edmund (Skandar Keyes) and Lucy (Georgie Henley) who have been sent by their protective, caring mother to live with a kindly professor (the always wonderful, Jim Broadbent) on his rural estate to escape the dangers of World War 11.

While playing an innocent game of hide and seek inside the mansion, the youngest, Lucy enters a vacant room and discovers a giant wardrobe closet which serves as a passageway into a winter wonderland known as the land of Narnia.  It is there that all the children find themselves drawn into a battle between good and evil. For over one hundred years Jadis, an evil white witch (Tilda Swinton, played with icy perfection as a satanic figure) has controlled the land of Narnia, ruling as Queen. But, prophesy says that two sons of Adam and two daughters of Eve will someday arrive and restore peace to Narnia and bring the rightly King, the Christ-like Aslan the Lion, (voiced with soft spoken strength and nobility by Liam Neeson) to the throne. To prevent that from happening, Jadis has placed an order to kidnap any human found wandering in the woods. When Mr. Tumnus, a gentle faun (James McAvoy) befriends Lucy and fails to report her to the icy, malevolent Queen, weak brother Edmund is eventually lured with candy and the promise of becoming king into revealing the secret and turning betrayer (does Judas ring a bell?), which puts everyone in danger. The only hope is for the Prevencie children to find and join forces with Aslan, and put an end to the evil witch’s reign.

Throughout the thrilling and dangerous adventure an array of magical talking forest creatures such as the warm and funny married pair of beavers (voiced by Ray Winstone and Dawn French), a trusting fox, centaurs, minotaurs, unicorns and evil wolves are encountered. There is also an appearance of a jolly, bearded fellow with sleigh and reindeer, named Father Christmas (James Cosmo) who shows up bringing gifts that happen to come in handy during perilous life challenging circumstances.

Director Andrew Adamson (the 2 Shrek films) has done an amazing job translating the written word into a visually stunning masterpiece that enriches the imagination.  I love everything about this adaptation. As the central focus, the four young actors who portray the brothers and sisters must be believable as a family unit and in the demands set forth. They are just that and splendid, plus they evoke great chemistry. All the CGI characters are realistically brought to life, and are seamlessly well integrated into the live action.  Rather than being just dazzling eye candy, the special effects are story driven and are effective in enhancing the enchanting narrative. Aslan alone, with every strand of hair on his mane, every movement and facial expression appearing impeccably real, makes it hard to believe he is not alive and only an artist’s rendering. The CGI teams of wizards definitely are Oscar worthy, that’s for sure.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is the perfect fantasy fairy tale movie for the holiday season, or for that matter, any time at all.  This is a sweeping, lush, ambitious, and beautifully recreated adaptation for the entire family, with a minor exception. A scene surrounding the sacrificial stone table is emotionally intense and visually disturbing, although it is thematically pertinent. I can see that sequence to be troubling for the very young, so their parents should be forewarned.

In the end, the door is left open for a follow up sequel. In no way is this meant as a religious statement, but I am looking forward to the second coming.

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