The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe

 

Title	-	The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe
My Admission	-	$8.00
One Line Review	-	Fantasy Fantastic!

 

Review – Oh what fun it is to find escapism in films again.  The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is a fairy tale pure and simple.  Fast paced and void of any deep meanings it runs like a raging river from start to finish.  And it’s a cool ride.

Based on the 2nd of a 7 book series by C.S. Lewis The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe follows the story of 4 siblings, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy as they are displaced from the 1940’s war torn London to a small village outside of the aerial attacks.  While playing a game of hide and seek Lucy finds the mysterious wardrobe and truth it conceals.  Soon the four siblings find themselves in a mysterious land fulfilling a long held prophecy.

Like the book this film moves fast.  No long walks or lengthy diatribes about the reasoning behind why such tragedy has befallen Narnia.  These four are simply stuck in a world saving situation and must act quickly.  Not a lot of time for “whys?” and such.  Usually this is a sticking point for myself but it’s such a literal translation of C.S. Lewis’ book the 1) You can’t expect any more, and 2) It’s not aimed at adults.

This is a fairy tale aimed at Jr. High School students at most.  Younger viewers or readers don’t need to get mired down with all the wishy washy concerns of people being good or bad, they just are and someone has to do something about it.  Someone in his or her age group must rise and save the day.  Ah, that youthful feeling of empowerment.  It floods the books and the film gloriously

The acting is fine, Tilda Swinton is powerful as Jadis, the sets are good, the computer animation is fantastic, and the lighting adds a wonderful sense of “puriety” to the film.  The voice talents are top notch with Rupert Everett, Dawn French, and Ray Winstone making nice appearances but the real deal comes from Liam Neeson as Aslan the Lion.  His voice lends itself perfectly to the quiet and wise creator of Narnia.

Don’t let The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe slip out of theaters without seeing it yourself.  No matter your age, even if you can’t find a kid to take with you.  It warrants a theater to capture the glory of the film, so much more than an idle night at home.  It’s fantasy fantastic and where better to experience that than at the movies.

-m-