The Chronicles of Narnia are beloved fantasy classics penned by noted Christian author C.S. Lewis. The first published book, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, is the best-known and was first to be made into a movie of the same name, the subject of today's review.
When the four Pevensie children (Peter, Edmund, Susan, Lucy) are sent to a country manor to escape the WWII London bombings, they fear they're in for a dreadfully dull time. Initially, their fears are reinforced by the reclusive lord and stern housekeeper; however, an innocent game of hide-and-seek ends up revealing another world- Narnia- that can be accessed (on occasion) through a wardrobe. As the kids explore this magical place- where it's always winter but never Christmas- they soon realize they're in the middle of a great battle between the usurping white witch and Aslan, the rightful ruler (who happens to be a lion). They will learn a great deal about themselves and the world as they participate in the battle, and it will take the ultimate sacrifice to prevail.
As Lewis' story is a clear allegory about Jesus, news of this film's production was greeted with both enthusiasm and anxiety by the Christian community. Would such a film, produced by a secular company, be faithful to the book? The answer, in my opinion, is 'mostly.' There are differences (chronicled here), but aren't there always? The important thing: does the movie convey the love, sacrifice, kingship, goodness, and ultimate triumph of Aslan? I think so, and that alone makes this a film worth watching. It is certainly a[n older] kids movie- the PG rating should suggest that- so don't expect an epic like Lord of the Rings, but there are some scary scenes, so be mindful when the little ones are around.
Rating: A-
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