If you’re a fan of the original C.S. Lewis book, or even if you’re a fan of good movies in general...this movie has something for everyone.
I got a chance this weekend to catch the new Disney movie “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe”. I can remember reading this book when I was in the 5th grade, and being completely entranced by the story. This book had it all for me, magic, mythical characters, sword fighting, witches and of course....talking beavers. When I first heard this movie was being made over a year ago, my first reaction was that it was going to be a HUGE task for any director to even come close to the quality we got with the Lord of the Rings trilogy. I have to admit, I was a bit surprised when I heard that the guy who directed both “Shrek” movies would be taking on this film. Looking back, and after seeing the film I can safely say if there is anyone who could handle a world in which animals talk and interact with humans, it’s Adamson.
The film itself is wonderful from start to finish. It is a bit slow starting off, but that’s probably just because I was anxious to see Aslan (the lion) and the White Witch in action...call me impatient. The beginning of the film does a nice job of setting up the different personalities of each of the children. Peter, the oldest boy has become the “man of the house” after their Father’s death (which is not explained in the film). Susan, the oldest girl who has become the over protective Mother figure to the two younger kids. Edmond, the self-doubting, insecure younger boy who is often at odds with his older brother Peter. And lastly, Lucy the youngest of them all who is basically innocence personified.
For those of you who are not familiar with the story I will try to summarize it for you without giving too much away. Four kids are sent away by their Mother to live in a Professor’s country home in order to protect them from the ongoing horrors of the second World War. In an attempt to hide from the caretaker after smashing a window during a game of Cricket, the children discover a magical wardrobe that leads them to a mystical land called Narnia. Once inside Narnia, the children are introduced to a cast of mystical creatures such as Mr. Tumnus the faun, Fox, and Mr. & Mrs. Beaver....the...beavers. The children are told of the prophecy that claims the 4 of them will be the ones to defeat the evil White Witch who has proclaimed that it will be always winter but never Christmas in the mystical land. Along the way, Edmond is duped by the Witch into believing that she can turn him into the Prince of Narnia if he is able to lure his siblings to the Witch’s castle. When Edmond fails to deliver his siblings, he is imprisoned by the Witch and learns of her true plans...to kill the children before they can fulfill the prophecy and stop her. In the search for their missing brother, the three remaining kids are told about the Lion God Aslan (voiced by the always wonderful Liam Neeson) who will help the Children fulfill their destiny of stopping the Witch, and becoming the rules of Narnia.
Anything else I could tell you would pretty much give away the rest of the story, so just trust me when I say that this movie is on par with “LOTR” as one of the most literal, and faithful adaptations of any book ever written. During the course of the film you’ll be taken on an emotional rollercoaster experiencing everything from shock, to surprise, to sorrow, and finally happiness. I can’t say enough positive things about this film, every aspect of it was beautifully done. The CGI is second to none. Aslan the Lion makes the Golem from “LOTR” look like a sock puppet, and the film’s battle scene is nothing short of breathtaking.
One of the reasons I enjoyed this film so much is because I read the book as a kid, and it allowed me the chance to watch a movie with my girlfriend and finally be the one explaining things to her (like she does with the Harry Potter films). Even though she had never experienced the story prior to the film, even she was in awe of the film. If you’re a fan of the original C.S. Lewis book, or even if you’re a fan of good movies in general...this movie has something for everyone. The only bad thing I can say is that it wasn’t shot one after another like the “LOTR” trilogy. Oh well, I guess it just gives them time to build anticipation for the next one.