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 THE
CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE
by Jane Louise
Boursaw
PG for
battle sequences and frightening moments. Ok for kids 8 and up. Directed
by Andrew Adamson (Shrek and Shrek 2). Based on the novel by C. S.
Lewis. Released in theaters Dec. 9, 2005.
What could be
more wonderful than opening a closet door and stepping into a magical
world where animals talk? That's just what happens to the four Pevensie
children Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter when they're sent to live
with an eccentric professor (Jim Broadbent) for protection during the
World War II air raids in England.
The
children find their new home to be quite drab and strict, thanks to a
stern housekeeper, Mrs. MacReady (Elizabeth Hawthorne). Then one day
while playing hide-and-seek, the youngest, Lucy, stumbles across an old
wardrobe that doubles as a gateway to the mysterious world of Narnia.
Once there,
the children learn of a prophesy that calls for them to rise up and lead
the defeat of the evil White Witch, Jadis (Tilda Swinton), who has long
controlled the land and kept it under her icy spell. With the aid of the
wise and mystical lion, Aslan (voiced by Liam Neeson), the children
attempt to fulfill their destiny and bring peace to Narnia once again.
 BRINGING THE KIDS:
PRESCHOOLERS (ages 2-5): This movie is too intense for preschoolers,
and the slower scenes had even my 8-year-old daughter and her friend
squirming. Also, the witch's evil wolves and the battle scenes are way
too frightening for little ones. Best to stick with tried-and-true
talking animals like Barney and Big Bird.
GRADE-SCHOOLERS
(ages 6-10): Six- to 8-year-olds might be frightened or bored during
some parts, but 9- and 10-year-olds will probably love it. The awesome
special effects give us real animals that talk in particular, a pair
of funny husband-and-wife beavers who serve as the children's guide in
Narnia, as well as fauns (half goat, half man), centaurs (half
horse, half man), and various other dwarves, giants, and goblins. There
are also some powerful lessons about family harmony and good-vs.-evil
(which some compare to the Christian faith, although the filmmakers
don't beat us over the head with it).
TWEEN /
TEEN (ages 11+): Although the story is geared toward children, older
kids and adults will be captivated by the frozen landscape and riveting
storyline and you don't need to read the book to enjoy this movie. The
children
are perfect in their roles: smart and brave Susan (Anna Popplewell);
protective and noble Peter (William Moseley), the rebel Edmund (Skandar
Keynes), and trusting little Lucy (Georgie Henley). The filmmakers have
done an excellent job of bringing this children's classic to life.
Definitely the stuff dreams are made of.
SCORE:
4 out of 4 Reels.
NOTE:
Co-producer Douglas Gresham is the stepson of C. S. Lewis, author of the
novel upon which this film is based. Walden Media has optioned the
entire seven-part "Chronicles of Narnia" series for film development, so
we can look forward to more. And if you see similarities to Lord of
the Rings, both movies were filmed in New Zealand, and director Adam
Adamson is a Kiwi just like Peter Jackson. Going back a little further,
C. S. Lewis and Tolkien were friends who used to read their stories to
each other.
Jane's Reel Rating
System:
One Reel Pathetic.
Even The Force cant save it.
Two Reels
Tolerable. Coulda been a contender.
Three Reels
Thought-provoking. Something to talk about.
Four Reels Wow! The
stuff dreams are made of.
E-chat with me
at
jane@reellifewithjane.com - I
LOVE to talk about movies!
 Read my other reviews
here.
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