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The Chronicles of
Narnia
Directed by: Andrew Adamson
Starring: Georgie Henley
Genre:
Fantasy
Run Time: 143
min.
Release Date:
December 2005
On The Web:
Official
Site
Teaser:
Movie Trailer
Reviewed by
Byron Merritt |
Young Lucy Pevenise, along
with her older brothers Edmund and Peter, and her older sister, Susan,
are in London during the initial bombing raids of WW II. And like many
families of the time, the parents decide to send them to the country for
safer keeping. Peter, the oldest, is told by their mother to "watch over
them" and make sure they stay safe. And although this seems like a
fairly simple request, Peter's ability to protect his siblings will be
put to the ultimate test. But not by WW II, but by an amazing secret
discovered by young Lucy.
Soon after being spirited into the company of a hermit-like professor's
care (Jim Broadbent), they decide to play hide-and-seek, and it's during
this game which Lucy discovers a mysterious wardrobe. She tucks herself
inside and backs to the rear of the cabinet ...only to discover herself
in an entirely different world. Here she meets up with Mr. Tumnus, a
strange half-stag, half-human creature who explains much about the
wintry landscape Lucy now finds herself in. The place is called Narnia,
and it's been locked in winter for over 100 years by someone known as
"The White Witch" (who claims to be the Queen of Narnia).
Lucy, excited beyond words, rushes back to "the real world" to tell her
brothers and sister about what she's discovered and, of course, they
don't believe her ...until they all get into the wardrobe one day and
find out she's been telling the truth.
Soon a prophecy is revealed to the two brothers and two sisters: it is
said that when Aslan returns, two daughters of Eve and two sons of Adam
will come back and reclaim the four thrones of Narnia. But first they
have to battle The White Witch, struggle with the internal dynamics of
sibling rivalries, and face the death of the very creature who helped
create this strange world.
Comparisons abound between NARNIA and
THE LORD OF THE RINGS. And why not.
Both are fantasy tales. Both authors (Lewis and Tolkien) were friends
during the same era. And both stories have recently made it to the
silver screen. And although my heart still rests with THE LORD OF THE
RINGS, NARNIA deserves much praise.
But this praise doesn't necessarily come from me...
I went to the theater on a weekend and it was packed with children
(ranging in age from their teens to five years old), and while watching
it I noticed something intriguing: not a single interruption occurred
during the entire 140 minutes. No crying child asking to go home; no
temper tantrums; no shushing of mothers and fathers to their kids. I
think this speaks pretty highly of how engaged this film kept its
intended audience. I will say that when Aslan became "injured" there
were gasps of dismay from a couple of kids behind me and they quietly
asked their mother if "Aslan was going to be okay" (I have to admit,
that was pretty cute).
Georgie Henley (Lucy) was exquisite as one of the prime characters (move
over Dakota Fanning). Her acting was spot-on and brought a lump to my
throat several times. Liam Neeson's Aslan voice was also perfect with
its deep resonance that seemed to echo through the theater (must've been
a good sound recording). Tilda Swinton was also excellent as the
sinister White Witch who rules Narnia with a cold, iron fist. And James
McAvoy as Mr. Tumnus was also pulled off very well.
There've been several reviews (professional) that have been critical of
the film's Christian-based theological leanings. Well ...yes. That's
true. It does have that, but so did C.S. Lewis' Narnia Chronicles
novels. So did this bother me? Not at all. I don't prescribe to any
particular faith, and if you go into NARNIA with an anti-religious chip
on your shoulder, I'm sure you could rip the film apart. But if you go
into the theater strictly to enjoy good storytelling and for
entertainment, you'll probably delight in it just as much as the
ten-year-old who sat behind me quietly throughout the entire movie.
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Image from The Chronicles
of Narnia
DVD cost: $37.99
Purchase:
BestPrices.com
Film Review Stew
Favorite? No.
Stew Poo-Poo? No.
Newsworthy:
The motive power for the
Pevensies' evacuation train was GWR 7802 Bradley Manor, one of the
former Great Western Railway's Manor-class steam locomotives. Nine out
of the thirty Manor-class locomotives built survive today.
Movie Quote: "The
future of Narnia rests on your courage."
Other Actors/Actresses
from The Chronicles of Narnia
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