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

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a masterful interpretation of the beloved children’s classic by C. S Lewis.

When four siblings are sent off to the safety of the countryside during World War II, a game of hide and seek leads them to a magical wardrobe that is a gateway to the enchanted world of Narnia. Ruled by an evil sorceress who has kept Narnia in the grip of winter for a hundred years, the children are proclaimed as saviours who will liberate the populace.

But The Chronicles of Narnia is not only a fantasy and adventure, but a story of betrayal, courage, and sacrifice. The collaborative screenplay deftly weaves in similarities to the conflict the children have left behind, and offers viewers much to think about with regard to morals and consequences. With many twists and turns, the film is anything but predictable to all but the novel’s aficionados.

Georgie Henley (Lucy), Skandar Keynes (Edmund), William Moseley (Peter), and Anna Popplewell (Susan) give stirring and consummate performances, without the pretension so common to child performers. Equally as captivating is the rest of the cast, particularly James McAvoy as Mr. Tumnus and Tilda Swinton as the devious White Witch.

Director Andrew Adamson (Shrek, Shrek 2) uses unobtrusive effects to create the dazzling winterscapes and bring the talking animals of Narnia to life. In fact, the entire film would fall flat if Aslan the Lion (voiced by Liam Neeson) did not seem a living creature who becomes the children’s mentor and spiritual guide. However, the witch’s army of monsters seem a little cumbersome and underdeveloped.

A delight from start to finish, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe will make you believe. Rating: 8 out of 10.