By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 3 cats
Director: Andrew Adamson
Starring: Anna Popplewell | Georgie Henley | James McAvoy | Jim Broadbent | Skandar Keynes | Tilda Swinton | William Moseley
Country: united_states
Year: 2005
Running time: 140
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0363771/combined
Michael says: “Scot and I got passes to a special sneak preview of the much-anticipated THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH & THE WARDROBE, the film version of the first part of C.S. Lewis’ children’s fantasy series. There has been quite a bit of build up toward this British production, and the devoted will not be disappointed. For those hungering for some more LORD OF THE RINGS, NARNIA will fit the bill, as long as you don’t mind bloodless battles, talking animals, and heroic children. NARNIA delivers about what I expected, a fun, cliché-ridden, fantasy adventure. The special-effects were great, the children’s acting abilities varied, and Lewis’ Christian subtext slightly muted (as compared to the novel) but still very present.
“Here’s a quick summary of the plot. After being shuttled away from London during the bombing raids of World War II, four siblings find themselves in a lonely manor. Youngest sister Lucy discovers a wardrobe tucked away in an empty room during a game of hide ‘n seek, but when she enters it to hide, she discovers it’s actually a portal to a mystical winter wonderland called Narnia. Duplicitous, yet ultimately heroic fauns, talking beavers, centaurs, minotaurs and wolves are among the creatures the children meet while in Narnia, which is also (like England) a land at war. In Narnia, the White Witch, self-proclaimed Queen of Narnia, has ruled a bitter winter for 100 years, doing such evil things as banning Christmas and turning unfortunates to stone. The true ruler of Narnia is Aslan, a noble, god-like lion who has been absent for a looooong time, but is returning because of a prophecy that states that four humans will come to Narnia and bring liberation with them. Battles ensue.
“Watching NARNIA, I remembered why I only read the first novel, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and never went any further; I didn’t really like the story. The film is no different. It’s pretty heavy-handed, and I find as I get older, it’s more and more difficult to buy the fact that the fate of the world is dependent on a handful of untrained, unexceptional children. Overlooking the story, I did find the film to be pretty entertaining, largely due to the presence of Chlotrudis-nominee Tilda Swinton in the role of the White Witch. Tilda ROCKS! She carried off her falsely, honeyed introduction marvelously, revels in her cruelty and power, carries off the terrific gowns and hairstyles with poise, and best of all, wades into battle wielding two swords, swinging them effortlessly over her head to dispatch her enemies. She’s just terrific.
“So, if you’re a big fan of fantasy adventure spectacle, go enjoy NARNIA, and if you’re a fan of Tilda Swinton’s, I think you
might enjoy yourself as well. 3 cats.”