Finally the technology of the movies has caught up with the imagination of C.S. Lewis. This film is the definitive version of the classic children’s fantasy book. This charming tale will quickly win you over.
The Pevensie children live in London during the Blitz of WWII. Their mother decides to send them to live with their uncle Prof. Kirke (Jim Broadbent, IRIS) in the country. There isn’t much to do for the foursome on the giant estate, especially with governess Mrs. MacReady (Elizabeth Hawthorne, THE FRIGHTENERS) barking rules at them.
Peter (William Moseley, TV’s 2002 GOODBYE, MR. CHIPS) is the oldest and serves as surrogate father for the others while their real dad is away at war. Peter’s demands really bother third child Edmund (Skandar Keynes, TV’s FERRARI), who has a problem following orders. The second child, Susan (Anna Popplewell, GIRL WITH THE PEARL EARRING) is the sensible one of the group and the youngest Lucy (Georgie Henley) is their heart, conscience and spirit.
One day during a game of hide and seek, Lucy discovers a giant wardrobe in a bare room, which is actually a gateway to the magical world of Narnia. In Narnia, she meets a faun named Mr. Tumnus (James McAvoy, BRIGHT YOUNG THINGS) and develops a friendship. When she returns home, her siblings do not believe her until they too stumble into Narnia, where they learn that there is a prophecy that states that two sons of Adam and two daughters of Eve will one day come to Narnia and help the true king Aslan (Liam Neeson, SCHINDLER’S LIST) win back the realm from the evil White Witch (Tilda Swinton, DEEP END).
However, the White Witch has already lured Edmund to betray his siblings and has sent out her henchmen to capture the others. With the help of Mr. Beaver (Ray Winstone, KING ARTHUR), Mrs. Beaver (Dawn French, TV’s THE VICAR OF DIBLEY) and Fox (Rupert Everett, MY BEST FRIEND’S WEDDING), the kids must race to find Aslan and win their places in Narnia legend.
Many things had to come together to make the film work. First of all, the perfect children had to be cast, especially the role of Lucy. The film nails this part. Little Henley is a natural and holds the film together on an emotional level. The rest of the children all hold their ground and do a good job. McAvoy is marvelous as Mr. Tumnus and Swinton plays the White Witch just right. All of the actors chosen for voicing the animated characters are great as well, especially Liam Neeson as Aslan and Ray Winstone as Mr. Beaver.
The visuals — from the sets to costumes to visual effects to cinematography — are some of the best of the year. This film is simply wonderful to look at. Many naysayers are calling the film LORD OF THE RINGS-lite. The film is less violent than Gollum and friends, but director Andrew Adamson (SHREK) didn’t water down the content. It’s the hardest PG I’ve ever seen. I wouldn’t take anyone under 8 to see it. It’s a moving and thrilling adventure that has a wonderful message about family, courage and sacrifice. This film is just as good as the first two LORD OF THE RINGS films and is destined to become a children’s classic.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
