|
"The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" excels |
|
|
|
Written by JON SINGER
|
|
Tuesday, 13 December 2005 |
Breaking ground in a genre is often more important than being the best.
| | |
"The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe"
|
 Entertainment
 Art
Directed by Andrew Adamson
Screenplay by Ann Peacock, Andrew Adamson, Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely
Based on the book by C.S. Lewis
Starring Tilda Swinton, William Moseley, Anna Popplewell, Skandar Keynes and Georgie Henley.
Rated PG for battle sequences and frightening moments.
Released December 9, 2005
|
| | |
Unfortunately for "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe", it took a while to get to the big screen. It let similar epic series "Harry Potter" and "Lord of the Rings" get there first.
The result is that even though "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" is nearly flawless, artistically and story-wise, it seems like you've seen it before.
The main difference in "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" is the "Twilight Zone" twist to it. The four children in the film, Peter, Edmund, Susan and Lucy (William Moseley, Anna Popplewell, Skandar Keynes and Georgie Henley) are normal children in chaotic World War II-era Britian. But when they step through the wardrobe, they enter a magical world, Narnia, where winter never ends, animals talk, and humans have become mythical characters.
Narnia is C.S. Lewis' mirror of the spiritual world, where the tempting White Witch (Tilda Swinton) represents Satan and Aslan the lion (voice of Liam Neeson) represents Jesus.
"The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" is fast, direct and intense. There isn't a slow or uniteresting moment. Director Andrew Adamson ("Shrek") did a fine job with the film. If it weren't for Peter Jackson ("Lord of the Rings") having done similar battle scenes just a few years ago, "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" may have won Oscars.
Instead, the movie will have to settle for box office records. The film is drawing from not only the typical children and teen markets, but middle-aged readers and Christians who want to see their beloved book come to life in live action for the first time.
"The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" is part two of a seven book series written by Lewis, and it has always been the most popular. Producers have secured the rights to film all the books, and of course, the success of the first film will dictate whether or not they get made.
"The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" will no doubt capture the imagination of children. And its grown-up themes and itensity will keep pace with adults as well. While it's not the first of its kind, "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" is certainly an excellent film.
Powered by AkoComment 2.0! |
