Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the

Theatrical Release: 12/9/2005
Video Release: 4/4/2006

Reviewer: Dick Rolfe
Source: Theater
Writer: C.S. Lewis (novel) Ann Peacock (screenplay)
Producer: Mark Johnson
Director: Andrew Adamson
Genre: Adventure
Runtime: 140 min.
MPAA Rating: PG
Starring: Tilda Swinton, Rupert Everett, Dawn French, Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes, William Moseley, Anna Popplewell

Synopsis:
Four children are evacuated out of London during WW II to live with a rich uncle in the countryside. They find a magical wardrobe that transports them to the mystical world of Narnia, a once peaceful land of talking beasts, dwarfs and giants. However, Narnia has been frozen by the evil White Witch, and the children must help the great lion Aslan break the witch's spell in a classic tale of good versus evil.

Dove Worldview:
"Aslan is on the move!" These prophetic words declare the end of 100 years of winter and the beginning of spring in the mystical land of Narnia. But more than that, the words represent the coming of a savior in the form of a lion who will set the inhabitants of Narnia free from the clutches of the evil witch who rules the known world. Whether you see a religious allegory in the story, or a simple lesson of virtue over vice, "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" is one of the most entertaining and inspiring fantasy/adventures for the family to hit the big screen in a long time.

Many lessons are clearly presented in this stunning and faithful re-enactment of C.S. Lewis' magical story. The two that stayed with me are: that evil is not always ugly but often beautiful and seductive. And, it's not enough to simply resist evil influences in our lives, we must pro-actively fight against them.

Disney and Walden Media have taken a classic family novel and transformed it into an epic family film. Assuming this installment does as well as predicted at the box office, we can look forward to future adventures featuring the four young protagonists.

This is one of the most widely media-supplemented movies in memory. Walden Media offers in-class teaching tools like activity guides, discussion topics, and enhanced DVDs for virtually every segment of the population, from libraries to public schools, and from scout troops to churches and Sunday schools.

We recommend this film for audiences age 12 and over. Due to the lengthy battle scenes and other life and death issues, parents of very young children are encouraged to see the film first. Reading the book to your youngsters beforehand can also help prepare them for some of the more intense scenes in the film.

Trailer:

Content Chart & Description

Rating Descriptions

Sex: None
Language: None
Violence: Children chased by wolves; several intense battle scenes with creatures being killed off screen with no blood; death and resurrection of lion.
Drugs: None
Nudity: None
Other: Fantasy world filled with allegorical magic.

The Dove Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Our mission is to encourage and promote the creation, production, distribution and consumption of wholesome family entertainment. We are supported primarily by donations from families such as yours who want to move Hollywood in a more family-friendly direction. All donations are tax deductible. The Dove "Family-Approved", Dove "Family-Edited" and Dove "Family-Filtered" Seals are registered trademarks of The Dove Foundation. http://www.dove.org

Copyright © 2010 - The Dove Foundation - all rights reserved
Review syndication authorized for ChristianCinema.com