The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe is the story of 4 siblings sent away from their mother and their home in England to escape the bombing runs during World War 2. They are put into the ward of a reclusive professor and his steely-eyed housekeeper in a gigantic manor. Naturally, the kids are bored and often frustrated with their situation. Trying to pass the day shortly after arriving, the children start up a game of hide and seek that leads them to discover a large wardrobe of fur coats that magically transports them to a frozen world of talking animals, evil witches and mythical creatures. The children find themselves at the center of a prophecy to free Narnia from the White Witch and to end the everlasting winter of the world.
Like Lord of the Rings, Narnia encompasses a large arcing story, and The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is the first of what likely could be many film-chapters. This film is special effects laden, yet holds steady to a solid story foundation of morality and self-worth. In fact, it's hard not to see the strong biblical undertones and similiarities of the 'holy' sense, one reason Disney chose to market so heavily to Christian and family groups. Thankfully, save for one brief moment in the film, the thelogical themes never overwhelm the story.
First time live action director, Andrew Adamson, previously directed both Shrek movies, but makes a smooth transition to dangerous territory. The challenge being to work with kids, animals and turning a much loved classic piece of literature into a special effects blockbuster. He pulls it off with nearly Peter Jackson calibur and creates a fantastic on-screen adventure for any age audience. My only disappointment was with the consistancy of the effects. 20-30 minutes into the movie, it was clear to me that the special effects budget was blown on the creation of Aslan the lion, King of Narnia. The character was beautiful, incredibly realistic and its presence amongst the live actors was convincing. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for other effects instances. Many shots looked like the actors were standing in front of a painting and a scene in which the children cross a frozen lake looks plastic, taking away the sense of urgency and danger.
Narnia severly wants to be Lord of the Rings, and it had immense potential to be just that, but doesn't quite hit the Peter Jackson / WETA Effects mark. Regardless Narnia proves to be a must-see for the holiday season, a no brainer DVD buy come 2006 and the start of what could be a highly succesful franchise.
