Snaky's Intermittent Movie Review - "The Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe"

I remember "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" being read to me way back in elementary school, but don't remember the story at all other than there were a few kids in it and some talking animals.

Fellow Threedeker, Boobie, recommended I go see this flick.

The first scene really grabs you -- Nazi bombers over London in WWII. Very well done. Then they show the four kids, an eldest brother, a slightly younger sister, an even younger brother, and a little sister, running from the house, who also show great disdain for each other, then head into a bomb shelter with their mother. The next day they're shipped off to a safe haven away from London under a British program to protect the children from further Nazi bombing attacks. They now live in a large house owned by "The Professor" and while playing hide and seek, the little girl finds the wardrobe and a whole new world. And that is certainly an understatement.

It's a wonderfully told fantasy and I'm told the movie is EXACTLY like the book. The CGI animation of the talking animals work seemlessly with the real actors, which make the fantasy so real in itself.

The soundtrack is top notch, filled with flowing harmonies, much like Enya, but more volume, which beautifully compliments the dazzling winter and summer scenery.

The plot does become a bit predictable, especially for grown-ups who understand Christian symbolism and allegory, but it would be truly shocking for the little ones whose hopes get shattered and "resurrected". I gave that away there because even you should see it coming. The rising phoenix dividing the line of fire truly topped that symbolism and the ensuing battle, while not as dark and gory as Lord of the Rings, politely never showed any sword or arrow actually penetrate anything, and for a General audience, was not necessary anyway.

But the allegory of Narnia goes much deeper than this blatant religious portrayal.

The wardrobe is a representation of that inner portal of our souls where many of us are afraid to step into, to discover our true selves. "For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks." - Matthew 7:8.

Our curiousity, especially as children, and the wonders of exploration, hope, love, and the great rewards that follow, should continually drive us toward truth and selfawareness. The little girl who plays this role does it perfectly with big eyes, wide smiles, and a dainty glowing personna. She is that inner child we all have and must continue to call upon for our curiousity.

The white snow is our innocence and coldness, although shown with beauty and wonder, begins the journey. Friendship, trust, and sacrifice represented by Mr. Thomas, show us the initial steps toward love and charity.

Finally, although older, the next youngest saunters through the wardrobe into Narnia and meets the Queen of Narnia, a.k.a., the witch and finally, they all end up there, and in search of Mr. Thomas, who was taken away by the witch.

Without going to much further into the plot, the symbol of strength and power represented by Azlan the Lion (with a perfect voice-over by Liam Neisson), is the key. His sacrifice to save the youngest boy from his fall of grace is the ultimate moral of the story. Those who truly understand the "dark magic" know that death is nothing to fear, that a better life is yet to come.

This regeneration and rebirth is a fundamental aspect of our lives. We must continually look at ourselves and reassess whither are we directing our course, to seek for that which was lost, and with courage and fortitude, we hope to ultimately find.

Because of this core moral teaching which lay at the heart of the deep symbolism overshadowed by obvious allegory, this is an excellent movie everyone should see. Not only is it fun for the kids, but it will remind you to tend to your inner self and listen to that inner child begging to be heard again.

I don't have anything really bad to say about the movie, other than some predictability of it. I cried, I laughed, and was in awe of the production. The little girl actor stole the show, while the other three were weaker, and thus a slightly lower rating than you'd expect.

Snaky gives "The Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" 4.37 Lion paws out of 5.