The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
Some journeys take us far from home. Some adventures lead us to our destiny.
There are many stories of Narnia. The first is about to be told.
The White Witch Cometh
Aslan Is On The Move
The beloved masterpiece comes to life December 9
Evil Has Reigned For 100 Years...
Based on the classic novel by 'CS Lewis' (qv). Four London children are sent to a professor's country home in order for protection during World War II. There they find a magic wardrobe which leads to a mystical land called Narnia, which is being ruled by an evil witch. To defeat the witch, they must join forces with Aslan, the lion God of Narnia.
| Georgie Henley | Lucy Pevensie |
| Skandar Keynes | Edmund Pevensie |
| William Moseley | Peter Pevensie |
| Anna Popplewell | Susan Pevensie |
| Tilda Swinton | White Witch |
| James McAvoy | Mr. Tumnus, the Faun |
| Jim Broadbent | Professor Kirke |
| Kiran Shah | Ginarrbrik |
| James Cosmo | Father Christmas |
| Judy McIntosh | Mrs. Pevensie |
| Elizabeth Hawthorne | Mrs. MacReady |
| Patrick Kake | Oreius |
| Shane Rangi | General Otmin |
| Brandon Cook | Boy on Train |
| Cassie Cook | Girl on Train |
| Andrew Adamson |
7.20 out of 10 (60757 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Like the book?...then you'll like this movie!
posted on 28 Aug 2009Just like any other recent movie that originated from a popular book (Harry Potter and LOTRs both instantly jump to mind faster then you can say "the one ring" seven times fast!) - it is very hard to critique fairly and with an open mind. Most viewers already have images of what Narnia should look like, what Aslan should sound like, and of course what parts of the book were missed and what they should have edited. As a reader of all seven C.S. Lewis classics, I am no different. However, as a movie goer looking for a new way to indulge my over abundant imagination, I was very pleased with this picture! The casting felt remarkable! I felt that if they did well with casting the Lucy character, it had a good strong chance of succeeding. Lucy carries the entire movie. The White Witch is also very interesting to watch. I'm not sure how they made her eyes look as icy as they did, or if it was natural, either way - great intensity! The other three children are believable too. I thought Peter was very good as the eldest child, while I pictured Edmund to look a little different. Also - as far as all four of them being related, Peter didn't really look much like the other three, but he still made the perfect Peter so I can live with the slight difference.The movie itself was a little slow at times, but if you read the book, the movie is very much in order and in context. I felt that while I was watching it, I was actually re-reading the book whereas in movies like Harry Potter- I have to piece certain parts together to figure out what is missing because the books are longer then any movie should ever be! And in their own way, they also succeed, but Narnia is as is well scripted.As for other things I strongly enjoyed - the fawn, Mr. Tumnous was great and fascinating to watch. Liam Neison as the voice of Aslan really was the only major downer of the entire movie. It just wasn't as mystical or powerful as I expected and hoped for. I feel as though a no name actor with an amazing voice might have been better - especially since Aslan is suppose to take on many different faces and represent a wide range of possibilities. Recognizing the voice kind of ruined it for me personally.Overall, I gave it a 9 out of 10. P.s. stay through the credits for a few extra minutes. You get the Alanis M. song and a bonus!
too surreal for its own good.
posted on 28 Aug 2009In light of the recent fantasy novel-to-movie wave, I think it's safe to say that they're all a bit over indulged. When the height of realism in computer graphics stops wowing people like it use to, and this fad of film begins to slow, we will look on the Chronicles of Narnia as the weakest of these.All in all Chronicles of Narnia was an average film. Its strongest point was its epic production scale. That couldn't save it at all. Yes, the graphics are stunning, but there's a huge problem with it all. The contrasts, the colors, everything in it that is CG or design is far too bright. Yes, Narnia is a magical, fictional world, but so is Tolkein's Middle Earth and J.K. Rowling's Hogwarts. Their worlds do not make people's eyes bleed. And neither should Narnia. While watching the film everything is simply far too vibrant. Even scenes that should be dark and ominous, like ones with the White Witch and her minions, and scenes of death and battles.It really killed the film for me. Every field was lime green, every tent and garment of Narnia was a lively red and white, brand new and untainted. It made the White Witch seem far less evil than she really was. And the death of Aslan was simply unmoving with a pink and yellow sunset adorning its background.I could go on about it forever, but I'll leave it at this. Just because you're in an imaginary world, doesn't mean you don't have to convince your audience the place is real.Moving on, the acting was alright, but nothing worth noting. The casting was well done, yet at the same time the screen play killed the good choice of actors. I know you have to fit hundreds of pages of a book into a 2 hour film, but it's not like Peter picks up a sword and suddenly knows how to slaughter hundreds of minions of evil. I had trouble playing along with the film in this aspect, too.Some of it was too quick, some if it was too slow. A lot of things were done right, but other things were done wrong. I'm not trying to be negative about this film. I loved the books as a child and one would think I'd have a huge positive bias in favor of this film. Yet in many ways this is a very disappointing movie and unlike most cases I'm going to throw in the towel saying I'd rather be reading the book than watching this film.5/10
Bad acting (directing?)
posted on 28 Aug 2009Apart from Lucy who tries to be expressive, those kids looked like they had been narcotized. And what's with this scene on the frozen river? They just stand there waiting for it to break under their feet, Peter holding his sword with two hands pointing it stupidly forward as if it was going to suddenly spit fire, paralyzed. Then a (too) brilliant idea emerges as he plants it in the ice as if in butter, foreseeing the coming surfing ride. Gosh it's so ludicrous.... The battle is a mess, the witch poses like in a shampoo commercial, and the plot is so thin... four children come up and suddenly become epic warriors and trained strategists overnight defeating a witch and monsters before sitting on a throne. Period. Looked pretty botched to me...
The violence, both emotional and physical, made this at least a PG-13 movie
posted on 26 Aug 2009I read the book to my 7 year old daughter and she really liked it. The book does not focus on the violence and she was able to gloss over that and enjoy the magic and adventure of the fantasy world. The movie, however, makes all too explicit the violence implied by the book. So much so that when my daughter's first grade teacher proposed to show the movie to her class, we and several other parents objected (and prevailed). While some children may be able to handle it, parents should not simply assume this movie is o.k. for kids under 10 simply because it is rated PG.First, the London bombing scene is pretty scary. Lots of flash/boom and tension about whether the characters will be hurt.Second, the first time Edumnd meets the White witch, the dwarf flies out of the sledge and holds a wicked-looking knife to his throat. It's very unexpected and very threatening.Third, the death of Aslan is very emotionally violent as hordes of hideous creatures do really nasty things to a beloved character while the little girls in the movie watch without being able to help. Not only is the physical violence of the killing itself potentially disturbing to the young mind, but the emotional violence of cruelty is also hard to take. Any movie that has such a serious killing scene in it should be PG-13. I find it hugely ironic that Prairie Home Companion got a PG-13 rating for "risque humor." The idea that humor is somehow more worthy of parental concern than is cruel violence reflects, to me, a deep confusion of values.Fourth, the battle scene is pretty scary. Again, the forces of evil are represented by really nasty looking creatures, just waiting to inhabit a small child's nightmares. And the fighting and killing is strong stuff.These are all the longish parts that are likely to stick in a child's mind. There are also other flashes of horror that could also disturb a young child: the 'death' of Tummus, whose face contorts into an awful expression of pain; the encounter on the ice floe, where the wolf is very scary---heck, my daughter cried during "Piglet's Big Movie" because she imagined the awful things that would happen to the friends IF they fell into the river---and here the ice damn falls and the children plunge into the raging river; the voice of the wolf fighting Peter.I'm just saying you need to really know your child on this movie, much more than the innocuous "PG" rating would lead you to believe.Aside from the mis-rating, I found Aslan's character terribly disappointing. The jaw and mouth were way unbelievable for me; it made Asland look too much like Tony the Tiger.
What a great movie!
posted on 26 Aug 2009I first have to say that I did not see this in the theater back in 2005, nor did I read any of C. S. Lewis' 7 Chronicles of Narnia stories. Now I wish I had done both.The first time I saw this movie was on a movie (cable/satellite) channel about 2 months ago. I was flipping through the channels when I came across it and it was about half over. I only watched about 5 minutes of the movie and was so intrigued by it that I actually stopped watching it and checked to see if and when it would be on again. I found out that it only had one more scheduled showing starting at 3am in the middle of the week. Thank goodness for DVR, I set it to record the movie and watched it the following Saturday, twice! The story is great, the visual effects are outstanding and I can't think of a better way to portray what it means to have or find courage, honor and love.I have since found out a lot about the Chronicles of Narnia stories. I got excited when I found out Prince Caspian movie is being released and the planned release of The Voyage of the Dawn Treader in 2010. I know they plan on making all 7 stories into movies. I just hope I'm still around by the time the last one is made, as I am 50 years old now!
Bad directing, mediocre acting, okay story, great potential
posted on 24 Aug 2009Narnia is one of the most amazing film-phenomenas of the last years. For me. The hype, the amazing number of good ratings...I had very high expectations and thought Narnia to have the quality of the Lord of the Rings. Well, it has certainly not and probably the only one to blame is: Me! For having high expectations.When you approach Narna (book or film) you should never forget: It's a story FOR CHILDREN. Nothing more, nothing less. It is not a story compatible for anyone looking for an intellectual challenge.If you keep this in mind (and you are a kid or someone at this level) you're going to enjoy this. If not, don't bother to watch it.
not that good..
posted on 22 Aug 2009Well this movie is not as good as Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter.The movie is very boring 4rom starting,but I like the last one because it's war time.I nearly asleep because it's so boring.But i had to say that their acting are good.Some joke didn't work.The actress of the white witch is GREAT! I love her.She's so good being evil.The graphics is good,but not as good as harry potter GOF..The sad scene is very good.I like it very much.But the movie is very,very,very dull.For me it's good,but I'm not gonna watch more then once.I just gonna give this movie 3 and a half over 10.Why? because it's bored,the movie is very dull,directing sucks.The good thing is the music is great,very good.
Excellent
posted on 20 Aug 2009I thought that this movie was an almost perfect realization of the book. It followed it almost to the word.There were a few things I had a few problems with, though: First of all, the music was a bit much. It was at times TOO "mystical" without having real substance. Also, the percussive scoring reminded me of Lion King. The other thing I had trouble with was Peter. In the movie he was too reluctant to be a leader, and lacked the courage that he had in the book for battle.Overall, though, an amazing movie. A keeper.
Wouldn't actually watch it again... Well, maybe for the cool lion
posted on 20 Aug 2009Maybe it's just me, but the plot seems kind of too worn out. Or perhaps, it would be better to re-phrase - the realization wasn't good enough. Throughput the whole movie I couldn't stop wondering "Why the h**l am I thinking of a weird combination between "Heroes of M&M", "Willow" & "The Ice Queen"?!?!? Too brutal one might say, but acting of the four majesties didn't feel as "real" as the artificial characters per se. (Take the gryphon or the cute fox for example - let's not even start with Aslan.) And as NOT modest at all of me to say - I tend to "catch & feel" a good movie when I see one - but this one wasn't exactly the right kind. So personal or not, a message to people about to see "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe": Your children will love it, make sure you've had enough sleep before it (otherwise you might turn into Mr/Mrs Snoooreee) and even if you try to shed a tear at some point - don't even think about it. Believe me, it won't come out.
Well done faithful adaptation of the original work.
posted on 16 Aug 2009I went to see this movie with some trepidation, having seen the damage done by some number of screen adaptations of my favorite literary works. I left truly impressed. The movie is extremely faithful to C.S. Lewis' book, and has included all significant portions of it. The children's characters are reasonably developed in the acting and display the range of responses appropriate to the roles. Lucy at first seemed too young to me, but as the movie developed, I realized that my mental image from the books was probably less accurate than that which guided the casting of the movie. Special effects were quite competent, and even the cameo roles were very well done. I particularly liked the Professor. If you are a fan of the books, be sure to stay through the credits to see the last cameo exchange between the professor and Lucy. I hope that this movie is sufficiently successful that they will be encouraged to bring some of the other books to the screen. Highly recommended.
Everything I'd Hoped It Would Be
posted on 16 Aug 2009I have been a fan of the Chronicles of Narnia since I was seven years old. Of course, at that age, I had no idea of the symbolic significance of the stories. At 40, and a practicing Christian, these stories have grown with me. I had high hopes for this movie, as well as some apprehension upon going to the theater. Could anything measure up to the magic of Lewis' written words.The answer? Absolutely. Aslan was portrayed with all the power, might and mystery that could possibly be conveyed in the two-dimensional world of film. I believe it says something when a person can enter a theater already knowing the story and still be awed.In ways, it was better than Lord of the Rings. Not one element of the story was missing. Nor was anything added. The film adaptation of this classic is as true to the original story as a film can get. I highly recommend seeing this in the theater. I am sure it will transfer beautifully to DVD, but the big screen has a spectacular impact. Especially the sound.I'm not usually a fan of child actors, but the children chose to portray the Pevensie children could not have done better. Liam Neeson as Aslan was just perfect. Some (very few) of the CG elements were obvious to the point of mild distraction, but that was truly the films only "weakness." If you are a fan of the series, this will not disappoint. If you are unfamiliar with the story, this will be a treat beyond your greatest imaginings.Finally, the story's Christian subcontext is a reassurance to believers, a message to non-believers and yet it, like the books, avoids the trap of being too didactic or preachy. This is an amazing movie.
Fantastic
posted on 14 Aug 2009I went to see this movie a few days after it had come out with a friend of mine, without knowing anything about it. I was amazed! This film was gorgeous. I ended up seeing it 4 times in theaters. First of all, it follows the book very closely, something few directors bother to consider doing anymore(Harry Potter, anyone?). The characters, especially the four Pevensie children, were cast wonderfully. They truly acted as a family and I hope we'll see more from them in the future. Mr. Tumnus was great, as was the White Witch- perfectly true to both C.S. Lewis' and my imagination. Aslan was magnificent- I never doubted for a second that those children weren't talking to a real lion. It was shot beautifully, in New Zealand and the Czech Republic. The special effects were wonderful- all sorts of wide and beautiful shots. And of course, each one was accompanied by Harry Gregson-Williams' haunting and beautiful musical scores, perfect for the tone and feel of the film. It was really a treat, and each time I left the theater satisfied. I encourage everyone- children who love the books, adults, even grandparents- to go see this movie. It was a perfect realization of Lewis' magical world.
Boring and Stupid
posted on 14 Aug 2009Not worth writing much about this one.The plot was lame and unconvincing. Cliché piled upon cliché. Little kids suddenly able to kill huge monsters with one swing of a sword.The mysterious aspects were never explained, like who all these people were, who was the witch, why does Santa suddenly show up and give everyone presents, what was this prophesy that makes everyone bend over backward for these little kids and make them kings and queens even though they're just kids and have never been there before? And just what the heck is this Narnia place anyway, other than a magic land with talking animals? I read the books as a kid and liked them. I don't remember them being as stupid as this movie. Anyway, skip the movie and read the books. Despite being based on a classic book, this is just another dumb Disney film that takes its audience for granted.
Dianna
posted on 12 Aug 2009I thought the movie was awesome. I have read the books and am a fan. The movie followed the book really well. It is really great movie. I think even if you haven't read the books before you will still find the movie to be good, and you may even want to start reading the books. I hope that all of C. S. Lewis's books will be made into movies because I'm looking forward to them and sure they will be a great hit. The movie has a really good plot. It gets you really interested in it. It is very adventurous and exciting. Once you start watching you wont want to get up and leave for anything. It shows you how fairy tales and magic lands aren't childish and boring and how fun and exciting they can really be. The movie is awesome and i recommend everyone to see it.
Narnia thaws out frozen New Yorkers
posted on 10 Aug 2009The audience at this afternoon's preview screening of The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe, at New York's AMC 25 theater in Times Square, broke out in spontaneous applause at least three or four times. It seems that director Andrew Adamson has brought a thaw to normally-jaded New Yorkers as well as to the 100-year winter of Narnia. The movie pulls the viewer into the story right from the opening scenes of war-ravaged England, where siblings Lucy, Susan, Peter and Edmund (wonderful performances by all) are sent from their homes to the relative safety of 'the professor's' country estate where, during a game of hide-and-go-seek, young Lucy hides in the wardrobe only to discover the passage to the land of Narnia. From this point, the multi-layered story of betrayal, courage, sacrifice, redemption and hope unfolds into a briskly paced 2 hour and ten minute adventure that leaves the viewer emotionally charged and thoroughly entertained. The musical score is appropriately stirring and moody. The computer generated creatures are sophisticated to the point where the technology disappears and you begin to accept the performance, and not the special effect! This brings us to Aslan - if the talking lion didn't work, the movie would fold in on itself and go away. Aslan works,however, and works very well. Voiced by Liam Neeson, Alsan is both believable as a 'literal' lion and as Aslan, talking lion, King of Narnia. Aslan's face is expressive and noble, and Neeson's voice acting has strength and dignity. This film succeeds on so many levels, it would be possible to discuss it in many different veins: the direction, the story's surface-level themes, the theological possibilities, the drama, the fantasy, the adventure.... Yes - it's an action film, a dramatic film, a fantasy, a somewhat-dark (yet hopeful) fairy-tale. It has humorous moments and frightening moments, like most truly great 'family' films always seem to have. The bottom line is, this is a film that will leave you the better for having seen it. There's much to reflect on and much to simply enjoy - there's certainly enough to keep you thinking for a while, and that's always a good thing. Aslan, indeed, is on the move!
"Chronicles of Narnia" is a total letdown, and will disappoint audiences looking for an epic tale......
posted on 10 Aug 2009Fans of the C.S. Lewis pack the theaters. Lots of kids wearing funny costumes waiting in line. Soon, their wait will be over and they will have a glance at "Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe". The doors open. A rush is made. The movie has begun. And, suddenly, all those curious kids packed with happiness start to think they've been cheated. Where is that epic adventure promised? Where are the great thrills and perfect special effects? What happened to the book they read and enjoyed? As much as that isn't probable to happen, "Chronicles of Narnia" is really below expectations. Those of you expecting a great epic, a marvelous adaption, or a rated PG "Lord of the Rings" are in for a surprise. A bad surprise. "Narnia" isn't all bad, but it certainly isn't all good. This is a certainly dull epic, because everything we see on it has been done before. And better. Epics like "LOTR", "Troy" and even "Kingdom of Heaven" have done what "Narnia" shows. "LOTR" is the one most alike to "Narnia", for they're both fantasy. Has anyone noticed the cold relationship between Galadriel and Jadis, the White Witch (perfectly played by Tilda Swinton)? Or see the last battle and "misteriously" remember Minas Tirith? Much could've been done, but that much was not effectively used.Then, who's to blame? I wouldn't (fully) blame Andrew Adamson (Shrek). He has proved he's a great family film director, and his sparks of geniality add to "Narnia" another dose of fantasy goodness. But it is also his screenplay, poorly written and lacking pieces, that kills "Narnia". So much could've been used from Lewis' book, but it was only explored in low potential. The effects were also a letdown. Although Aslan is magically well done, some other effects are just disappointingly wasted. I expected a little more from the minotaurs, looking too much like a lead character from a wacky action movie of the 1990's. Some effects, like ice, showed that the visual effect team didn't use full potential. It is really a shame, because the expectation around them were huge.The actings of the movie are one of the few good things. Tilda Swinton is superb as a mad White Witch, while Liam Neeson's voice gives force and charisma to Aslan. The "adult" cast is just wonderful. What's really poor are the kids. It is maybe a mistake to expect the kids to do a wonderful job. Pressuring them to become Daniel Raddclifes is just stupid, but they could've been mighty better. They are superficial and artificial, and make the world of Narnia fade away easily.Perhaps the biggest mistake from "Narnia" is to be launched right after "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire". People will obviously compare both fantasies, and comments/comparisons about the two movies will obviously arise. And this is not good for business. Disney's attempt to enter the epic world has failed. It seems Disney got rushed and pressured and completed "Narnia" before its original timing. "Chronicles of Narnia" is a total letdown, and will disappoint audiences looking for an epic tale-----5/10
Excellent and a great teacher of values!!
posted on 10 Aug 2009This movie is superb! The messages that it delivers are moral, timely and most certainly of a strong Christian value. C.S.Lewis was an apologist for the Catholic faith and his story is filled with Christian symbolism especially the scene where Aslan is persecuted and humiliated by the minions of the White Witch and finally executed by her.What more of a parallel can be drawn to the Passion of the Christ and his execution? When the stone table breaks that is the symbolism reflecting the destruction of the Temple at Christ's death and it goes without saying that Aslan's "rebirth is the Resurrection of Jesus all over again.Peter's reluctant heroism is a message to us all. Hold fast to the truth regardless of the popular train of thought and fight for what you believe to be right with every ounce of your conviction.Edmond's greed and his manipulation by the White Witch shows us that when we seek after personal satisfaction and gain, there is always a hidden price involved that we, unfortunately, discover far too late.This movie has stunning visual effects and is suitable for young children BUT I feel it is important that a parent watch it with the child(ren) and take time to explain the parallels between the scenes and their moral equivalent.
Enjoyable but not worth the hype
posted on 08 Aug 2009After hearing my friends rave about this movie, i had to watch it for myself. Sadly though... the movie was reasonably enjoyable, but some what disappointing in my opinion. Firstly, the beginning of the film was far to lengthy and boring. How the kids happen to stumble upon the wardrobe is tedious to say the least. Over elaboration of the stupid games played, and how they all FINALLY end up in the closet can really bore people. Thankfully, the movie picks up pace and the cute animals are humorous and realistic. However, my major qualm about the film is it fails to remain sensible or logical in its own right. Even though The Matrix and The LOTR were far fetched stories, the plot was logical and believable.... On the other hand, this story is just basically random. The 4 "heros" actually didn't do much in the entire story. It was Aslan who gathered the troops, it was aslan who killed the ice queen, and all they were, were props! The girl only shot ONE arrow in the battle... Them being called kings and queens really doesn't make sense. Neo could do anything, frodo the ring bearer.... but these 4... nothing! Well, all was not lost considering that the final battle was rather enjoyable but still abit short. LOTR like CG for the final battle. One thing that i found astounding was that Aslan could just resurrected just because the ice queen didn't read the fine print..... overall, moderately enjoyable, but somewhat lacking in many ways.....
Best film (I've seen) of the year!
posted on 08 Aug 2009And I'm not kidding. There have been a number of movies I was interested in, and looking forward to this year. This really was not one of them, at first. Logic holds that it would be my absolute favourite.I have rarely ever seen a book-to-movie adaptation that rivals this one. I say rarely, but possibly EVER. It was incredibly faithful to the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, but that in and of itself doesn't make a great movie. This was faithful, and amazingly well done. It's almost hard to describe. The adaptation is quite possibly the best I have ever seen done. With exceptions, I think few people who have read and loved the first book of the series could be disappointed in this movie.What else can I say? I love Disney for making this movie. That I can remember, the last Disney movie I really liked was Pirates of the Caribbean. I'm not a huge Disney fan, in general.This film was beautiful, magical, childlike and yet adult. The most perfect children's story, come to life. The acting was great. I loved everyone... my favourite (of course) was little Lucy. I frickin' adored that little girl. But the whole cast was fabulous.I've already seen it twice in the theatre, and I would see it again in a heartbeat. Of the several movies I've seen in the theatre this year, this is one of only two I've watched more than once. I have *no* doubt that I will buy the DVD when it comes out.I gave it 9 out of 10. This is just a perfect Christmas movie.
wonderful
posted on 28 Aug 2009Wonderful movie, Disney's best. Excellent graphics, heart warming, some actions scenes even made some people scared,the witch was truly wicked, good acting... And although at times Aslan looked a bit graphic he was so majestic and so grand that you forget. There was even bits and parts of the movie were i shed some tears and heard others around me, sniffing. I LOVE THIS MOVIE! And most importantly, true to the Chronicles of Narnia. If your thinking about seeing this movie, or don't know much about the books, see it, it will make you want to read them, you don't have to have prior knowledge to understand the movie. EXCELLENT!! Good family, date and friend go-see movie.