media consumption

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

There is very little I feel I need to say about this movie. If you've read the book, you'll see an almost verbatim translation to the screen. If I have any complaints, they rest in some of the ham-handed acting of the older Pevensie children (Peter and Susan, specifically). But that's a quibble.

There's been a fair amount of press given to the Christian allegory found smack in the middle of the movie (don't worry, you won't miss it), but unless you're a flamingly intolerant atheist (e.g., one who objects the use of the term "Christmas Tree" when referring to the conifer that many people choose bring into their living room every December), you won't mind. The scene in question fits in well with the general plot, which includes a fair amount of suspense, adventure, treachery, etc.

Oh, but don't expect Lord-of-the-Rings-type special-effects or the same density of characterization and plot development. As I said, the book's plot fits well into the two-hour running time, which implies that the story was a little structurally thin to begin with. That may be a harsh assessment, especially since I can still fondly remember reading the Narnia books. But the key here is to understand that the story is basic and well-done. You shouldn't expect awe-inspiring, but what you get will at least be entertaining. And that's nothing to sneeze at.

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