Only Disney could make a movie with a war scene and not show a drop of blood.

The new “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” brings back nostalgia for the original made-for-TV series, and even the book, while straddling the divide between children’s tale and adult film. While the battle scenes are lavish in the colorful variety of animated characters, much is left to the imagination of the viewer in terms of blood and gore. While the sword-to-sword clashes between the forces of Aslan and the army of the White Witch are compelling, because of the movie’s PG rating it can not achieve the convincing quality of the LOTR trilogy, and must rely on the loyalty of Narnia fans and children for its viewers. 

For those unfamiliar with the book the movies are based upon, “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis, or the original Narnia films, the story begins in war-torn London with four siblings, Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy, who are sent to the English countryside to live with an eccentric professor, away from the chaos of the World War II.  Hidden in one of the many rooms of the professor’s mansion they discover a wardrobe, which upon entering they are transported to the magical world of Narnia.
Narnia is a place where forest animals talk, creatures of myth—such as centaurs and satyrs—roam, and the world of man has long been extinct.  The winter land is stuck in the icy grip of the evil White Witch, a sorceress who claims dominion over Narnia and rules with the terror of a dictator by turning those who oppose her to stone. 

Together, with the help of some friendly beavers—which is somehow not as silly as it sounds—, a wise and magical lion named Aslan, and an army of animals and mythical creatures, the four children wage war against the White Witch and her allies.

Even though the film may be geared toward children and the young at heart it at times can be frightening, especially during one scene when viewers are shown the horrific appearance of the White Witch’s minions; beasts who look disturbingly similar to orcs. 

The scene of Aslan’s death is  a tear-jerker, and the CGI effects throughout the movie are well done, making talking animals seem plausible while imbuing them with distinct character.

Disney has sacrificed some of its mainstream audience by leaving out the gory details that appeal to older generations; however, “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” is a magical step back in time to childhood for those who grew up reading the books or watching the old shows.

—Nick Gosling

directed by Andrew Adamson based on the novel by C.S. Lewis
starring Tilda Swinton, James McAvoy, Jim Broadbent
rated PG for battle sequences and frightening moments.