Entertaining!

Rating: 5/10 (9 January 2006)

THE CHRONICLES is an entertaining film for viewers of all ages, even those that are not familiar with the C.S. Lewis novel. Like LORD OF THE RINGS, THE CHRONICLES is a story filled with memorable characters, evil, good, and fairy tale. Due to its rating, THE CHRONICLES is hampered by its need to stay child-friendly and isn't able to hit the key moments in stride, i.e., the scenes of panic and fear are held back without the ability to visualize what would have inevitably resulted in a higher rating.
There are religious themes throughout the film, as in the novel, but the film does not hit you over the head with the theology and you don't "miss" anything if you don't have background on the themes of betrayal, redemption, etc.
Lucy, Edmund, Peter, and Susan are four Pevensie children that are sent off to the rural areas of England during WWII when the blitz was threatening the future of the country. At the house, ignored by the owners, the kids play amongst themselves, and during one game of hide and seek, young Lucy discovers a wardrobe that allows her to enter an enchanted, wintery land.
Each child has a distinct personality. Lucy is the trusting, young, curious one. Edmund is the "number two", young and jealous, lying and deceitful. Susan is the older, yet shy and graceful. Peter is the unproven leader, assuming responsibility without earning or wanting it.
Entering the wardrobe, all four kids discover the land of Narnia, which has been cast into an everlasting winter by the White Witch. Their desire to return "home" is hampered by both Edmund's disappearance and a prophecy that four humans will enter the land of Narnia and with the help of the lion Aslam overthrow the Witch and return summer to Narnia.