After viewing the Chronicles of Narnia, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, I would have to say that it will be a success. It should be interesting to see how the line-ups of the box office go since King Kong comes out this Wednesday. This may affect sales, but make no mistake this movie is a keeper. The acting was excellent. The scrip was well adapted from the book. The cinematography was very impressive. In all aspects the movie was well done. The major theme of the book was carried well throughout the movie. Sometimes one can go to a movie and find that major elements have been left out or the author's major premise has been discarded, but not so here. I would tend to believe that were C.S. Lewis alive today, he would be proud.
The Christian elements were certainly there. The most dramatic of all (spoiler here if you haven't read the book or seen the movie) was when Aslan had just "disposed" of the the evil White Witch, he turns to the main characters and says, "It is finished." WOW! It was a very powerful moment. (I personally wanted to stand up and cheer!) The look on the Witch's face when she saw the resurrected king return was a true look of surprise.
The Lewis purists out there may be a little disappointed in a few minor places, but the overall theme of Lewis's intent was clearly intact. This second book in the series is a tale of death and resurrection, of the ultimate sacrifice. This movie could be used as an excellent evangelism tool. What a great opener with a non-christian than to talk about a movie in the theater, better yet invite someone to go with you to the movie and take the time afterward over a cup of coffee, or hot chocolate, to discuss the imagery. This would make for a chance where there would be nothing to be nervous about, or to feel like you are putting a person on spot, just a simple conversation between friends.
Please keep this movie, it implications for the Gospel, and for those using it as a tool in your prayers. I pray that doors and hearts will be opened to the true king of Narnia and the true King of the Universe.
