The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Originally published Feb 20, 2024

Memory is a funny thing. Sometimes we remember moments from our childhoods in snippets, but aren’t able to piece them together without the proper means. Many of us have likely grown up with a movie or show that fits this description. For me, that movie was The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.

Based on the beloved C.S. Lewis book of the same name, the movie tells the story of four relocated siblings that happen across a magical wardrobe, whisking them away to a fantasy world they’re apparently prophesied to free from a great evil. I don’t believe I’d seen this movie for decades before my latest viewing, yet I remembered every scene and character as if I’d last seen them only yesterday. Surprisingly, or perhaps unsurprisingly, a good number of elements have held their strength almost two decades later. The CGI can look a smidge dated on certain characters or animals, but how embarrassing is it that 2005 Aslan can emote better than any character from 2019’s The Lion King? Speaking of, Liam Neeson gives a captivatingly commanding performance as the Great Lion, and the rest of the cast’s performances are pretty splendid as well. The score is also top-notch fantastical, though I’d expect no less from the great Harry Gregson-Williams. I haven’t read the book in a while, but this film felt like it captured it’s instance to the point where I might want to reread it now.

While I do have some room for criticism, I must stress most of it stems from a personal preference for The Lord of the Rings trilogy. It’s for this reason that I encourage you to see it for yourself and form your own thoughts. Maybe it’ll bring back memories for you, too.

Rating: 7.9/10