12 Days of Christmas - Day 2

For day 2 of the 12 Days of Christmas at Just Bee 'n Me, I would like to share my movie "review" and other thoughts about "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe." Several days ago, I excitedly purchased my tickets online for the Friday release of the movie I've been waiting for most of my life. Since the 6th grade, when my Sunday School teacher introduced me to C.S. Lewis' classic children's fiction series, I've wished that I could see the stories come to life in some fashion. They have certainly been vividly playing in my head for years, but I think I always wanted everyone to be able to see them big and bold and appreciate them for all their power and beauty and majesty.

So, when I heard a little over a year ago that Walden Media was going to be working with Disney to bring at least the first book in the series to life in a live-action motion picture, I was thrilled. I followed the news about the movie on www.narniaweb.com, and watched their daily countdown till debut - 287 days, 286 days, 285 days...

So, was it worth the wait? Did they butcher or water down the incredible story line? Did the animals and other creatures, especially Aslan himself, look hokey and fake? The answers in my opinion are yes, no and no. It was well worth the wait - exceeded my very high expectations - they were incredibly faithful to the story line (which is really the most important thing), and the CGI creatures were stunning! The actors playing the Pevensie children were fantastic, Tilda Swinson was perfectly icy as the White Witch, and a new favorite character emerged for me - Mr. Tumnus, Lucy's friend the faun. I always liked him in the book, but his character in the film absolutely stole my heart. Any let down for me...? The only thing remotely disappointing to me was the size of Aslan - I always pictured him bigger - but he was still absolutely gorgeous and majestic and very, very life-like. The whole thing was just a great treat, a thoughtful and faithful adaptation, and a rare film that celebrates character and courage and loyalty.

So, if you're not familiar with the story line, you may be wondering what in the world this has to do with Christmas...? Well, Narnia is under a spell from the evil White Witch Jadis which keeps the entire country locked in winter, but a cruel winter without Christmas. No spoilers here, so I won't explain more, but that is why this is part of my 12 Days of Christmas.

I suggest you give yourself and your family a big Christmas treat and experience this joyous, beautiful movie together...and if you've never read the books - do it! C.S Lewis was a genius! Your whole family will love them!

Couple more Narnia links of interest:

www.narnia.com
(beautiful web site with clips, downloads, music, Chronicle synopsis, and much more - make sure you click on the "Enter Narnia" link - awesome Flash animation!!)

www.thenarniaacademy.org

(explore Narnia with 1000s of Homeschoolers and Youth Groups worldwide)

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The 2nd Day of Christmas at Just Bee 'n Me

Don't miss the Lion's new movie

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Hope you'll stop by tomorrow - more pictures than words next time I promise. :o)