Chronicles of Narnia, The: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005), PG, 2 hr 23 min

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Year: 2005
Franchise: Chronicles of Narnia
Franchise #: 1 (first in the Disney/Walden Media live-action trilogy)
MPAA Rating: PG for battle sequences and frightening moments
Total Runtime: 143 minutes
Tagline: "The beloved masterpiece comes to life."

Main Cast
Georgie Henley as Lucy Pevensie
Skandar Keynes as Edmund Pevensie
William Moseley as Peter Pevensie
Anna Popplewell as Susan Pevensie
Tilda Swinton as The White Witch
James McAvoy as Mr. Tumnus
Liam Neeson (voice) as Aslan
Jim Broadbent as Professor Kirke
Ray Winstone & Dawn French as Mr. and Mrs. Beaver (voices)

Reviews
Synopsis
Four siblings—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy—are evacuated from WWII London and sent to the countryside. But their lives take a wild turn when Lucy discovers a wardrobe that leads to the magical world of Narnia. There, they find a land frozen in winter and ruled by the evil White Witch. With the help of a great lion named Aslan, they’re swept into a battle between good and evil that changes them forever.
Overview
This is classic fantasy done right. Beautiful visuals, strong performances, and faithful adaptation of C.S. Lewis’s original story. The film manages to balance wonder and depth, with enough action and drama to keep older kids and adults engaged. There’s a great sense of awe, danger, and redemption throughout. It’s not just a movie about magical creatures—it’s a movie about courage, forgiveness, and the fight between light and darkness.
Family Friendliness
Overall, very family-friendly. There are battle scenes and a few scary moments (especially involving the White Witch and her minions), but nothing gory or inappropriate. Some younger kids may find certain parts intense, but it's handled tastefully. No language, no crude humor—just good, solid storytelling with a moral core.
Christian Perspective
This one’s bursting with Christian symbolism. Aslan is a clear Christ figure—he sacrifices himself in Edmund’s place and rises again to conquer evil. The themes of betrayal, redemption, grace, and resurrection are woven directly into the story, mirroring the gospel in a way that’s powerful but accessible to all audiences. C.S. Lewis wrote Narnia as a way to communicate Christian truths through storytelling, and this movie captures that spirit wonderfully.

Critics Ratings
My Rating: 10/10 Majestic, meaningful, and memorable.
Dove Foundation: Family Approved for All Ages
IMDb: 6.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 76% (Critics), 61% (Audience)
Metacritic: 75/100 (Critics), 7.6/10 (Users)

Notable Scenes
Lucy’s First Visit to Narnia – A quiet, magical moment that opens the door to a whole new world.
Edmund Meets the White Witch – Tense and unsettling, as temptation takes root with a promise of Turkish Delight.
Aslan’s Sacrifice – Deeply emotional and powerful—Aslan lays down his life for Edmund on the Stone Table.
The Resurrection – The Stone Table cracks, and Aslan returns—hope is restored.
The Final Battle – A sweeping, epic climax full of courage and wonder

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