Anyone seeing The Narnia Chronicles: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe?

[easjer]

I am a huge CS Lewis fan, as his books (the adult ones, though I love the Narnia Chronicles) have had a major influence on my life. I am really excited about this. I've never gotten into Harry Potter, so this is on that level for me. Just curious if anyone else is going or taking their kids.

[Duff McCartney]

I'll check it out but I'm getting annoyed at all the Christian people trying to coat hang on this.

I don't know the whole story but as far as I know the guy says the books have nothing to do with Christianity to the T. I mean there are some references but please...enough already.

[MannyIsGod]

I will be seeing this movie at some point. I loved that book and the movie looks awesome.

[angel_luv]

My friend and I are going, but not until Wednesday. I am working crazy hours until then.

I have always loved C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia books.
To this day, whenever I see a really neat looking old wardrobe, I'm tempted to see if that is the one that leads to Narnia. :)

[Duff McCartney]

no.


cs lewis said that the books have christian symbolism in them naturally; but the reader can choose to read them however he/she wants to

Exactly...but some people act like they are the beacon of light for Christianity.

[Beerjitsu]

The Chronicles of Narnia were right up there with Lord of the Rings and Madeline L'engle's books when I was a youngster so hell yeah I'm going to see it. After the craptastic animated and PBS versions of the book I'm dying to see a GOOD version of it. And I love the fact that they got Tilda Swinton to play the queen...she's like an even creepier version of Kate Blanchet (if that's possible). Great actress.

[easjer]

CS Lewis was a Christian writer, one of the greatest of his time (our time). But he also wrote plain fiction, science fiction, articles, and was a Medieval and Renaissance Scholar and Oxford and Cambridge.

If you read the books, it's there. If you haven't . . . well, see the movie. It's pretty hard to miss. Particularly towards the end of the series. But that's not to say he doesn't have some interesting ideas - for instance, the Tarkaan (is that the right spelling? I've been rereading Mere Christianity right now) who seeks Tash, and finds himself in the true Narnia (or, Heaven). Because though he worshipped Tash, he found Aslan. . . That is a truly fascinating bit thrown in there. This is in the last book, by the way. The one in which a false Aslan roams the coutnry, joining with the enemies of Narnia for complete control (you know, kind of like . . . the anti-christ?).

[JoeChalupa]

I've never even heard of this book but my oldest daughter has.

I heard the Lion was supposed to represent Jesus.

I'll wait for the DVD.

[easjer]

Exactly...but some people act like they are the beacon of light for Christianity.


Dude, not to ruin it for anyone, but the invader of Narnia who has taken control and kept it in an unnatural state kills the true ruler of Narnia, the son of the Emperor Beyond the Sea, Aslan as a replacement for a traitor. Aslan comes back to life, defeating the White Witch, because he was an innocent. Um, it's really hard to miss the symbolism.

They have been a beacon of light for Christianity for years.

What's sad is the way people are throwing this out to repudiate Harry Potter. If that's your beef, I agree with you. Otherwise . . . they are what they are. They are not meant to be a direct allegory or retelling (as Lewis stated) but they are meant to be symbolic.

[TheTruth]

I'll be watching at 10:20 tonight at the Fiesta theaters.

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

. But that's not to say he doesn't have some interesting ideas - for instance, the Tarkaan (is that the right spelling? I've been rereading Mere Christianity right now) who seeks Tash, and finds himself in the true Narnia (or, Heaven). Because though he worshipped Tash, he found Aslan. . . That is a truly fascinating bit thrown in there. This is in the last book, by the way. The one in which a false Aslan roams the coutnry, joining with the enemies of Narnia for complete control (you know, kind of like . . . the anti-christ?).

Dear God I married a dork of Star Trekkian proportions! How did you seem so normal???

[CharlieMac]

I remember winning the spelling bee and the school gave me that book set. I was so excited and read it so many times.

But no. I will not be watching this movie until it's on HBO OnDemand. I can't even sit through those damn Harry Potter movies.

What the fuck is wrong with guys my age using that as a first date movie?

[Beerjitsu]

Dear God I married a dork of Star Trekkian proportions! How did you seem so normal???

Hey now...don't be dissing us Trekkies...

[JoeChalupa]

Live long and prosper.

[easjer]

And I love the fact that they got Tilda Swinton to play the queen...she's like an even creepier version of Kate Blanchet (if that's possible). Great actress.


I know. I thought at first, it was Cate Blanchett. I'm totally psyched about this.


Dear God I married a dork of Star Trekkian proportions! How did you seem so normal???

Baby, you know how much I love a good theological discussion of a subject like that. It's not Narnia I love about that bit, it's the theological implication that anyone who actively seeks God can go to Heaven, even if they do not worship/accept Jesus. The Tarkaans (I know I'm botching this) are an amalgam of Islam and Hinduism, and Lewis suggests that even though they reject Aslan, they are accepted into Heaven.

That, from a Christian writer and thinker of his depth, is totally riveting to me. And I love how neatly it's slipped in there. He doesn't really discuss that elsewhere (that I've read, although I've not read all his works yet).



(Also - you should so NOT be talking. What happened to that lovely, laid back happy-go-lucky guy when you get in front of a video game? You morph in a combination of Mr. Hyde and the Incredible Hulk. Freaky, man.)

[JoeChalupa]

Damn, that is some deep stuff.

[angel_luv]

I'll check it out but I'm getting annoyed at all the Christian people trying to coat hang on this.

I don't know the whole story but as far as I know the guy says the books have nothing to do with Christianity to the T. I mean there are some references but please...enough already.


Perhaps, if you are not familiar with the Bible, you might miss some of the symbolic similarities. But I think most will find it impossible to ignore how the events in Lewis' story are strikingly similar to those described in the Salvation account.



I can tell you that C.S. Lewis was most definitely a Believer. And it is my opinion that people's speech and writing reflects what they believe.

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/c/c_s_lewis.html


A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word, 'darkness' on the walls of his cell.
C. S. Lewis


A young man who wishes to remain a sound atheist cannot be too careful of his reading.
C. S. Lewis


Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.
C. S. Lewis

I gave in, and admitted that God was God.
C. S. Lewis

[angel_luv]

I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.
C. S. Lewis

[Duff McCartney]

What's sad is the way people are throwing this out to repudiate Harry Potter. If that's your beef, I agree with you. Otherwise . . . they are what they are. They are not meant to be a direct allegory or retelling (as Lewis stated) but they are meant to be symbolic.

I know that's what I'm saying you must have misunderstood what I meant. I know it has symobolism and all that, but when people seem to cling to it like it's a retelling or some other stuff.

I haven't heard any repudiate of Harry Potter or anything like that. I never even read the Harry Potter books but the movies were good, and I wanted to see this because the movie looked good as well.

[alamo50]

Hey Duff, this forum works better for ya than school.
Doesn't it?

[Duff McCartney]

Perhaps, if you are not familiar with the Bible, you might miss some of the symbolic similarities. But I think most will find it impossible to ignore how the events in Lewis' story are strikingly similar to those described in the Salvation account.



I can tell you that C.S. Lewis was most definitely a Believer. And it is my opinion that people's speech and writing reflects what they believe.

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/c/c_s_lewis.html


A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word, 'darkness' on the walls of his cell.
C. S. Lewis


A young man who wishes to remain a sound atheist cannot be too careful of his reading.
C. S. Lewis


Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.
C. S. Lewis

I gave in, and admitted that God was God.
C. S. Lewis

I'm not saying he wasn't.

[SpursWoman]

I would like to go see it, yes. :)

[JoeChalupa]

Perhaps, if you are not familiar with the Bible, you might miss some of the symbolic similarities. But I think most will find it impossible to ignore how the events in Lewis' story are strikingly similar to those described in the Salvation account.



I can tell you that C.S. Lewis was most definitely a Believer. And it is my opinion that people's speech and writing reflects what they believe.

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/c/c_s_lewis.html


A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word, 'darkness' on the walls of his cell.
C. S. Lewis


A young man who wishes to remain a sound atheist cannot be too careful of his reading.
C. S. Lewis


Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.
C. S. Lewis

I gave in, and admitted that God was God.
C. S. Lewis

Nice quotes.

[Duff McCartney]

Hey Duff, this forum works better for ya than school.
Doesn't it?

Schools out.

[MannyIsGod]

It is a retelling of sorts. Thats why they call it symbolism.

[easjer]

One of the most influential books of my life is Mere Christianity. I recommend it to everyone who is interested in learning more about Christianity away from Bible Thumpers who mistakenly try to convince you to believe something by basing it on something else you believe is false. Lewis goes about explaining why he became a believer from an atheist and why he finds it logical. And it's great for new believers as well. It defines what is Christianity, shared by all Christians, regardless of denomination.

Anyway, he is entirely thought provoking. Another one of great depth is The Great Divorce. And the third (rounding out my favorite books ever) is The Screwtape Letters. Very British, very witty, very shaking. Both fiction (make no mistake), but containing some very deep truths about sin and holding onto it.

[Duff McCartney]

One of the most influential books of my life is Mere Christianity. I recommend it to everyone who is interested in learning more about Christianity away from Bible Thumpers who mistakenly try to convince you to believe something by basing it on something else you believe is false.

If Jesus didn't write it, it's blasphemy!!![/biblethumper]

[JoeChalupa]

Here we go.....

[easjer]

You know another really incredible quote that completely floored me when I first read it, because of how deeply it resonated (and thus shook me)?

I have to paraphrase, because I don't have it in front of me. But it's in Book 2 of Mere Christianity, towards the end, where he finally comes to talk about Jesus. He says that there is often something entirely overlooked about what Jesus said, because he has been so controversial, that the most controversial thing he ever said was perhaps one of the most shocking things to be uttered in history.

"Here is a man, who is raised to believe in Judaism and the Judiac YHWH. That is, the one and only God of the universe. This man comes along and claims that he can forgive sins. Now, if you step on my foot, I can forgive you. If you steal my money, I can forgive you. But this guy comes along, and says that he can forgive you also. For stepping on my foot, himself unharmed. That could only be true if he was the injured party, as he would be *if he was God, who Judaism claims is ultimately the injured party in any sin*. So this guy who believes that there is one God, claims to be that God.

If he truly believes that, that makes him one of three things - a fool who believes he is Hitler or a poached egg, the very Devil of Hell who tempts all men from God, or *what he claims to be*. And if he is not what he claims to be, then his other claims of modesty, humility, gentleness must also be thrown out in the wash. But we don't throw those out. There is so much crap about him being a 'good teacher' or a 'good man' but he cannot be if he is not what he claimed to be.

Therefore, he either is what he claims or he is not. That is the only choice. Yes or no."

That completely shattered me. That's why I love his books so much.

[boutons]

"anyone who actively seeks God can go to Heaven, even if they do not worship/accept Jesus."

This is news?

Requiring "acceptance of Jesus", or however the robotic cant goes, is only believed by the close-minded Jesus crowd. It's a cheap political scare tactic by the Jesus religious politicians to scare outsiders to get inside (and start tithing), and to scare insiders to stay inside (and keep them tithes coming). Some other religions have exactly the same politics.

Spiritual growth is available to everybody, and requires no affiliation with a "religion", Jesus brand religion or not.

[easjer]

:lol Duff, don't get me wrong. The Bible is a wonderful book. It may be a Holy Book, it may be the Word of God. I don't care to argue the point either way.

But I've never understood why someone would approach a non-believer and wave a bunch of verses from a book the non-believer does not acknowledge to try and convince him of the truth (which I believe is the truth whether it comes from a book or not - after all, the first Christians did not have a bible to lead them to the truth). It's foolish, and God gave us brains for a reason.

[easjer]

"anyone who actively seeks God can go to Heaven, even if they do not worship/accept Jesus."

This is news?

Requiring "acceptance of Jesus", or however the robotic cant goes, is only believed by the close-minded Jesus crowd. It's a cheap political scare tactic by the Jesus religious politicians to scare outsiders to get inside (and start tithing), and to scare insiders to stay inside (and keep them tithes coming). Some other religions have exactly the same politics.

Spiritual growth is available to everybody, and requires no affiliation with a "religion", Jesus brand religion or not.


Yeah, but it was said by one of your 'close-minded Jesus crowd' - that's insignificant?

Jesus said that no man comes to the father (and hence, heaven) but by him. That's led to a lot of debate about through the years about the state of people who are good people and religious people who do not believe that Jesus is the way to God. I find it fascinating to see how Lewis comes that conclusion and if it is the way I believe it is, I also believe it.

Which is NOT the same as all good people go to Heaven.

Sure spiritual growth is available to anyone, depending on your definition of spiritual growth. I'm not tryibg to convert anyone, just talking about one of my favortie subjects, which makes me happy and excited. You are as free as the wind is free to believe what you choose to believe. It doesn't affect me in any way.

[Duff McCartney]

foolish, and God gave us brains for a reason.

Yeah so we can turn them to mush with drugs,alcohol, video games, and gambling...I love it!!!

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Why don't you just save time and watch The Passion instead?

[easjer]

I did. I think this will be more fun, though.

[tlongII]

No. I don't like the title. Who cares about a freakin wardrobe anyway?

[Spam]

No. I don't like the title. Who cares about a freakin wardrobe anyway?

The Lion and the Witch?

[SA Gunslinger]

The cartoon was awesome. I can't wait to check this out.

[TheTruth]

saw it and it was just alright.

[Ginofan]

I thought it was alright. I hadn't read the books before, but I remember seeing the animated version years ago. I dug the special effects and the little girl who played Lucy was super cute.

[JMarkJohns]

I thought it was a very good movie, but thought Liam Neeson as Aslan was a poor choice as the voice wasn't believable to me. Also, too much computer animation. The original Star Wars movies get the right amount in.

Stayed close to the story, which was nice. Wasn't overly long. Overall, a few gripes, but nothing that really matters. Loved the books, but haven't read them in years. I'm thinking of rereading the series. I loved them as a child and preteen. Been over a dozen years since I picked them up, but I'm looking forward to restarting.

BTW, for those who have been discussing the symbolism of the series, great job. For those who gave the quotes, great quotes.

Anyone seen "Shadowlands" with Anthony Hopkins? Kind of boring, but a good film on Lewis.

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

Saw it last night. I wasn't overly impressed. The first hour dragged alot. The director was clearly trying too hard to drill the grandeur of the realm into the audience's brain. Wide shot after wide shot of big, sweeping landscapes accompanied by big, sweeping music. No me gusta. Which is a shame because it was very visually appealing when they weren't trying to cram it down your throat. The other timewaster was that the amount of time spent building suspense. I suppose that the film is aimed at children so maybe it got them on the edge of their seats, but honestly, it's a Disney movie. I'm pretty confident that when kids are slowly...creeping...into...the...wardrobe...that nothing is going to jump out and eviserate them, so instead I sat on the edge of my seat wanting to yell at the screen in frustration at some points.

The kids didn't exactly impress me either. They had their moments, but all in all I found their performances kind of weak. But the voice work was spot on for the animals, and the action sequences were very well done. The movie was clearly targeting a much younger crowd than me, so I'm willing to forgive most of the problems I had with it. If you have kids this is a good one to take them to. Lots of action without any real violence.

Probably the funniest part of the whole experience was the group of four thugs who came in and sat down and then practically ran out of the theatre during the previews when the figured out that they probably weren't showing "Curious George" trailers before "Get Rich or Die Trying".

[Duff McCartney]

I dug the special effects and the little girl who played Lucy was super cute.

:wow

[Trainwreck2100]

I'll be watching at 10:20 tonight at the Fiesta theaters.


Fiesta sucks

[Trainwreck2100]

saw it and it was just alright.

cause you saw it at Fiesta

[KEDA]

just saw it


good film, pretty accurate from my accounts.

I thought the voices were also very well done, it was kind of hard to pick out who was who, although I spotted Liam Neisson pretty quick.

Also the person that went with me was fabulous, had a great time with her, must do it again!

[RashoFan]

just saw it


good film, pretty accurate from my accounts.

I thought the voices were also very well done, it was kind of hard to pick out who was who, although I spotted Liam Neisson pretty quick.

Also the person that went with me was fabulous, had a great time with her, must do it again!
I had a great time as well.....I really thought the voice of the red fox sounded like Billy Zane...close but it was someone else. I liked it when Keda leaned forward in his seat during the battle scene which I thought was good CGI effects for the Fauns, Centauris, Aslan, etc.

[Ginofan]

:wow

What what? She was cute with her little buck teeth!


I had a great time as well.....I really thought the voice of the red fox sounded like Billy Zane...close but it was someone else. I liked it when Keda leaned forward in his seat during the battle scene which I thought was good CGI effects for the Fauns, Centauris, Aslan, etc.

I think the fox was Rupert Everett.

[RashoFan]

What what? She was cute with her little buck teeth!



I think the fox was Rupert Everett.
The credits stated the actor's name is Sim....something- something.

[Ginofan]

Here you go...

I love IMDB.COM! (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0363771/fullcredits)
Cast (in credits order)
Georgie Henley .... Lucy Pevensie
Skandar Keynes .... Edmund Pevensie
William Moseley .... Peter Pevensie
Anna Popplewell .... Susan Pevensie
Tilda Swinton .... White Witch
James McAvoy .... Mr. Tumnus
Jim Broadbent .... Professor Kirke
Kiran Shah .... Ginarrbrik
James Cosmo .... Father Christmas
Judy McIntosh .... Mrs. Pevensie
Elizabeth Hawthorne .... Mrs. MacReady
Patrick Kake .... Oreius
Shane Rangi .... General Otmin
Brandon Cook .... Boy on Train
Cassie Cook .... Girl on Train
Morris Lupton .... Train Conductor
Shelly Edwards .... Distraught Mother (as Shelley Edwards-Bishop)
Susan Haldane .... Distraught Mother
Margaret Bremner .... Distraught Mother
Jazin Hall .... Soldier
Terry Murdoch .... German Pilot
Katrina Browne .... Green Dryad
Lee Tuson .... Rumblebuffin the Giant
Elizabeth Kirk .... Hag
Felicity Hamill .... Hag
Kate O'Rourke .... Hag
Sonya Hitchcock .... Hag
Lucy Tanner .... Hag
Tiggy Mathias .... Hag
Greg Cooper .... Faun
Richard King .... Faun
Russell Pickering .... Faun
Ben Barrington .... Centaur
Charles Williams .... Centaur
Vanessa Cater .... Centaur
Allison Sarofim .... Centaur
Alina Phelan .... Centaur Archer
Stephen Ure .... Satyr
Sam La Hood .... Satyr (as Sam Lahood)
Ajay Ratilal Navi .... Red & Black Dwarf
Bhoja 'BK' Kannada .... Red & Black Dwarf (as Bhoja Kannada)
Zakiuddin Mohd. Farooque .... Red & Black Dwarf
M. Ramaswami .... Red & Black Dwarf
Praphaphorn 'Fon' Chansantor .... Red & Black Dwarf (as Prapaphorn Chansantor)
Nikhom Nusungnern .... Red & Black Dwarf
Doungdieo Savangvong .... Red & Black Dwarf
Rachael Henley .... Older Lucy
Mark Wells .... Older Edmund
Noah Huntley .... Older Peter
Sophie Winkleman .... Older Susan
Liam Neeson .... Aslan (voice)
Ray Winstone .... Mr. Beaver (voice)
Dawn French .... Mrs. Beaver (voice)
Rupert Everett .... Fox (voice)
Cameron Rhodes .... Gryphon (voice)
Philip Steuer .... Philip the Horse (voice)
Jim May .... Vardan (voice)
Sim Evan-Jones .... Wolf (voice)
Douglas Gresham .... Radio Announcer (voice)

[Ginofan]

The credits stated the actor's name is Sim....something- something.

Maybe you saw the voice for the wolf, his name is Sim?

[easjer]

I was both pleased and disappointed. It was good, and I enjoyed. A pretty faithful portrayal. What I finally realized was disappointing to me was that it was totally a kids movie. As silly as that sounds, the books always had another level to them. They were great kids books, but they also held another deeper and more thoughtful level to them. The movie totally missed that.

Also, they added some stuff in which I found unnecessary, since I wish they'd taken more time to explain who Aslan was. That was my biggest complaint. They never explain or visually show WHY he is so important and venerated. I'd have cut some stuff in favor of two more minutes of exposition at any point (with the Beavers, with a Centaur, among themselves, with the Witch) giving some explanation as to why he is important. And Liam Neeson, bless him, did a great job, but the last thing I saw him in was The Kinsey Report - going from Kinsey to Aslan was too much for my mind.

Still, enjoyed it very much.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

I was going to see it last night, but decided to watch The Passion instead.

[easjer]

Well, that too is a nice piece of film making, but it makes me queasy, so I tend to save it for Good Friday, when I am fasting anyway.

[Spurminator]

It was alright... That little girl was the most annoying child actor since Anakin Skywalker, though.

[easjer]

My husband thought so too, but she didn't bother me much. The eldest bothered me more, since I felt like he *should* be a better actor. But then I was distracted by how much he looks like Prince William. Eerie.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

http://www.technofile.com/images/passion.jpg

[Spurminator]

Yes, we saw The Daily Show use that joke too. It wasn't that funny then, and it's not that funny either time from you...

What is funny is how any movie with religious undertones will now be compared to The Passion. I guess we should say the same thing about The Matrix and the original Star Wars...

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Actually i've laughed each time I mention it. I even laugh every time I say the word "passion".

And it was the Colbert Report, not the Daily Show.

[easjer]

It's good that you are capable of keeping yourself amused.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Well what else is the internet for?

[easjer]

Touché.

:lol

[RashoFan]

Maybe you saw the voice for the wolf, his name is Sim?
You are correct...perhaps I need to take up hunting, then I would know the difference between afox and wolf...

[RashoFan]

My husband thought so too, but she didn't bother me much. The eldest bothered me more, since I felt like he *should* be a better actor. But then I was distracted by how much he looks like Prince William. Eerie.
I thought he resmebles a younger Prince Williams as well...I thought I was the only one to think that.

[MannyIsGod]

I finally saw this tonight. It fucking SUCKED. Are you kidding me? The last time I saw this movie it was much better and it was called Return Of The King. And even with all the fight scenes, Disney can't throw in a drop of blood? Sure, the sword goes into a guy and comes out shiny as ever.

They didn't do the characters justice at all. It was just a piss poor rendition that came out looking like LOTR for preteens as opposed to an actualy epic movie.

What a crock.