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

THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE — ** — Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes, Tilda Swinton; featuring the voices of Liam Neeson and others; rated PG (violence).

"The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" was clearly inspired in more than a few ways by the film versions of "The Lord of Rings."

Which is not to say that it's a rip-off — after all, C.S. Lewis' "Narnia" books were written around the same time as the J.R.R. Tolkien classics. However, like the "Rings" movies, the cinematic "Narnia" relies heavily on computer graphics and digitally generated characters.

But Peter Jackson's Oscar-winning "Rings" movies also had a lot invested in the characters, with a story richness to match its visual richness. The more modestly budgeted "Narnia" has less convincing digital sequences (despite using the same effects company) and employs them so often that the whole thing starts to feel a little flat. It's more yawn-inspiring than awe-inspiring, especially for those who haven't read the book.

Also, the film's PG rating is questionable. "Narnia" features some pretty strong scenes of violence, and even though it's bloodless, they are intense and will be upsetting to some younger audience members.

"Narnia" follows the four Pevensie siblings, who are caught up in World War II's Battle of Britain. Due to constant bombings, they've been evacuated to the spacious estate of reclusive Professor Kirke (an underused Jim Broadbent).

The four children are bored and restless and getting into all sorts of mischief, which includes playing hide-and-seek indoors. During one game, the youngest, Lucy (Georgie Henley), finds a wardrobe/dresser that turns out to be a gateway to the magical kingdom of Narnia. Once they enter, the kids learn that Narnia, once a lush paradise, has been turned into a cold, wintery wasteland by the evil White Witch (Tilda Swinton).

The arrival of the four Pevensies, however, has brought hope to the talking animals and half-man/half-animal residents. They join forces with the lion Aslan (voiced by Liam Neeson), who is leading Narnia's opposition forces, and to help the younger Pevensie brother, Edmund (Skandar Keynes), who has fallen under the White Witch's spell.

When the film's digital effects are working well, they look spectacular — in particular, the design for Aslan (there almost appears to have been some facial modeling involving Neeson). But director Andrew Adamson, who made the animated "Shrek" films, seems out of his comfort zone with live action, making some of the staging and pacing somewhat awkward. Also, the screenplay, which he co-wrote, lacks humor.

Newcomer Henley is a charmer, though, as is Neeson's lion, and Scottish actor James McAvoy, who steals scenes in support as the satyr-like Mr. Tumnus. But the ridiculously over-the-top, teeth-gnashing performance by Swinton as the villain of the piece is hardly her best work.

"The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" is rated PG for some strong scenes of violence (magical attacks, creature attacks, swordplay, arrow fire and some explosive war violence), as well as scenes of children in peril. Running time: 140 minutes.

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