I happened to see this movie by chance. It was enchanting , for almost two hours you feel transported into some magical Island where lions and beavers speak, where there are horses with human heads that can fight like a knight and above all the land of Narnia where theres only been winter since hundred years. Almost like Alice in Wonderland , Ring any Bells! and also much like Harry Potter film.
As for the story, as usual the theme of eternal fight between the good and the evil. Narnia seems to be invaded by the white witch queen - the symbol of evil power, the kingdom of Narnia is supposed to freed from the witch’s shackles by two sons of Adam and daughters of Eve according to the prophecy with the help of lion king Aslam - which they do.
The settings of the film are gorgeous, especially the winter land and the forest in which Aslam resides, the visual effects are feast to the eyes. Kuddos to Lucy Pevensie (She performed really well). All others have also done their best.
The Chronicles of Narnia are based on C.S Lewis’ novel ( a seven series fantasy novel) supposedly based on pagan myths. Some say the movie is an allegory - Aslam - the Christ figure and White Witch- the figure of satan (Refer wikipedia.com), and interestingly enough the faun Tumnus in Narnia conveys Lucy, sadly that they have not had Christmas since many years. So in a way it can also be called a kind of restoration. I feel its restoration in two sense - the first one as the movie says - Restoration of the good, the second, almost restoration of the lost paradise of Eden since the advent of Adam and Eve - Its once again like the forest of Eden restored by the grace of ? Aslan ?
The movie, nevertheless brings one back to this world - the wardrobe is shut and and once more we are where we began.
I sometimes wonder why do we have movies like this -- Harry potter, Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers or we look up to the past - movies like Alexander, King Arthur, Troy, Gladiator ?- Why suddenly this trend ? Are we ourselves in the world of Narnia - where we though have Christmas, lack its spirit ? or Is our Present too morbid enough to be given any attention ?
Ah ! we all need escape - Imagination is the route - The Chronicles of Narnia offers one.