The Narnia movies should be evaluated on whether or not they wreck the center of the books — whether or not they mangle the spirit of the gospel that is pervasive in the books, and whether they fool around with the integrity of the characters.
There will be some spoilers in the review here, and since the movie is actually worth seeing (unlike Caspian), you might want to read this after you have seen it. Up to you.
This is not a movie that makes you disgusted and mad with idiots in Hollywood who unaccountably get people to give them millions of dollars. This is because this time they left most of the central things intact. I think it remains true that if the movies draw kids to the books, who otherwise would have had nothing to do with the books, so much the better. But it is probably best for Christian parents to not let their kids see the movie unless those kids are already steeped in the books.
You can read his analysis here.
His conclusion:
So, here is my gradebook on these movies as adaptations so far
1. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe — B
2. Prince Caspian — D minus
3. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader — C
Here is how I would rate the movies as stand alone ventures, if C.S. Lewis had never existed, and producers had not been laboring under the burden of finding someone who understood the books. Of course, we shouldn’t be too hard on them. They only have many millions of dollars. How could they possibly find somebody who understands the books? Give them a break.
1. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe — A
2. Prince Caspian — B
3. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader — A minus
Speaking of Wilson and Narnia, I would recommend his latest book: What I Learned in Narnia. For me, Doug Wilson is like his mentor Lewis—even when I disagree I find myself spiritually challenged, thoughtfully provoked, and longing for more child-like wonder and enchantment. I trust this book will do the same for all who read its pages.
Some other blurbs:
“A fine book. Douglas Wilson knows that the best way to learn from the Narnia Chronicles is by approaching them as stories to be read and reread. Only when we freely enjoy them as tales of adventure will they ever truly edify. Love is the great opener of eyes, and this book is full of insights.”
—Michael Ward, author of Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of C.S. Lewis and Chaplain of St Peter’s College, Oxford“The best reading is the kind that weaves in and out of our own lives, so that it’s hard to tell where the books end and we begin. C. S. Lewis wrote books that ask to be read that way, and here Douglas Wilson heeds the call. What I Learned in Narnia is a rich response to stories that hold a world of wisdom. Wilson draws forth that wisdom and shows it to us.”
—Alan Jacobs, author of The Narnian: The Life and Imagination of C. S. Lewis and professor of English, Wheaton College
The publisher’s description:
“But it ll be a long story,” said the Dwarf.
“All the better,” said Lucy. “We love stories. ”Douglas Wilson begins this series of meditations on C.S. Lewis The Chronicles of Narnia with the observation, “This is not intended to be an introduction to Narnia at all, but is rather more like a conversation between good friends about some other good friends, talking about what a good time we all had and why.” Wilson highlights the practical themes of mature, Christian living that emerge from these classic tales nobility, confession, complete grace a joyful contrast to the thinness of modern life. A must for any Narnia fan, young or old.
