Narnia - The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

See the trailer here.

I'm nearly ready to embarrass myself, I'm so excited for this movie to come out. Everything I've heard and read tells me that Walden Pictures and Disney made every logical attempt to stick to the story, Weta Workshop showed they can be faithful with the work they did on LOTR. Even the interviews of the director that I've read indicated that he was aware that if he mucked this story up, there would be heck to pay.

Obviously one reason is that I adore these stories. This one in particular, even though the Last Battle is my favorite, this story of Aslan's sacrifice for the cruel and petty Edmond, Lucy's love for Aslan and Peter and Susan's courage is wonderful, moving and beautiful. I've enjoyed the mental images of the trees coming to life and joining in the battle. Unlike Tolkiens Ents, these really are the spirits of the trees coming to life. The themes of sacrifice, honor, courage and humility are stirring and encouraging. I also need the visual of the havoc created by a sinful desire for just one more taste of Turkish Delight.

More than anything, though, I'm hoping that this movie turns people back to the books, as was the case with Tolkiens masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings. The books are so magical and wonderfully evocative of life and it's deeper meanings. Even if your kids can't understand the themes, the stories are filled with creatures of legend and myth, treasure, princesses, brave knights, serious quests and heroic children.

I'd just hate for some child to miss out on Reepicheep. Or ole Puzzle. Or Hwin. Or Eustace. Or Puddleglum. But especially Reepicheep. I love Reepicheep.