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"We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done" (Psalm 78:4).

C.S. Lewis was an English literature scholar whose emphasis was on medieval literature. After serving in the British Army during World War I, he ended up not believing in God, yet he continued to study. Before World War II, he became a believer and during the war developed that belief. He had a series of radio addresses during the war that were later turned into a book called Mere Christianity. He was part of a group called The Inklings who met and discussed various ideas. The most famous of this group and a good friend was J.R.R. Tolkien.

Being interested in literature, Lewis wanted to bring that interest to a wider audience, particularly children. Hence he began writing what would be a seven volume work called The Chronicles of Narnia. Using his background in medieval literature, he brought to the world characters out of that literature including talking animals, dwarfs and an assortment of characters. The imagination of many was peeked as they pictured in their minds what these characters looked like and what Narnia looked like as well. Many were inspired to journey to Narnia, if only in dreams, to visit and enjoy the country.

Doug Gresham is Lewis’ stepson and controller over the Lewis estate and affairs. Until the 1990s, technology was not available to bring to life Narnia but with the success of The Lord of the Rings, Narnia has come to life. The first movie was The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. It introduced us to Narnia, a variety of characters, and most importantly to Aslan, the mighty lion, who Lewis admits, was a Christ-figure in his series. Gresham has been a co-producer of the movies and is very pleased with the outcome of the second movie. He should be; it is a very good movie.

Many C.S. Lewis scholars and fans find the book, Prince Caspian, the weakest of the seven. As I understand it, when the four Pevensie children arrive back in Narnia, the book is written more like a flashback to what had happened since they left. The producers of the movie wondered how they would write a movie with this background. So they changed the order and made what one reviewer called a movie better than the book.

The movie opens with the Pevensie children, Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy, a year after their amazing adventure in Narnia, adjusting to life in World War II England. They had fought and won a war with the White Witch with Aslan’s help. They were honored by being made kings and queens. At the end of the first movie, we see them grown up until they stepped through the Wardrobe and back into their world as children. Talk about culture shock! And who would have believed them about their adventure? The adjustment was hard for them.

Back in Narnia things have changed. The Narnians had been conquered and driven from their towns into the woods. Aslan had disappeared. A prince named Caspian was to be the new king but his uncle had other plans. He flees with the help of his teacher, who gives him Susan’s horn. Once in the woods, surrounded by the uncle’s men and Narnians he blows it. This summons the Pevensie children.

They return to Narnia some 1300 years later, to a castle that use to be their home but now laid in ruins. After finding their equipment, they begin a search as to what had happened. What they find surprises and challenges them.

One question they ask is where is Aslan? The answer is that few, if any believe in him any more. Many consider him a myth. Others ask that if he really existed, why didn’t he help them to prevent what has happened. Peter and Susan, the oldest of the children, have their doubts. In fact, Peter decides that he must do something, which causes mistakes and death. Caspian, who was taught that there never were Narnians, finds that he has been lied to, but still wonders. He too is head strong like Peter and they clash. Only Lucy sees Aslan. Edmund believes as well and waits for Aslan to be revealed.

Many questions that people ask today are asked in the movie. Keep in mind that Lewis had seen two World Wars with its death and destruction. These are questions that he heard over and over, even asking them himself. These are also children’s books that are written to help children as they grow. As adults, we tend to ask the same questions. Aslan had not been seen for 1300 years in Narnia. Where is God today, what with all the problems humanity has? War, disease, famine, disasters; why doesn’t God do something about it?

Christians look at such things through the eyes of faith. We do not always understand the whys of things, in fact, if we really are honest, we understand very little about God’s activity. This has led some to think that God is no longer active, somewhat like the Narnians. Some in churches of Christ have tended to lean this way, and so, if we really thought about it, the movie would be somewhat disturbing for them. For others, it is a reminder that God works in mysterious ways (see Psalm 115:3), and that we must accept that. One of the statements Aslan makes to Lucy is that he does not do the same thing twice. Throughout the movie, though sometimes mocked, she continues to believe and trust that Aslan will do what is right.

The story line is good. The action and special effectives are very good without being overdone. Some new characters are introduced and we find the dry sense of humor the British are known for present in the movie. It was filmed in New Zealand so the scenery is beautiful. It is an enjoyable movie to sit and watch as well as to think about. Keep in mind that Lewis admits that The Chronicles of Narnia have many Christian thoughts and influences in them.

George B. Mearns