The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005): 4 stars out of 4. Starring William Mosele, Skander Keynes, Anna Poppewell, Georgie Henley, Tilda Swinton, James McAvoy, Jim Broadbent, James Cosmo, Liam Neeson, Ray Winstone, Dawn French and Rupert Everett. Screenplay by Ann Peacock and Andrew Adamson and Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely. Based on the book by C.S. Lewis. Directed by Andrew Adamson. Rated PG. Running time: Approx: 126 mins.

       
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a magical adventure sure to enchant even the youngest family member.

        Based on the classic book by C.S. Lewis, Narnia is a spellbinding fantasy loaded with action, heart and spirit.

        The book's religious aspects have been modified, but the basic message and storyline remain unchanged.

        The movie opens during World War II with German planes bombing London. That crisis immediately sets up the relationships of the four Pevensie children.

        Peter, the eldest, is trying to be the man of the house while his father is away at war. Edmund is resentful and rebellious. Susan, the older sister, is a bit bossy as well as a bit of a know-it-all. Lucy, the youngest, is an innocent, but with a mind of her own.

        As many British parents did during those dark days, the children are sent to live in the country for safety.

        They are put up at the home of an old professor, and it is in his home that Lucy first discovers the magical wardrobe that is a doorway to the wondrous land of Narnia.

        Eventually, all four of the children make their way to Narnia, where they learn that to survive, they must help fulfill a prophecy in which they become the kings and queens of the realm.

        In Narnia, the foursome meet all kinds of creatures — good and bad. Especially evil is the White Witch Jadis, who has crowned herself queen of Narnia and has changed the landscape to a perpetual winter.

        The coming of the children portends her doom, and she continually tries to eliminate them.

        The children finally meet Aslan, the regal lion and true ruler of Narnia, who aids the Pevensies in their battle against Jadis.

        The children who portray the Pevensies — William Moseley (Peter), Skander Keynes (Edmund), Anna Poppewell (Susan) and Georgie Henley (Lucy) — are very good, with young Henley giving the most endearing performance.

        The special effects work is superb, with the CGI Aslan a standout.

        Voiced by Liam Neeson, Aslan is a wise and just ruler who, when necessary, can be as ferocious as, well, a lion.

        Even at more than two hours, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, will hold the attention of the youngest viewer. Adults will enjoy it as well.

        It is exciting, a bit scary, offers some touches of humor and brings home a positive message about family, trust and faith. It is a fine holiday feature that everyone can enjoy.

        Bob Bloom is the film critic and DVD reviewer at the Journal and Courier in Lafayette, Ind. He can be reached by e-mail at bbloom@journalandcourier.com or at bob@bloomink.com. Bloom's reviews also can be found at the Journal and Courier Web site: www.jconline.com
Other reviews by Bloom can be found at the Rottentomatoes Web site: www.rottentomatoes.com or at the Internet Movie Database Web site: www.imdb.com/M/reviews_by?Bob+Bloom