Chronicles of Narnia–Worth the Hype?

So I somehow got invited to a red carpet premiere of the Chronicles of Narnia movie tonight (it opens tomorrow, Decemeber 9). I was a little apprehensive. Fantasy, Lord-of-the-Rings-esque movies aren’t really my thing, but who could pass up a free movie and the chance to rub elbows with some Christian artists? Not me.

So at 4 p.m. I found myself at the theater in Cool Springs waiting in a line with all the other invitees to be admitted to the theater. I was tired, hungry, and with the weather, kind of just wanted to go home, curl up under a blanket, and eat chili. Yet, there I was, in a theater eating popcorn and rubing elbows with people who dressed like CCM artists, but I didn’t recognize any of them.

Then the movie started. I was tired, and my eyes started drooping. Then came the wonder of Narnia. The mystical frozen winterland that emerged from the magical wardrobe in the spare room. The various creatures, talking beavers, foxes, and Aslan the Great. I fell in love with Aslan, with his kindly eyes from the very beginning. And when he, the mighty lion, agreed to take on the guilt and punishment of the traitor, I nearly sobbed out loud.

I didn’t expect to like this movie, so full of things that aren’t my favorite subjects–war, death, injury to animals. Yet, here I loved it. Aslan, C.S.Lewis’ Christ symbol, spoke the message of Christ’s redemption to me so clearly that I couldn’t help but identify with Edmund. I was the traitor. And He took my place.

Go see it. Enjoy the story and see if Aslan points you to your own recognition of the gift God gave us in CHrist so many Christmases ago!