By Jaci Schneider, Copy Editor

Much Ado About Something

In the fourth grade, I remember telling my teacher, Ms. Mitchell, I wanted to read something “different,” and so Ms. Mitchell introduced me to C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia and gave me a lifelong appreciation for fantasy.

With the The Chronicles of Narnia: Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe coming out in movie theatres next month, I am torn between excitement and dread.

I read the old paperbacks with delight, traveling through the land of Narnia with Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter. In my mind, I could clearly see the rolling white hills, the ice-coated river and snow-covered trees. I remember the vivid description of the magical winter finally ending and excitement of Father Christmas arriving at last in the strange land. And I remember the character of Aslan; a picture of him still resonates in my mind-a regal lion with beautiful gold fur and a wise face.

Although I can’t wait to see how the directors of the film depict my favorite characters and scenes, I know I will mourn for the childhood images that will surely dissipate as someone else’s imagination replaces them with computer generated characters and action. Will I ever again see the pictures the book conjured in my mind in fourth grade?

My fascination with the series and respect for the author increased in bounds while I studied abroad in Oxford, which was Lewis’ home at the time he wrote the children’s novels. And as I learned more about Lewis’ faith, I read the books with new joy, realizing the simple brilliance of his works.

The new movie could turn out to be a great tool for Christian ministry, but I hope the Christian community doesn’t forget that first and foremost, the Narnia series is a children’s story.

I have read that Lewis’ stepson is overseeing the project, making sure that Lewis’ vision and purpose is not rejected in the filmmaking process. Scholars will no doubt argue about whether Lewis would approve the film if he were still alive, and I’m sure dozens of books will be written about the Christian message found in the book, the inherent evil of the story and the treasure map hidden within the story that leads to riches in Asia. And I can imagine that churches will rent out movie theaters and tell congregations to invite the masses to view the film. Through all the hype and marketing bound to occur, I hope the innocence and purity of the series is not tainted.

I urge everyone-child, adult or grandparent-to read the book before you see the film-even if you’ve read it before, but especially if you’ve never read it at all. Make sure the images in your imagination are vivid and strong before letting someone else’s imagination take over. Find the Christian themes yourself and decide what they mean to you before reading other’s commentaries. But overall, let yourself get lost in the land of Narnia, and let your imagination take you away.