Movie Mondays: On Mondays, I will review a book series or novel that has been made into a movie. I will then answer the question that everyone asks: which is better, the movie or the book? Here is this week’s offering:
Book: The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis | Movie: The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
Which did I read/see first? the BOOK
Book Cover | Movie Poster
The Book:
Series: The Chronicles of Narnia
Genre: Childrens, Adventure, Action, Magic
Thoughts:
I had to read this book in elementary school and it is one of the only books I actually enjoyed reading. I loved the story and I found myself easily submerged into the world Lewis created. It’s both kid and adult friendly so it makes for a great family read.
This was the first book I read in the series and I then went back to read The Magician’s Nephew, then the two books following Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe (LWW) which are The Horse and His Boy and Prince Caspian. I found the Magician’s Nephew to be a little confusing at times but it was interesting–I just felt like it was a disappointment compared to LWW and that can be said about the other books. The Horse and His Boy starts super slow but really picks up by the end. I think I finished Prince Caspian but it’s been at least 10 years so I can’t remember if I actually did finish it! Again, didn’t like it as much as LWW but I also wasn’t into reading that much at the time.
I have the whole box set and one day I will read them all just to say I finished it all.
Conclusion:
Just a great children’s read that has so many deeper elements to it that I can appreciate now that I am older and have studied English literature extensively.
Rating: 4/5
Similar Reads: Nothing immediately comes to mind
The Movie:
I’m reviewing the Disney version and I feel like that is important to state because I remember when I studied the book in school the Disney version hadn’t been released. I think they might have announced it but I hadn’t seen anything about it so we watched some crappy version (unless I am thinking about the Hobbit’s crappy animated movie but it has been quite a few years since).
I absolutely loved the Disney version–no surprise there because I adore all things Disney. They really brought the book to life with great casting, costumes and props. They also kept true to the book (there are a few little differences, like how they get into the Wardrobe, but nothing major that changes the story) which always makes book-movie adaptions great.
I haven’t seen any of the other movies (not sure what happened there!) but they are on my to-watch list!
So, which is better: the book or the movie?
In this case, the winner is TIE. I really feel like they are so similar that it is unfair to pick one over the other.
Do you agree? Leave a comment below!
Synopsis for The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (from Goodreads):
When Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy took their first steps into the world behind the magic wardrobe, little do they realise what adventures are about to unfold. And as the story of Narnia begins to unfold, so to does a classic tale that has enchanted readers of all ages for over half a century.
Trailer:
This is a great review of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe! It’s so helpful to see a comparison of the book and movie versions. Sounds like both are fantastic and perfect for a family movie night. Thanks for sharing!