The Magical Forest

Our Buttery Bits of Wisdom about this Film:

• Why It's Worth It: The C.S Lewis novels are so set in our imaginations that filmed versions of the stories feel like another chapter in the magical saga; this production is gorgeous and the Narnians are portrayed endearingly. That being said, the film is much darker than the first film -- it features loud, clashing battle scenes in which the heroes are responsible for many killings. Parents must know their own child, but we don't feel it is appropriate for kids under 9. Even our 11 year olds covered their ears and eyes in a few scary spots.
  
• Red Flags: This is an action film, full of swordplay and battles. The few particularly scary parts are these: Prince Caspian is alerted that his uncle is about to assassinate him, and flees quickly on horseback. A tense chase scene ensues in the Narnian forest. Later, the Narnians storm the castle that Prince Caspian's uncle has commandeered. It is a particularly gruesome and gory battle scene where you distinctly see enchanted animals killed at short range. King Peter's duel offers the only spot where a hero chooses to spare life: Peter turns Miraz over to Caspian to take his life (in revenge for Miraz offing Caspian's father), and Prince Caspian chooses to let him walk away.
  
• Further Viewing: Rent the first Narnia film, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, for the full back story on the Pevensie kids and their magical story. If your kids love fantasy, introduce them the the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, or for little fantasy lovers, Dragonheart.
  

Our Tips for Talking with your kids about this Film:

• Literature Savvy:  Reading the Narnia series is one of the great pleasures of childhood. Be sure your kids read these books -- we heard them out loud as kids, and so read them aloud to our children. Start now on The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, our favorite of all, which is the next book to be filmed.
  
• Screenwriting Savvy: If a child adores a book, they are often disappointed with the choices filmmakers make when adapting that book to the screen. Counsel your passionate reader before the movie about the essential differences between film and literature (the condensation of time and need to explain the backstory, visualization of imagined landscapes and characters). It's often helpful for them to think about the real people that had to sit down and make these choices. Your goal isn't so much to lower expectations, as to teach children to become critical thinkers. Instead of "I hate the way they did that", try to get them to say "If I were making the film, I'd have chosen to do it this way instead".
  
• Location Savvy: Where'd the filmmakers find all that pristine forest? In New Zealand, Poland, Slovenia and the Czech Republic.

Our Buttery Bits of Wisdom about this Adventure:

• Why It's Worth It: TreePeople is a beloved LA institution that has been doing its part on behalf of the environment for 30 odd years. Although their Coldwater Canyon campus is currently being renovated, we count it as one of our favorite spots for a hike in LA. Definitely put it on your family's To Do list this summer, for it will open up again in July. Click here to learn more about their programming. The group will help you bring tree plantings to your school, or neighborhood,
  
• Moonlight Hikes: Be sure to sign up NOW for one of their highly popular Moonlight Hikes, which will be resuming in July. These book up early - so, calendar it now; click here to learn more about our experience with kids on these hikes.
  
• Before You Go: Volunteers are needed for planting groups in the next month - be sure to register to join a planting group -- There are several groups on May 17 and 18, and then again on Saturdays in June.
  
• California Fire ReLeaf Initiative through American Forests: Click here to donate money to rebuild trees devastated by last year's fires.
  

How to take this Adventure in Orange County:

• Irvine Ranch Wild Lands: Continue the magical adventure of Narnia's land and walk though the recently named National Natural Landmark, the Irvine Ranch Wild Lands.  These 35,000 acres of diverse open space offer many opportunities to experience nature, right in your own backyard!  Plus, it will never be developed, protecting this magical place forever (and not just 1300 years). Open your own magical wardrobe and step through to a land filled with spring time butterflies (if you squint hard they look like fairies), gnarled old oak trees, meadows glowing with bright yellow mustard, and the sounds of nature all around you.
• Before you go: Click on the website www.irvineranchwildlands.org and click on "Let's Go Outside."  Only certified guides can take you on your magical journey.  You can make a reservation online and most activities are free.  There are hundreds of hikes to choose from.  Easy hikes are great for adventurers under 8.  Bring water, snacks, your camera, binoculars, sunscreen, hats and most of all, your imagination!
• What To Expect: As you start your journey with your guide, keep a sharp eye out for little bumpy worms with feet - caterpillars are enjoying the green leaves of the milkweed plant.  My son counted 8 different varieties of caterpillars.  Butterflies flew around our heads, and especially liked my daughter's bright pink hat. As you continue your journey, don't forget to taste the spicy mustard.  Pinch off a little of the yellow buds and chew - soon a spicy hot mustardy flavor hits your tongue.  Good thing you brought your water!  The sounds of birds of all kinds fill the air.  Listen for woodpeckers filling holes with acorns for winter.  You may hear them, but finding them is a different story.  Find some shade under an old oak tree and cool off with some water as you listen to the buzzing of crickets and the calls of hunting raptors.  Bring some binoculars to really see what you've been hearing.  You've found your own Narnia, right here in Orange County!