What could be cooler than opening a wardrobe door and stepping into a magical world where animals talk and a lion named Aslan rules the land? Not much, that's for sure. That's just what happens to the four Pevensie children -- Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter -- when they're sent to live with a mysterious professor during the World War II air raids in England.

But the children discover that all is not well in Narnia. The once peaceful land in habited by talking beasts, dwarfs, giants, goblins, centaurs (half man - half horse) and other creatures has become a world cursed to eternal winter by the evil White Witch Jadis. Working together with the noble and mystical Aslan, the children must fight to free Narnia from the witch's icy spell.

PRE-SCHOOLER (ages 2-5): This movie has some awesome special effects, intriguing characters, and beautiful settings -- most of which are too intense for preschoolers. Best to stick with tried-and-true talking animals like Barney and Big Bird.

GRADE-SCHOOLER (ages 6-10): There are some powerful good-vs.-evil lessons in this movie, as the children must join forces with Aslan to defeat the witch, break her evil spell, and free the creatures of Narnia. Kids this age will LOVE this movie with its riveting storyline, captivating characters, and climactic battle scene.

TWEEN/TEEN (ages 11+): If your older kids haven't read the lovely novel by C.S. Lewis, upon which the movie is based, now would be a good time for them to crack it open. This movie is just one of seven tales, and here's hoping for a sequel or two.

Jane Louise Boursaw is a freelance journalist specializing in the movie and television industries.