The Life & Faith of C.S. Lewis - the Magic Never Ends is an enlightening documentary showcasing the life, works, and faith of the profound writer C.S Lewis, portrayed skillfully by the versatile actor Chip Duncun, while narrated by the legendary Ben Kingsley. The film invites viewers on an explorative journey of Lewis' extensive contributions to literature and theology and reveals facets of his personal and spiritual life that shaped his literary genius.

C.S. Lewis, best known for his works such as "The Chronicles of Narnia," "Mere Christianity," and "The Screwtape Letters," was not merely a pop-literature phenomenon, but a theologian, poet, academic, and philosopher. This film captures all these aspects of his life and career, providing a rich and full-bodied narrative for viewers interested in, or simply curious about, this multifaceted literary giant.

The film begins by delving into Lewis’ early life, including his challenging Irish upbringing at the turn of the 20th century, when he lost his mother at a young age. This deeply affected Lewis and shaped his early worldview and later writing. We learn of his time studying at Oxford University and serving in World War I. This early portrayal paints a vivid picture of the trials and tribulations faced by Lewis, showing how they formed the basis of his real-life experiences that were eventually reflected in his works.

The film then delves into the turning point of Lewis' spiritual journey. His early adulthood marked an engrossing struggle with faith, moving from being a staunch atheist to becoming one of the most influential Christian apologists of all time. The narration by Ben Kingsley provides a solemn touch to this transformative phase of Lewis' life. His conversion to Christianity is seen not as a sudden, epiphanic moment but as a drawn-out struggle and eventual realization.

One of the highlights of the movie is its deep dive into his friendship with J.R.R Tolkien, the acclaimed author of "The Lord of the Rings." The documentary showcases how their iron-sharpen-iron relationship fuelled their creativity and shaped some of their best works. While diverging from their mutually admired narrative worlds, their literary contributions were both milestones in speculative fiction, uniting myth, faith, and storytelling.

However, the documentary doesn't only skimp on the surface, glorifying Lewis and his achievements. It does an excellent job of demonstrating the depth of his character, exposing his self-doubt, insecurities, and continuous self-questioning. The humble humanization of C.S. Lewis is an aspect that truly implies the film's brilliancy, allowing for an unbiased and balanced portrayal of his life and faith's complexity.

Furthermore, the film delves profoundly into the underlying Christian themes and moralistic issues explored in Lewis' most popular works, especially "The Narnia Chronicles." The Magic Never Ends' exploration of these complex undertones gives viewers an enriching literary experience, helping them understand and perhaps appreciate Lewis' work from a deeper perspective.

In narrating the life and faith of C.S. Lewis, The Magic Never Ends makes sure to give due importance to his late marriage to Joy Davidman. The relationship, which began as a friendship and turned into a profound romantic love, deeply influenced his personal life and later writings. This unexpected sequence of events culminated in one of the most poignantly touching books, "A Grief Observed," eventually providing a lens to Lewis' raw emotions and his lifelong ponderings on love, loss, and faith.

Chip Duncun plays Lewis with an engaging studiousness and deep empathy. His performance, coupled with Ben Kingsley's comforting narration, weaves a compelling biographical look into one of the most beloved literary figures of the 20th century, steering clear of both hagiography and undue heroism.

In essence, The Life & Faith of C.S. Lewis - the Magic Never Ends serves as a valuable exploration of C.S. Lewis, an icon, whose literature continues to shape the thoughts of millions worldwide. It is a heartfelt testimony to the man behind the books, shedding light on his faith, creativity, and the life experiences that propelled his mind into creating some of the most cherished and influential literary works of all time.