The Golden Compass

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Okay, so you think you are interested in the Golden Compass in general based on what you've heard or seen in the trailer. That's good, but don't just see the movie and not read the book because you will think all the wrong things. This movie not only poorly captures the true messages of Pullman's first book, it lacks the character/plot development that any form of entertainment should have (movie or book). It's rushed beyond belief so we can be dazzled with CGI and loud noises. It's true that the director may have been taking into account the aspects of atheism and whatnot. However, this is fantasy. Also, the movie-makers seem to hold a very low opinion regarding the general public's intelligence. Which is fine, but I mean to divert from the true book so people will not confuse names and who is exactly good and bad. Each individual should be making those decisions on his own, and not being told by the director himself who is good and bad. And if this movie is targeting children, rather than young adults/teenagers, there is something wrong. The book brings up complex issues and talks of death and life and the bond of the soul and body. I mean not too many kids follow the story, so lets not destroy a movie to target the obviously wrong demographic. But, I guess if you wanted to be dazzled by shiny lights and whatnot, then feel free to waste your money. I would suggest watching the trailer for two hours, it would have a very similar effect on you.

Differing opinions make the world go around (and also drive movie studios crazy - trying to figure out what moviegoers will respond to) -- I find it interesting that someone who like COMPASS very much was very dismissive of the POTTER and NARNIA films - and I feel just the opposite - I felt that Narnia did a rather good job with its adaptation (especially casting Tilda Swinton) and I feel the Potter movies have had fairly strong adaptations of the massively popular books. However, I felt that the movie version of COMPASS just kinda moves along from one scene to another without any real throughline - I found the pacing off - sometimes it really slowed down and dragged and then it would have an exciting sequence. The film is pretty well cast and the lead girl as Lyra is a true find - she does a wonderful job and Kidman makes a very effective villain (and it is also good to see such great character actors in supporting roles; Jim Carter, Simon McBurney, Christopher Lee, etc.) but I guess my biggest complaint is the huge reliance on CGI for the creatures - some of the daemons look great while others just totally remind you that there is nothing there but a green screen and some guy sat at a computer and added in this somewhat 2-dimensional thing. That's why I have to say - even for 1938 - you look at the Wizard Of Oz and those effects are STILL pretty effective and there is something about the flying monkeys being REAL - that they are truly actors in costumes that make them effectively creepy and have given kids the creeps for generations - now I realize you can't have actors in fur costumes for many of these creatures in COMPASS and the polar bears are the best of the bunch, but fantasy films rely a bit too much on "we'll just add that in later" and I feel it effects the actor's performance and the final visual product. My 12 daughter was even underwhelmed bu the movie and she is a fan of the books.