The Golden Compass

6

TonyS.Dec 9, 2007

Good, but I was expecting much more. I would have been happier if this movie had been rated (PG). This is a PG-13 movie right? I should figured something was a miss when the movie theater was flooded with kids....but I didn't. Parents Good, but I was expecting much more. I would have been happier if this movie had been rated (PG). This is a PG-13 movie right? I should figured something was a miss when the movie theater was flooded with kids....but I didn't. Parents just drop your kids off and pick them up when its over (cause there ain't much there for you).… Expand

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6

LuisG.Feb 27, 2008

It's hard not to feel like your being sold repetiveness after harry potter takes the crown and narnia steps down as well... compass is a good film .... visually stunning ... hope thers a sequel.

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6

JoeyKMay 25, 2008

Decent. The visuals were great, across the board. The acting was solid. The message was good. The problem is, the movie watches like a detailed synopsis of the book, not a new portrayal of it. During the translation, they failed to turn the Decent. The visuals were great, across the board. The acting was solid. The message was good. The problem is, the movie watches like a detailed synopsis of the book, not a new portrayal of it. During the translation, they failed to turn the book into something cinematically functional. Overall, the movie is decent, regardless, but it certainly feels like an ad for a much better book.… Expand

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6

DaveFDec 11, 2007

Watered-down, heavily-censored version of a dark and subtle story. Has its moments--most are eye-rolling, not heart-stopping. I was half-expecting the polar bears to whip out bottles of Coke.

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6

JoshuaD.Dec 23, 2007

I thought this was an average fantasy film based on a brilliant book. Too many wooden performances dragged the film down (which was mostly dependent on the special effects anyway). The ending was neither as suspenseful or as satisfying as I I thought this was an average fantasy film based on a brilliant book. Too many wooden performances dragged the film down (which was mostly dependent on the special effects anyway). The ending was neither as suspenseful or as satisfying as I remember the book to be which only keeps me wondering how the sequel will be dealt with.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful

6

AlienSpaceBatsOct 1, 2013

As children's escapist fantasy goes, the film is not terrible, but does have an unfinished air about it. Also suffers from occupying similar ground as the Narnia, Potter and Rings films (over saturated), extra marks for bagging Kate Bush toAs children's escapist fantasy goes, the film is not terrible, but does have an unfinished air about it. Also suffers from occupying similar ground as the Narnia, Potter and Rings films (over saturated), extra marks for bagging Kate Bush to sing on the credits.… Expand

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5

GwilymD.Dec 7, 2007

A dull and perfunctory adaptation of one of the greatest books of our time. Feels flat, should have been half an hour longer to let scenes grow and characters breathe. MASSIVE mistake in cutting the ending and changing the running of the A dull and perfunctory adaptation of one of the greatest books of our time. Feels flat, should have been half an hour longer to let scenes grow and characters breathe. MASSIVE mistake in cutting the ending and changing the running of the plot (to create several unfathomable strands) … Expand

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5

BoomerDec 9, 2007

Had all the ingredients to make a great film, sadly, the chef was an idiot and the great performances and killer storyline get left behind in a mad rush. Hopefully they will put a more talented helmer in charge for the next one.

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5

DTDec 9, 2007

I think this is a movie with a lot of potential but sadly, New Line was afraid of controversy and thus you have instead a flick that bounces around from subject to subject with no explanation. I would very much be interested in seeing an I think this is a movie with a lot of potential but sadly, New Line was afraid of controversy and thus you have instead a flick that bounces around from subject to subject with no explanation. I would very much be interested in seeing an unedited version of this movie should one come out on the market. As this is now, however, it's a lot of misused acting and good CG and not enough exposition to tie it all together. A shame really, as I would love to get excited for another fantasy epic in theatres....but this won't be it.… Expand

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5

ChadS.Jan 10, 2008

Here is a paradox for you. Arguably, we want to learn more about the dust from one of these parallel universes Lord Asriel(Daniel Craig) prattles on about, but sitting through two more installments of this upstart trilogy(billed as the Here is a paradox for you. Arguably, we want to learn more about the dust from one of these parallel universes Lord Asriel(Daniel Craig) prattles on about, but sitting through two more installments of this upstart trilogy(billed as the thinking man's "Harry Potter"), methinks is a taxing proposition, because "The Golden Compass" lays an egg, and it certainly isn't golden. For starters, a disproportionate amount of time is spent at the university, in which the exposition is laid out to us; at one point, in seminar-like fashion from a lectern. Lyra(Dakota Blue Richards), eventually, like Bilbo Baggins, leaves behind her sheltered existence and accompanies Marisa(Nicole Kidman) to the north as her assistant. That's when "The Golden Compass" starts to pay the price for its needless dawdling. Kidman is cheated out of precious screen time as Marisa, or rather Marisa's spirit, makes us wonder what it would be like if Joan Crawford had a monkey(what makes Marisa angry reminded me of the wire hanger scene in "Mommie Dearest"). This is where the film loses its footing. There's evidence of heavy editing here. "The Golden Compass" should've established Marisa as Lyra's mentor before the girl learns the truth about her duplicitous nature. The movie never truly recovers. This filmmaker is a novice at staging action scenes, and it shows. Kidman is upstaged by a talking polar bear. That's some bear, though.… Expand

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5

SeanRDec 12, 2007

New Line fumbled by choosing a novice instead of an expert to fill in the director's chair. This is especially true given the depth and complexity of the source material.

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5

BenBDec 12, 2007

DJ Im's point about religious backlash is quite obviously a knee jerk to the fact he likes a film that everyone else does not. How stupid is it to call Rolling Stone and Empire's view as religious backlash? I see very little in the DJ Im's point about religious backlash is quite obviously a knee jerk to the fact he likes a film that everyone else does not. How stupid is it to call Rolling Stone and Empire's view as religious backlash? I see very little in the way of religious content in either publication.Simply put, this film blows, botched with cheesy effects and less flow than k-fed.… Expand

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5

BillyS.Dec 7, 2007

All razzle, no dazzle. Absolutely nothing about the story builds enough interest to warrant a trilogy out of this. Special effects do not a movie make.

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5

GarrettH.Dec 9, 2007

What I stated after leaving the theater is. I wish we had seen no country for old men instead. This movie is nothing short of typical and utterly uninteresting. I haven't read any of the books and it's obvious to me they left out a What I stated after leaving the theater is. I wish we had seen no country for old men instead. This movie is nothing short of typical and utterly uninteresting. I haven't read any of the books and it's obvious to me they left out a LOT of material in this movie. I can handle a rushed scene here and there. But, just about everything in this movie is rushed. One minute she meets a bear the next she's utterly attached to said bear... wait didn't she just meet that bear like 3 minutes ago? If this movie wanted any chance at success it needed to be made as a trilogy or such from the start. As a stand alone movie it is very unfulfilling. The special effects are nothing spectacular these days. And the huge fight scene takes place at night so all you see is dark figured. Obviously it looked bad so they had to make it nighttime to compensate would be my guess. The story is far too in depth to be crammed into 2 hours. So the whole plot makes little sense. No way would a child keep up with this movie. I also don't think I would bring a non teenager to this movie. I think it is fairly violent and some of the scenes could be especially scary to a smaller child (insert gigantic bear roar here). If you are adults with no kids. Skip this movie and wait for DVD. If you have 12-15 YO kids who seem interested.. Meh I'd still skip it but they might get more out of it than you will.… Expand

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5

KathrynCDec 14, 2007

The movie was entertaining and beautiful. The cast all did an excellent job. However, it's ironic how one of the film's themes is about soul severing, and then they went and took the soul out of the movie. The movie felt rushed and The movie was entertaining and beautiful. The cast all did an excellent job. However, it's ironic how one of the film's themes is about soul severing, and then they went and took the soul out of the movie. The movie felt rushed and there was no character development. Also, the worst mistake the film made was that it cut out the ending. They practically gave it a happy ending instead of the suspenseful and emotional ending of the book. They neutered this film.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful

5

smijatovJun 10, 2012

I have never read the book or was any sort of a fan before I watched the film, I it certainly did not inspire me to want to read the books. In any case, "The Golden Compass" puts up a good fight trying to be a good fantasy epic, but it doesI have never read the book or was any sort of a fan before I watched the film, I it certainly did not inspire me to want to read the books. In any case, "The Golden Compass" puts up a good fight trying to be a good fantasy epic, but it does not quite achieve that level or recognition. Some aspects of the film are very good, namely most of the technical aspects. Excellent production and costume design, along with a decent score and great visual effects provide for some of the films highlights. Unfortunately, the cinematography was totally off. It had this strange, airy quality to it, that made me feel as if I were watching a documentary or something. I cannot quite articulate it, but it definitely blocked me from being able to ever fully immerse myself into the story. It did not help how annoying the portrayal of the main character was by Dakota Blue Richards. Such an annoying kid. I've been told that she's supposed to be like that in the books too, but I just do not understand why. Who would want to read/watch such a miserable character. On the other hand, Nicole Kidman gave an amazingly appropriate, cold performance as Mrs.Coulter, which was another highlights of the film. But other than that, the film never quite tickled my interest to engage it fully, or be sad about the fact that the sequels have been cancelled.… Expand

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5

JacobAug 10, 2015

The Golden Compass’ grand and epic scale and spectacular visuals don’t make up for the weak presentation. Fans of the books can rest assured that the story is left mostly intact but non-book readers will be confused. The characters areThe Golden Compass’ grand and epic scale and spectacular visuals don’t make up for the weak presentation. Fans of the books can rest assured that the story is left mostly intact but non-book readers will be confused. The characters are underdeveloped as all they do is explain what their role is and what’s going on while the story moves so quickly that various scenes and elements are not explained well. The film both over and under explains its characters and world at the same time making it hard to connect to anything in the film. When its all over The Golden Compass mostly works as an adaptation, minus a questionable decision in regards to the ending, but as a film it’s a bit of a mess that will baffle anyone unfamiliar with the story.… Expand

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5

Trev29Aug 24, 2013

The movie itself is quite impressive. However, the story is way too bizarre and complicated for a child even an adult to follow. it tries to be the next huge movie series, but doesn't fill the excitement with good characters.

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5

Iky009Nov 29, 2016

Even with its great visual effects, an exemplary art direction, The Golden Compass is nothing more than just a medium movie, bad characters and a very weak plot.

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4

TomP.Dec 9, 2007

Terrible. Boring in parts - generic action sequences, relies heavily on CGI and impressive soundtrack to cover up the weak acting.Many changes made to book, character development sacrificed to CGI.

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4

TimW.Dec 12, 2007

It is a children's film but so is Monsters Inc and I loved that. Slow moving with to many morals pushed into the story line, eg. the poor alcoholic bear fighting etc. etc. My directors kids loved it but I'm the one writing the It is a children's film but so is Monsters Inc and I loved that. Slow moving with to many morals pushed into the story line, eg. the poor alcoholic bear fighting etc. etc. My directors kids loved it but I'm the one writing the review so it's a 3.5 which rounds up to a 4 since it's nearly Christmas.… Expand

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4

KentLDec 7, 2007

Graphics and acting were well done. Story was solid. But, I was so unhappy when I got to the end when I was slammed in the face with credits before the story ended. Yep, it's part 1 of who-knows how many parts. I wouldn't have gone Graphics and acting were well done. Story was solid. But, I was so unhappy when I got to the end when I was slammed in the face with credits before the story ended. Yep, it's part 1 of who-knows how many parts. I wouldn't have gone if I had known that. Harry potter encapsulates a full story in it - this just left me hanging.… Expand

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4

brentoniDec 10, 2007

They tried to condense a very long story into a 2-hour movie and then offered no closure for the audience at the end. Character relationships are barely developed and the story jumps around confusingly. With all its faults, the movie was They tried to condense a very long story into a 2-hour movie and then offered no closure for the audience at the end. Character relationships are barely developed and the story jumps around confusingly. With all its faults, the movie was visually impressive and the little actress who played Lyra is very likable.… Expand

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4

KenG.Dec 27, 2007

As an atheist I can always go for a good anti-god, anti-religion story. But not only did I see little in here that was anti- religion, I found this also to be an often slow, sometimes incoherent, and empty story, devoid of any real sense of As an atheist I can always go for a good anti-god, anti-religion story. But not only did I see little in here that was anti- religion, I found this also to be an often slow, sometimes incoherent, and empty story, devoid of any real sense of wonder, magic, and adventure. The film touches all the bases in a very perfuntionary way, but it just feels empty, with no real spirit or story telling skill do it. It has isolated moments and scenes that are effective, but it just never flows as a coherent story or adventure. Also, it takes an awlful long time getting started. One last thing, if you are going to put Daniel Craig in your movie, could you please use him.… Expand

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4

CaseyHDec 6, 2007

As a huge fan of the books, I was disappointed. The character development was nonexistent, the plot line was weak, and (surprise, surprise) they changed many things around that would have been better left untouched. This film should have As a huge fan of the books, I was disappointed. The character development was nonexistent, the plot line was weak, and (surprise, surprise) they changed many things around that would have been better left untouched. This film should have been made longer in order to keep in important information. I can guarantee that if you have not read the books, you will not understand most of what is happening. The filmmakers succeeded only in creating a shallow, unfeeling, empty world with meaningless characters populating it... my advice? Pick up the novels, leave the film.… Expand

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4

MannyR.Dec 8, 2007

I was completely disappointed. They left so much background information from the book out-- I don't even know where to begin. And the ending... what the heck?!?! What about Asriel (not saying more for those who haven't read the I was completely disappointed. They left so much background information from the book out-- I don't even know where to begin. And the ending... what the heck?!?! What about Asriel (not saying more for those who haven't read the book)? I feel that the movie was rushed-- 180 million bucks doesn't buy much anymore, I guess. Two shinning stars in all this: Nicole Kidman did a phenomenal job as Mrs. Coulter. I totally ate up every scene she was in. And the part of Lyra was also very well done by that adorable little girl. I was really cheering this movie on, especially with the recent backlash by Christian fundamentalists calling the movie "atheism marketing for kids." But now that I've seen it, I worry that the movie will fail, not because of the ridiculous "boycott," but because it sucked in its own right.… Expand

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4

TroyKDec 8, 2007

Worth seeing at the big screen, but only for the visuals. I have never read the books and had no trouble following the story, but was constantly saying "WHAT?" throughout the movie. Huge plot holes, so many things that didn't make sense Worth seeing at the big screen, but only for the visuals. I have never read the books and had no trouble following the story, but was constantly saying "WHAT?" throughout the movie. Huge plot holes, so many things that didn't make sense that I will just stop here.… Expand

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4

DaikiDec 9, 2007

A complete waste of time. No life and no soul. Read the book and, if you have done so already, read it again instead of seeing this joke.

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4

StevenL.Dec 9, 2007

For those of you who loved Pullman

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4

FranzHcriticAug 8, 2014

I remember the end of the movie. I remember the credits rolling. And I specifically remember saying; "That's it?" The movie is one slow ride with no resolution, continuity, or congruity. I have never read the book. But doubtless all thoseI remember the end of the movie. I remember the credits rolling. And I specifically remember saying; "That's it?" The movie is one slow ride with no resolution, continuity, or congruity. I have never read the book. But doubtless all those book critics couldn't be that off. The movie is only amazing in one aspect; the special effects. And the cinematography. The acting is dull, as is story. And all the animal-human bondage I just found to be unpleasant and incoherent. So slow and faulty it'll break down midway and you'll be stuck until the end. Unless you want to jump out. That's a pretty good decision.… Expand

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4

arsheeshJul 14, 2014

a very disappointing adaptation. the last time i felt dejected halfway into the movie was with tim burton's PLANET OF THE APES, before which this film feels like a total abomination. despite Dakota Blue Richards' Lyra and Nicole Kidman's Mrs.a very disappointing adaptation. the last time i felt dejected halfway into the movie was with tim burton's PLANET OF THE APES, before which this film feels like a total abomination. despite Dakota Blue Richards' Lyra and Nicole Kidman's Mrs. Coulter, and the visual effects, this film really is nothing. probably the fact that i read the book first and loved it made all the difference and in fact, i suggest you all do the same. avoid this film if you can and read the book. the book has a proper narrative with exemplary character development and plotline, all of which this film lacks. the only thing keeping this film together is the visual effects and nothing more.… Expand

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All this user's reviews

3

nigelmJun 10, 2008

Too childish for adults, too complex for kids. Average CGI and wooden performances throughout. Yawn.

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3

MikeDec 30, 2007

Nothing special. Another movie for kids.

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3

BenO.Dec 8, 2007

If you have read the book do NOT go and watch the film you will be disappointed they have broken the story up and do not develop the characters at all. They keep the skeleton of the story but then rip out the guts and fill it with classic If you have read the book do NOT go and watch the film you will be disappointed they have broken the story up and do not develop the characters at all. They keep the skeleton of the story but then rip out the guts and fill it with classic Disney rubbish. As a final insult they cut the story short leaving a happy ending so as not to upset anyone, in all a sham.… Expand

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3

JustinP.Dec 9, 2007

I don´t know if The Golden Compass will go down as one of the biggest bombs in cinematic history, but it certainly deserves to. Seldom has so much effort and money been invested in creating a movie so thoroughly unengaging. It seems I don´t know if The Golden Compass will go down as one of the biggest bombs in cinematic history, but it certainly deserves to. Seldom has so much effort and money been invested in creating a movie so thoroughly unengaging. It seems the entire movie should be plastered with little notes on the screen saying "Courtesy of Lord of the Rings" or "Inspired by Harry Potter" and the list goes on. Its desperate reaching to cash in on the success of those series is pathetic. The question one asks throughout the film is "OK, and why is that interesting, and why should I care?" None of the characters are intriguing or likable. The plot is fragmented and episodic and lacks any tension. The effects are impressive, but seem sadly wasted on a movie that, above all, is just really, really boring. And the end is the most shameless plea (which should be denied) for a sequel(s) in movie history. Please, spare us.… Expand

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3

steve104Dec 9, 2007

Big, beautiful, and boring. Kidman is totally miscast.

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3

MattPDec 9, 2007

Good acting. Good CGI. Good Source Material. Complete lack of quality scripting or any notable direction. 30 seconds scenes where various characters just tell you what has happened/is happening/ is soon to happen. Descends into a series of Good acting. Good CGI. Good Source Material. Complete lack of quality scripting or any notable direction. 30 seconds scenes where various characters just tell you what has happened/is happening/ is soon to happen. Descends into a series of set-up scenes followed immediately by their respective conclusion scenes. No ending to speak of, just a muddle of confusing answers to questions no-one asked. Succeeds only in leaving the viewer asking WHAT anyone is doing, let alone why they might be doing it. Poor movie for a good book.… Expand

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3

L.E.Dec 13, 2007

Very boring movie, but better than the book, which is the biggest crap, I've ever read.

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3

JoeU.Dec 7, 2007

I give it 3 points for superb production values. However, as it too often happens in Hollywood movies, the writing is missing in action. Utterly bad and uninteresting story, in my opinion. Worst, it is boring. I entertained myself during the I give it 3 points for superb production values. However, as it too often happens in Hollywood movies, the writing is missing in action. Utterly bad and uninteresting story, in my opinion. Worst, it is boring. I entertained myself during the movie watching the great special effects, and beautiful cinematography. Which sort of confirms my opinion that Hollywood has plenty of talent for the film craft, but truly innovative and creative writing is as difficult to find in real life nowadays as the witches in this movie, and as nonsensical.… Expand

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3

FrancineBDec 9, 2007

I kind of liked the bears. Felt really cheated by the ending.

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3

MarcN.Dec 3, 2007

The Golden Compass was one of the most anticipated films of the year. With a budget well north of $150 million and a best seller as source material, expectations were high. Despite all of the debate about the His Dark Materials books, the The Golden Compass was one of the most anticipated films of the year. With a budget well north of $150 million and a best seller as source material, expectations were high. Despite all of the debate about the His Dark Materials books, the trailers made this film look like an awesome adventure fantasy. All I can say is ----- yawn. Yes, some of the visuals work, but most look like set pieces. The integration level for many effects is low. Despite similar budgets, LOTR blows this film out of the water on every level. Compare any battle scene in LOTR with any battle scene in The Golden Compass and you will see what I mean. I never felt that Lyra was ever truly in peril. The worst problem is the storyline. Screenwriter Chris Weitz significantly deviates from Pullman's book -- stopping very short of the dramatic conclusion of the first book in Pullman's series. I know that he was ordered to tone down the anti-Christian content of the novels, but instead of merely sanitizing the screenplay, he leaves out the climax. The scenes feel disjointed and you never get a chance to really care about any of the characters. There are a lot of transition/traveling scenes and director Chris Weitz (yes, he bears double blame for this disaster) commits the ultimate cinema sin -- he spends too much time telling and not enough time showing. Even the scenes with the alethiometer become repetitive and tiresome. Dakota Blue Richards does a creditable job as Lyra Bellaqua, but those expecting Daniel Craig (as Lord Asriel) to have much screen time will be horribly disappointed. He barely appears. Christian groups will not have to do any picketing to make this film tank. I cannot imagine anyone wanting to sit through it twice. Once was more than enough for me. Don't waste the money -- certainly not full price. If you want to see a truly magical film this holiday season, see Enchanted instead.… Expand

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3

syzygyDec 9, 2007

The latest trend is to bank on children fantasy tales. Some score well, others, like this, flop because the story is poorly transferred to the screen by directors with poor instincts and a love for boilerplate drama. There are no standout The latest trend is to bank on children fantasy tales. Some score well, others, like this, flop because the story is poorly transferred to the screen by directors with poor instincts and a love for boilerplate drama. There are no standout performances. To watch all this acting talent go to waste is the most amazing feature, however unintended, to this long bore of a movie.… Expand

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3

KenD.Jan 13, 2008

Another soulless, green-screen monstrosity. Wonderful source material has been eviscerated in order to film a plodding checklist of the main plot points. There is one glimpse of what could have been; at one point Mrs Coulter slaps her monkey Another soulless, green-screen monstrosity. Wonderful source material has been eviscerated in order to film a plodding checklist of the main plot points. There is one glimpse of what could have been; at one point Mrs Coulter slaps her monkey daemon and a slow track upwards uncovers a subtle bruise on her own face. This is the only point in the entire film where something is done cinematically to convey the kind of ideas that pulse through the book. Everything else is clunky dialogue or - as seen by Lyra in the alethiometer - literal images constructed from the tacky Christmas glitter that passes for Dust. To add insult to injury the Kate Bush song that plays over the end credits is completely appalling. She, like everyone else involved, should be ashamed.… Expand

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3

SamJMay 26, 2008

In case anyone doesnt know, phillip pullman (writer of THE NORTHERN LIGHTS!!!) {did they really need to change the name?} hates god, and this is evident in his books, as god dies in them!! but all of this has been cut out of the movie! i In case anyone doesnt know, phillip pullman (writer of THE NORTHERN LIGHTS!!!) {did they really need to change the name?} hates god, and this is evident in his books, as god dies in them!! but all of this has been cut out of the movie! i think the directors need to have the guts to deal with a bit of 'controversy' if theyre gonna pull off a multi-million dollar flick! Cinema is an art form, not a media and art is by no means always politically correct!!!!! i give it a 3 because some scenes in the move were in fact done quite well. but generally i didnt like it. read the books but id advise against the movie… Expand

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3

PaxsterSep 19, 2010

How do you destroy a book franchise with universal acclaim? How do you dissapoint readers by changing the books name for the film? How do you cast bad actors for important roles? You film the golden compass. The book is brilliant but the filmHow do you destroy a book franchise with universal acclaim? How do you dissapoint readers by changing the books name for the film? How do you cast bad actors for important roles? You film the golden compass. The book is brilliant but the film is terrible. The kid playing Lyra is terrible,switching between cockney and posh! Make your mind up. The director goes as far as to mix the story up with a shocking polt change. Yes,the graphics are impressive and Ian Mckellen as Iorek is a good move but please,don't bother with the movie,just read the book (And the other 2 books in the trilogy!).… Expand

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3

FlippySuperApr 25, 2013

Besides the horrible acting,the lazy writing and the stupid plot twist, the thing that bothered me most about this movie was the ending.Im not going to spoil it but its really lazy. They literally ended it saying "We are going to make aBesides the horrible acting,the lazy writing and the stupid plot twist, the thing that bothered me most about this movie was the ending.Im not going to spoil it but its really lazy. They literally ended it saying "We are going to make a trilogy and not conclude this movie right now because we are SOOOO sure it wil be succesfull!" Well thanks God it wasn´t because this movie deserves to die in silence.… Expand

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3

SwatiFeb 11, 2013

What a pathetic adaptation. The casting was good though. The bear looked ridiculous. The fight scenes were censored and the whole narrative was turned on its head. Even the ending was changed to suit children.

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2

DanielS.Jan 8, 2008

I can only assume the people who made this movie were so mesmerized by the source material and the computer generated graphics that they didn't feel any need to craft an entertaining movie. Read the book. Skip the movie.

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2

KevinR.Dec 10, 2007

I haven't read the books, but could still feel that some significant things must be missing from the original story. All bad fantasies lack one essential quality--immersiveness. The world that they create has to seem real and completely I haven't read the books, but could still feel that some significant things must be missing from the original story. All bad fantasies lack one essential quality--immersiveness. The world that they create has to seem real and completely whole. LOTR accomplished this. This movie does not. The fantasy elements just seem silly and contrived (except for the daemon thing) and are pulled out of the sack whenever it's convenient. Need a deus ex machina--how about an armored bear that suddenly appears out of nowhere? Or a convenient flock of rescue witches? Like the worst of the Harry Potter movies, where a hastily-remembered spell saves the day, resolutions here are never really struggled for. ALSO--what the hell is Sam Eliot doing in this movie with his absurd cowboy twang (has there ever been a more one-trick pony than this guy)? I found myself predicting his lines before he said them, and, again, I never read the books.… Expand

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2

JB.Dec 9, 2007

Terrible, terrible, terrible. I went to see No Country for Old Men, but apparently you have to be 18 to get into R-rated movies now, which is why I saw this. This is not the next CoN or LoTR...for god's sake stay away!

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2

GCDec 10, 2007

Utter trash, honestly this film is probably one of the worst teenage/kids Christmas movies of all time, fair enough its based on a book, so may have had limitations in regards to adding on of more exciting elements, but its just plain and Utter trash, honestly this film is probably one of the worst teenage/kids Christmas movies of all time, fair enough its based on a book, so may have had limitations in regards to adding on of more exciting elements, but its just plain and simply sucked.… Expand

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2

EricC.Dec 7, 2007

I'm genuinely surprised that this movie is getting as much praise as it is. I really can't stand it. I wanted to walk out of the theater, but stayed because for some reason I couldn't bring myself to leave a sneak preview. The I'm genuinely surprised that this movie is getting as much praise as it is. I really can't stand it. I wanted to walk out of the theater, but stayed because for some reason I couldn't bring myself to leave a sneak preview. The acting is atrocious, except for Craig, who is only in it for less than 10 minutes. I normally defend Kidman, but this time I just have to shake my head. She's terrible in this. The script doesn't help, either. There are some lines in this movie where I actually laughed, they were so bad ("War is the sea in which I swim". How is that not funny?). The pacing is also some of the worst I've ever witnessed. You're rushed through events, not told why people go from loving to hating each other in a heartbeat. They leave no room for any character development whatsoever, so by the big battle scene, you could care less about whether these soulless people live or die. It's really too bad, since the books are already considered classics, and the subject matter could have been really substantial and thought provoking. The worst part, though, is how this movie, like Eragon before it, tries to be like other fantasy epics, but it can't decide which one it wants to be most. Some scenes seem stolen from Harry Potter, others from LotR. I'll blame this on direction, since the books are mostly original. In the end, Golden Compass is just a mess led by a poor director using a poor script, and it's a mess that not even a thrilling battle scene can save. So just wait for that and the part where the bear gets his jaw knocked off to pop up on the internet, so then you can save your money and see everything worth seeing.… Expand

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2

KevinD.Feb 16, 2008

While Kidman has yet to entirely dissapoint me, she came pretty darn cose in this travesty of a flim. Not so much for her acting, but her sheer involvement. It was an utter travesty in terms of dialogue, made no sense whatsoever. I've While Kidman has yet to entirely dissapoint me, she came pretty darn cose in this travesty of a flim. Not so much for her acting, but her sheer involvement. It was an utter travesty in terms of dialogue, made no sense whatsoever. I've never experienced physical pain while watching a film, but I felt like I had just been attacked by a rapid bull after watching "The Golden Compass." Who to look out for:Dakota Blue Richards, Nicole Kidman, without these two i would've given this film a zero.… Expand

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2

VeroniqueD.Dec 12, 2007

Simply NOT GOOD,BORING,Special effect are nothing to be amazed of. Don't waste your time and money. Go rent NARNIA, it is a peace of art compare to this.

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2

TannerDec 13, 2007

Awful, I can't believe anyone would give this movie any credit at all. The story is obscure and while some people call the ridiculous plot intriguing, I call it boring and slow. I haven't felt this way about a movie since Larry the Awful, I can't believe anyone would give this movie any credit at all. The story is obscure and while some people call the ridiculous plot intriguing, I call it boring and slow. I haven't felt this way about a movie since Larry the cable guy health inspector. I wouldn't even recommend this movie to rent. I felt as though I wasted 2 hours of my life that I can't ever get back.… Expand

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2

MarcDDec 7, 2007

A tremendous disappointment which does not warrant the time to elaborate on it's plentiful flaws.

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2

SimonBDec 9, 2007

Generally pretty to look at, & Sam Elliot is fabulous as Lee Scoresby, but otherwise a disastrous interpretation of Pullman's dark & complex novel. Completely unnecessary changes (including the order of major events & cutting the real Generally pretty to look at, & Sam Elliot is fabulous as Lee Scoresby, but otherwise a disastrous interpretation of Pullman's dark & complex novel. Completely unnecessary changes (including the order of major events & cutting the real ending); clunky exposition and bland dialogue; no time to get to know any of the characters or understand the plot threads. Everyone's written as either good or evil, with no complications or depth -- even Iorek's backstory is changed to place him more squarely on the "good" side. All interesting political discussion is gone here, & the action-adventure take on the story is dull without that context. Clearly dumbed-down for U.S. mainstream audiences & watered-down to make it child-friendly. Ironic, since Pullman's books succeed precisely because they refuse to deliver a simplistic or easily-packaged story. What a disappointment.… Expand

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2

tallanxDec 2, 2012

boring crap that makes no sense. With scenes that probably should've been there to explain things simply not existing. The whole thing feels a bit disjointed like somebody shot a movie that was supposed to be 4 hours long, but then cut likeboring crap that makes no sense. With scenes that probably should've been there to explain things simply not existing. The whole thing feels a bit disjointed like somebody shot a movie that was supposed to be 4 hours long, but then cut like half of it. Pointless scenes of Daniel Craig that has no effect on anything else etc. This is 5 years too late, but I still want my money back.… Expand

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2

FilipeNetoSep 8, 2018

This is the adaptation of "Northern Lights", the first of a collection of fantasy books named "His Dark Materials" by Philip Pullman, a writer famous for having atheistic, anti-Christian and anti-religious thoughts that are very evident inThis is the adaptation of "Northern Lights", the first of a collection of fantasy books named "His Dark Materials" by Philip Pullman, a writer famous for having atheistic, anti-Christian and anti-religious thoughts that are very evident in the book. Chris Weitz (director/screenwriter) made a huge effort to moderate that, already anticipating criticism from religious audiences, but the truth it is very difficult to make a good and moderate movie from a book that is bad, extremist and that seems to have been written as a kind of "childish doctrinal propaganda", to educate children towards secularism and atheism... so I don't think it's surprising that boycotts and criticisms have happened anyway.

The story takes place in a world where people's souls live outside their bodies, accompanying them in the form of animals called "Daemons". The similarity between this word and the term "devil", of clear anti-Christian connotation, shouldn't be coincidental. In this world there is an authority called "Magisterium", of dictatorial and totalitarian contours, which seeks to hide the existence of other worlds, other realities and truths that aren't convenient. The choice of a word in Latin for the name of this political-religious entity is an attack on the Roman Catholic Church, which is often accused of obscurantism and of not accepting some scientific and philosophical innovations. From this base, totally distorted by the personal opinions of the author of the book, a complex script is born, which the film isn't able to explain to the public. The film assumes (wrongly) that public knows the original books but, since this didn't happen to me, I felt enormous difficulty in understanding it, even having to do some research to understand everything.

With regard to the cast, there are several stars here but not all had characters to match them. Daniel Craig, for example, only has some protagonism in the beginning of the film. Then he disappears, making only a few episodic appearances. However, his character is one of the most important and is still mentioned in the dialogues even if it does not matter to the actor, who had little work here. Ian McKellan is excellent at giving voice to the polar bear Iorek Byrnison and Nicole Kidman is elegant and pleasantly malicious, but also had no room to develop a great villain. Eva Green makes a small cameo, in that it only appears punctually, in another witch role. Dakota Blue Richards, a small child actress, is the big star. She does a good job, shows some ability but, of course, this will not be her "magnum opus" if she continues her career. The film has great visual effects, good CGI work and good sound effects that make everything reasonably digestible, but cannot erase the serious script errors and subliminally biased tale of the story. The soundtrack is totally forgettable, which is detrimental to a good fantasy film.

Finally, there is only one more problem of this film, evident in its open end: there should have been a sequel to close the story, but the critics of the religious public, who even tried to boycott the film, and the very few box office results condemned at birth any follow-up initiative. Some people still talk about that, but the truth is that it's been ten years since the movie debuted, so I think it's more likely that this sequel will not happen any more. Perhaps this is a good thing, given the bias of the original material.… Expand

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1

KristenT.Dec 12, 2007

Very disappointing film. The characters, the larger themes of the books are all sacrificed for plot and special effects. The editing is poor, the score is bad. What would this film have been like with a great director like Peter Jackson? Very disappointing film. The characters, the larger themes of the books are all sacrificed for plot and special effects. The editing is poor, the score is bad. What would this film have been like with a great director like Peter Jackson? Read the books which are better than Narnia or Harry Potter. Pullman created a world fascinating for children and adults. Wouldn't you love to read the screen adaptation that Tom Stoppard wrote for this?… Expand

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1

HisM.Dec 10, 2007

I was dragged by the wife, who had read the books, and enjoyed them. She apologized as we walked out for making me go. I snoozed throughout. Dreg.

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1

JakobDec 12, 2007

Bad book, bad movie. I cannot understand how people compare Golden Compass to Lord of the Rings.

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1

LizT.Dec 3, 2007

I can't believe this is being marketed as a kids' movie. It's grim and depressing and shockingly violent (the fight between the bears in particular is sickeningly graphic). Ugh. Parents, take your kids to see Enchanted instead.

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1

LizzieBDec 9, 2007

Terrible watered-down version of a book that deserved much more. Just awful.

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1

mikecDec 11, 2007

I will never get those hours back that the movie seemed to drag on for. I would prefer a visit to the dentist.

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1

WinebloodApr 13, 2012

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A terrible film. The main actress is just terrible, she's clearly just reading lines and it makes her very unlikeable. The film is too short for the contents of the book, a few big scenes are missing and the rest is rushed. Last of all the good ending of the book is omitted.… Expand

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0

LeslieWDec 10, 2007

horrible movie. my son and i almost fell asleep. it is so dark, not a sequel I want to see. seems like the movie was a let down unless you like dark, gloomy, boring films. the best thing about this movie were the end credits.

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0

JasonM.Dec 7, 2007

Awful not at all representative of the source material.

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0

JamesW.Dec 8, 2007

Special effects without a coherent plot.

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0

TheECarrotJan 5, 2008

This movie was a complete waste of my time. I have not read the books and if the movie is anything to go by I do not want to. One of the more stupidly memorable quotes was " I am an armored bear, I lift heavy things" (Iorek Byrnison). The This movie was a complete waste of my time. I have not read the books and if the movie is anything to go by I do not want to. One of the more stupidly memorable quotes was " I am an armored bear, I lift heavy things" (Iorek Byrnison). The kid who played Lyra was a sub standard actress who switched accents often during lines. Don't get me started about the poor casting of Kidman. Although this movie is supposed to be serious and thought provoking I spent most of it laughing at the bad acting and terrible script. The superman style flying of the witches summarizes the terrible special effects which I expected to be okay due to the technology available these days. Lastly the final battle was ridiculous with not one main good character being injured, yet every one of the bad guys was annihilated. Don't bother to see this at the movies, don't even bother hiring it on DVD. I want my money and time back!… Expand

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0

RogerLDec 10, 2007

Cheese, cheese, and more cheese. No story, special effects not special. Don't waste your $10.

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0

GregB.Dec 4, 2007

The book was dull. The movie is duller. It's no Lord of the Rings. It's no Blades of Glory.

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0

HerbKDec 9, 2007

Utter trash. Everything about the movie felt tacked on and laborious. I was just plain bored as I was watching it. The books were such a rich statement about free-will, and the nature of authority, and could easily have been read and enjoyed Utter trash. Everything about the movie felt tacked on and laborious. I was just plain bored as I was watching it. The books were such a rich statement about free-will, and the nature of authority, and could easily have been read and enjoyed as adults. This movie has none of that power. Everything felt watered, down and over-simplified. They don't mention the Church, or God, or Original Sin a single time in the entire film. Everything is reduced to "Authority" or "Magisterium." It is a poor adaptation of an excellent story.… Expand

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0

csw12Mar 2, 2013

The Golden Compass is pure nonsense. The movie is a pathetic piece of trash that makes no sense because of all the meaningless jargon spewing out of everyone's mouth. A laughable film from the poor acting of the girl to the idea that kidsThe Golden Compass is pure nonsense. The movie is a pathetic piece of trash that makes no sense because of all the meaningless jargon spewing out of everyone's mouth. A laughable film from the poor acting of the girl to the idea that kids would enjoy this. The movie is nearly impossible to sit through.… Expand

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The Golden Compass

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