Read User Reviews and Submit your own for His Dark Materials (2019)

9

totocacaDec 18, 2019

Epic, wonderful casting and amazing visual art. faithful to the book
not for children !

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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5

f1o_o1fMar 25, 2020

I've been a fan of the books for about a decade now since I first read them. To me the show is just painful and it absolutely couldn't hook me.

The dialogue is painfully bad, especially of the kids. Lyra was annoying in the books already butI've been a fan of the books for about a decade now since I first read them. To me the show is just painful and it absolutely couldn't hook me.

The dialogue is painfully bad, especially of the kids. Lyra was annoying in the books already but Daphne Keen makes it even worse (maybe that's a good thing?).

Most actors don't seem interested and the special effects could've been way better in our time.

Also the alterations they made from the books were mostly unnecessary and many scenes would've improved drastically, if they were just a little closer to the source material. I'm afraid to say that even the movie (which I didn't like) managed that alot better at times.

Don't get me started on the cinematography. I'm just from the audience so I don't have any expertise whatsoever BUT there are so many horrible shots that killed the already thin immersion due to bad composition or camera angles...

Generelly very disappointing to someone who waited a long time for a just adaptation. Guess I'll wait for even longer...… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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9

xSnipShotxNov 26, 2019

Love it, especially the visual effects (the animals look stunning!) and acting. Can't wait to see more.

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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2

MistaDeeDec 17, 2019

Pretty hokey. Painful dialogue and some poor performances hold the show back from being anything of note

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

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10

SoulshockerNov 27, 2019

The episodes just get better and better, and as a huge fan of the books, I can see them doing so much justice to the story. The main characters are spot on (However, the gyptians and scholars feel fake and contrived, I must say). What I alsoThe episodes just get better and better, and as a huge fan of the books, I can see them doing so much justice to the story. The main characters are spot on (However, the gyptians and scholars feel fake and contrived, I must say). What I also love about this show is that I know the story will only get better, and that the ending is great and satisfying, unlike Game of Thrones which ended up a huge disaster and major tv disappointment of the century. Keeping HBO - for now.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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4

shoulderoforionDec 22, 2019

From the Coca Cola bears to the "Gyptians" to the tortured children, I can't say I liked this show very much. I'm all for fantasy, but this was way too weird to get my head around, even after 8 episode. Weird and uncomfortable, like I wasFrom the Coca Cola bears to the "Gyptians" to the tortured children, I can't say I liked this show very much. I'm all for fantasy, but this was way too weird to get my head around, even after 8 episode. Weird and uncomfortable, like I was missing the joke, but knowing there was no joke to be found. Probably catch the second season too, as I'm a glutton for punishment.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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6

umaumaiJan 27, 2020

I started out liking HDM. The world building is okay here, but that’s about all it had to offer as the foreshadowing almost gives everything away. Strangely though you never really get a sense of what’s at stake as it introduces a fewI started out liking HDM. The world building is okay here, but that’s about all it had to offer as the foreshadowing almost gives everything away. Strangely though you never really get a sense of what’s at stake as it introduces a few fantastic characters only to have them leave once they have somewhat motivated the story forward. That’s not uncommon in series like this, but I was left not really understanding what the antagonists actual motivation was to the point that I yelled “BS” when they spoke their last lines in the finale. Sadly, they didn’t take the time to care how they ended the first season as it almost literally freeze frame stopped just after essentially breaking the main thrust of the lead’s entire story arc. There’s much better out there to put the time into watching so if this doesn’t grab you on the first episode, I’d skip it.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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7

tjriz91Dec 4, 2019

I never read the book, so I can't attest to its faithfulness to the source material, but I can definitively say this is a fun show to watch. It's not the most mentally-stimulating narrative out there, and fairly straightforward compared toI never read the book, so I can't attest to its faithfulness to the source material, but I can definitively say this is a fun show to watch. It's not the most mentally-stimulating narrative out there, and fairly straightforward compared to many other thought-provoking series that are currently available on Premium Networks like HBO. Some of the acting is a bit cheesy and not quite genuine at times, and some of the "big moments" were quite predictable and not impactful for me...

But overall, it's a well-crafted fantasy world, that instills feelings of childlike wonder. It's well shot with good production values and sound design. And most importantly, it is entertaining enough to continue watching from week to week...it just doesn't reach the level of top-tier television.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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3

psyberdelicNov 30, 2019

Does not compare well with the movie version. Everything from actors to production design, etc. seem mediocre by comparison. That may have been unavoidable because of budget or requirements of a TV version. Still, the story seems drawn outDoes not compare well with the movie version. Everything from actors to production design, etc. seem mediocre by comparison. That may have been unavoidable because of budget or requirements of a TV version. Still, the story seems drawn out and is hard to be drawn into. HBO could have done better. It's hard to beat Daniel Craig and Nicole Kidman and Ian McKellen.… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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10

Christian-CrowNov 24, 2019

Having been a fan of the book for such a long time, after four episodes I am glad to report the series is what we needed. It is exactly what I hoped for in nearly every way. All of the scenes have some sort of beauty to them between theHaving been a fan of the book for such a long time, after four episodes I am glad to report the series is what we needed. It is exactly what I hoped for in nearly every way. All of the scenes have some sort of beauty to them between the daemons, how they were positioned, or the sets themselves. Dafne Keen's performance was emotional and impressive and one of the best parts of the series. I was surprised how well she hit me in the first episode during her scenes with James McAvoy. The series expands on many aspects of the books, even some of which goes into the second book. I actually did not enjoy these at first but once they went through with it into the third episode, it helped me understand one part I hadn't understood after reading the books. I hope the second half of the season is this great.… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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10

Gregdel69Dec 1, 2019

It’s a very good adaptation. People saying it’s « boring », « slow paced » and « a total mess » need to go back on Disney+ to watch brainless Marvel movies. Do people have brains nowadays or only want boring action?! The show wouldn’t have 10It’s a very good adaptation. People saying it’s « boring », « slow paced » and « a total mess » need to go back on Disney+ to watch brainless Marvel movies. Do people have brains nowadays or only want boring action?! The show wouldn’t have 10 million viewers every week if it was « a total mess ». The casting is one of the best of the year, the visuals and cinematography are top notch and the music is incredible. This amazing book needed a TV show and not a movie. Well done!… Expand

5 of 9 users found this helpful54

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10

GilsonOvalhesDec 15, 2019

Não ligue para a críticas negativas. Assista até o 4 episódio e tire as próprias conclusões. Potencial para superar GOT.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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5

BitashJan 20, 2020

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I never read the book or saw the movie, had super high hopes for this one with its impressive cast and unbelievable.production. The CGI is unreal, the animals are sooo real. However, the series lacked excitement it could have had for me. I guess they are following a book...but its a bit flat. It could have been so much better, I disliked how Lyra wins every battle and she even falls off a Hot air balloon and nothing happens to her! Not even a scratch ! And she is brave enough to fight every animal...blah blah....she made it boring for me after a while. Disenyish for me..... kiddy! Too hokey.… Expand

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10

LefarienNov 6, 2019

A fantastic realisation of the books on screen. Strong performances and visually stunning.

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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0

svillar13Jul 12, 2020

The author of the original books, admittedly hates, the Chronicles of Narnia, C.S. Lewis, and by extension God. His reason for writing the books is to destroy the notion of God in children, of which C.S. Lewis tried to do the opposite withThe author of the original books, admittedly hates, the Chronicles of Narnia, C.S. Lewis, and by extension God. His reason for writing the books is to destroy the notion of God in children, of which C.S. Lewis tried to do the opposite with his books, based on what he writes about Aslan in Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Institutionalized religion is the evil institution that His Dark Materials is based on. The TV series does the same. This kind of material does not belong on TV.… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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10

JackalDec 20, 2019

Great story telling, incredible characters and many layers in this fantastical series.

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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7

OctomortJan 6, 2020

Overall I like the series, but it sometimes falls a little flat.
At times it feels hurried and lacking the depth, and side-plots, of the books. Information is suddenly available to the characters, many things seem to happen overnight and offOverall I like the series, but it sometimes falls a little flat.
At times it feels hurried and lacking the depth, and side-plots, of the books. Information is suddenly available to the characters, many things seem to happen overnight and off screen. for example, Lyra secretly moves to a place and lo-and-behold a few minutes later her enemies know and raid said place.

I have read a few of the professional reviews and one thing they fail to mention, as usual, budget. This is a series which could do with an extra two of even four episodes per season to capture the depth and scope of the books. After all Pullman's original does cover 2 alternate universes and the whole of Christianity. Until a production company has the finances of a Starwars or Harry Potter production, we aren't going to see Pullman's work done full and proper TV justice.

Mrs Coulter is very well portrayed. The CGI for the daemons is well done and, usually, seems naturalistic. The North has the bleakness and majesty expected of a true arctic landscape. As in the books part of me wants to protect Lyra at the same time as telling her to stop being such a brat! The often hurried pace tends to make the other characters a little shallow.

The diversity casting is rather like using a sledge hammer to crack a peanut and leaves a bitter taste of political correctness on the back of the tongue. The Gyptians just do not come across to be the unified people they should be. Despite rousing speeches and group cheers.

What it does do well is convey the underlying themes of the books, the authoritarianism and suppression of the Magisterium, greased with lashings of hypocrisy. I get the over all impression the production team have been trying really hard to get the feel of the original within serious budgetary constraints and politically correct management silliness.

Well worth a watch!… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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10

LJA1Dec 8, 2019

His Dark Materials is a joy to watch, smart and entertaining every minute of the way.

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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7

ozymandias79Dec 5, 2022

Interesting show. Definitely worth a watch. The CG animals are believable 90%+ of the time. Makes you wonder what they're doing in Hollywood.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

kroopDec 29, 2019

Never heard of this books the show is my first time with this world and as a tv show i like it script is good dialogue r good characters r believable, so if u looking tv series about child of destiny u should watch this not netflix verry poorNever heard of this books the show is my first time with this world and as a tv show i like it script is good dialogue r good characters r believable, so if u looking tv series about child of destiny u should watch this not netflix verry poor "adaptation" of witcher books.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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8

nahuelskyguyDec 26, 2022

it's pretty good, the acting is fantastic, the writing is ok I suspect is more the original books fault though, the writers seem to be competent, and that is a lot to say in a show nowadays. Good show, worth watching.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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7

Dee-Jay_DeliDec 20, 2022

Good show in an original setting with some stand-out actors (Mrs. Coulter) and moments. Unfortunately the show does drag at times and the pacing is a little off. Also, not all characters are well developed or even likable. But the overallGood show in an original setting with some stand-out actors (Mrs. Coulter) and moments. Unfortunately the show does drag at times and the pacing is a little off. Also, not all characters are well developed or even likable. But the overall story and drama works well and with 3 seasons, 8 episodes each, it's not the biggest time sink.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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6

kazernielJun 12, 2020

This show is sadly very mediocre. Pretty much every single scene just feels so uncomfortable and stilted. Most scenes are very different from the written original both in events and tone. They cut out book scenes, and introduce new onesThis show is sadly very mediocre. Pretty much every single scene just feels so uncomfortable and stilted. Most scenes are very different from the written original both in events and tone. They cut out book scenes, and introduce new ones instead. The original plot points and revelations are all shuffled up into an unappealing mess. Daemons barely appear, and with the exception of Hester, they seem completely irrelevant.

The art direction also feels almost nonexistent. The 2007 movie was visually gorgeous and had a strong, consistent visual theme. Here everything is just so drab and thematically confused - by the environments and clothes it feels more set in the 60-70s, than in the late 19th - early 20th century.

It feels like the series tried to incorporate as much lore from the terrible La Belle Sauvage novel into the trilogy as possible, largely to its detriment.… Expand