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The Golden Compass (2007)
Director: Chris Weitz
Movie review
From Time Out New York
In adapting the first book of Philip Pullman’s “His Dark Materials” trilogy, Chris Weitz (About a Boy) faced a daunting challenge: Pullman’s universe is fiendishly complex, and the novel is a thicket of imaginative details and thorny theology. Every human in this world has an animal spirit called a daemon, there are weird invisible “dust” particles that settle on adults but not children, and a doorway has been opened to other universes.
A spunky young orphan (Richards) finds herself at the center of the battle between the powerful but corrupt church and a ragtag assortment of rebels, including armor-clad bears, gorgeous witches and a cowboy balloonist (Elliott). She also tangles with a beautiful but evil woman (Kidman) who seems strangely focused on the girl’s fate. That’s a lot to pack in. Alas, with Weitz’s exposition-laden dialogue and uncertain direction, the film feels like a frantically paced highlight reel rather than a complete movie.
The actors try to make an impression, but they get lost in the gorgeous production design. More could be said about the look of the mechanical insects and sleek Art Deco zeppelins than about most of the characters. But stunning visuals and CGI talking bears do not add up to a good film.
Author: Hank Sartin
Time Out New York Issue 636: December 6-12, 2007
User reviews of this film
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- fish said...
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Posted on Mar 24 2008 10:33
a film for films.
for share.
for all seasons.
yeah! - Report as inappropriate
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- cute.sunshine said...
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Posted on Feb 13 2008 09:54
This enthralling fantasy, based on the book by Philip Pullman, is perfect for all members of the family because of its thrilling and unique storyline. The main character, Lyra Belacqua played by Dakota Blue Richards, discovers that she has the key to a whole new world and adventure. In this fantastic adventure everyone owns a daemon who is their conscience and soul.
Lyra has spent her whole life at Jordan's college, Oxford and one day hears her Uncle, Lord Asreil (Daniel Craig), talking about the unknown "dust particles" and a journey to the North. Of course Lyra was very curious and wanted to go with her Uncle on his voyage to the North. Then, Mrs. Marisa Coulter (Nicole Kidman) enters the scene and persuades the headmaster to let her take Lyra on a ‘once in a life time’ journey to try and solve the mystery of the missing, kidnapped children.
Little does she know that she is in for a big shock when she finds out that Mrs. Coulter is behind the mystery. She tries to run away but where will she go? How will she find the missing children? Who will help her? Make sure you go and see the film to find out what really happens! - Report as inappropriate
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- Jane Desforges said...
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Posted on Dec 12 2007 08:17
I feel sure that had I not read the books I would have struggled to follow the plot. The stunning visual impact of the polar bear sequences was fantastic, but not enough to erase the feeling of disappointment I felt,
yet I really hope the continuing story reaches the cinema soon. - Report as inappropriate
Cast & crew
Director: Chris Weitz
Cast: Dakota Blue Richards, Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Sam Elliott, John Hurt, Ben Walker, Jim Carter, Tom Courtenay, Christopher Lee, Kristin Scott Thomas, Edward de Souza, Derek Jacobi, Ian McShane, Freddie Highmore, Ian McKellen, Kathy Bates full cast
Genre(s): Action/Adventure, Fantasy
Rated: PG-13
Duration: 114 mins
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