The Golden Compass (2007)

Please ...
Tim W was very elegant in his review - in a nutshell - boring - save your money!

Tried to make everyone happy and failed
The filmmakers tried to make 1) an original and fresh Harry Potter size franchise for the studio, 2) a film that wouldn't offend religious viewers, 3) a film that would still promote the author's atheist/anti-church agenda.

1) Fail
2) Fail
3) Fail

The result was a watered down story that appealed to no one. It felt as though the story was on fast forward for those who'd read the (much better) novel. And, perhaps to me the strangest decision of all -- probably in an effort to succeed at number two (see above) -- they didn't include the amazingly powerful closing scene of the book.

Highlight of the film for me? Sam Elliott as Lee Scoresby. Perfect casting.

Stardust was the better film. Wish it had had Golden Compass' marketing budget.

Pass on this one.

The Golden Compass
A super film which suffered from attacks from the religious right. It deserves being seen as it is exciting entertainment with a serious side. I hope they produce the sequel.