Difference in Opinion

New Line has come out with another blockbuster film for the holidays. The Golden Compass has some amazing CG and digital effects that make the fantasy world they put viewers in seem that much more real. With so many fantasy films out and many more on the horizon, it is crucial for each of them to set themselves apart from the others. With the huge budget, and careful attention to graphics and details, it seems The Golden Compass has drawn a line in the sand.

Taking place in a parallel Oxford, you follow the journey of a young heroine, Lyra, as she learns what part she plays in a fantastic and wild adventure. In this alternate universe, people’s souls are not hidden, they walk alongside them in an animal forms called a dæmons. Children’s dæmons are constantly evolving, as they are unsure of what they should be. As a child gets older, their dæmon settles into a permanent form.

As Lyra receives the last of an ancient truth-teller, called an Alethiometer (or Golden Compass), she is hurled into a conflict between the Magisterium, who seeks to control all of humanity, Scholars, who seek to learn more about other universes, and water-traveling Gyptians. Lyra encounters all sorts people and beasts along her way. Her journey takes her face to face with with the ice bears of Svalbard, Tartar warriors of the north and beautiful and majestic witches.

The casting for this movie was superb. Nicole Kidman did a great job of playing the cold, beautiful, and sinister Mrs. Coulter, while the always solid Daniel Craig portrayed the noble and wise Lord Asriel. Lyra Belacqua was played by the break-out young actress Dakota Blue Richards. Other notable actors are Eva Green, Sam Elliot, Christopher Lee, and Derek Jacobi; and the voices of Freddie Highmore, Ian McKellen, Kathy Bates and Ian McShane.

There were very few disappointments with this movie, but a few stuck out. One thing that bothered me was the abrupt cut off of the story. I felt like there was a whole lot of build up and no climax to the plot. I am sure the next movie will have plenty of action and suspense, since the entire first film was used to gain that momentum. Other than that, the story never got boring and there was always something going on that kept you attention. The computer graphics were top notch and made the movie that much more appealing and magical. This is a great movie to go see with your family over the holidays.

Final Score: 8 out of 10