The Golden Compass

Writer/Dir: Chris Weitz (About A Boy)
Cast: Dakota Blue Richards, Freddie Highmore, Sir Ian McKellen, Nicole Kidman, Jim Carter, Sam Elliot, Daniel Craig, Eva Green
USA/UK, 2007

Seen: December 7, 2007 at Scotiabank Theatre

Reason to see: It was Jamie's pick for her birthday!

Based on the Philip Pullman novel of the same name, The Golden Compass is fun fantasy film. I enjoyed many aspects including the world in which it was set, the fact that people had daemons (creature companions) and of course and outspoken and adventurous young girl. Oh how I wish there was a film such as this when I was growing up I would have seen it a millions times. I started reading the book just prior to seeing the film so it is hard to comment on the book to film accuracies in terms of plot but I will say that I felt they shifted some of the storytelling into the hands of the adult actors which I understand in theory as it would be a challenge to have so much of the film under the sole responsibility of a child actor. I'm not convinced with was the best choice, and it the film continues as a trilogy along with the books we shall see how it progresses. Out of the performances in the film I would have to say hands down that Sam Elliot supporting role was a wonderful part to the film.

On the whole the film does has some flaws be they continuity or some uneven pacing but I think it creates a great world and is likely to provoke very interesting conversations after viewing which in my opinion is always a good in sign. It even had moments that brought tears in my eyes. Whatever flaws it may have I forgive them without a doubt.

Shannon's Overall View:
It enjoyed it
I'll buy it
I recommend it, especially for girls

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© Shannon Ridler, 2007

roughly 15 minutes of preshow including around 7 commercials and 5 previews: The Water Horse, Horton Hears a Who, Charlie Bartlett, Mad Money and Inkheart