The Golden Compass
The Golden Compass
could be the most talked about film of the year. The largest percentage
of comments being negative. My inbox has been full of
notices to stay away from
this vile, deceptive film. Of course most of these if not all were
from people who had never seen one scene of the movie.
Everyone has been in an
uproar due to the books on which the film is based. A typical knee jerk
reaction to the writings of anti religious author Philip
Pullman. But I am not here
to debate theology but to review a film. So let me now put all your questions
and concerns to rest and ease your curious
minds. Regardless of the
reasons or the ranting of the Author, the bottom line is that this film
is a paper thin story that wants to be epic but ends
up forgettable.
I tried to like this film
and get into the story. For one because it looks amazing. The cinematography
and animation are superb. The characters are
strong and well developed.
You look forward to the journey they are on. But then nothing happens.
The plot line is dull and makes absolutely no sense.
Sure you can see the vague
point they are making but it is so diluted and without basis that the movie
sort of flounders around for two hours. The
only intriguing arc is that
of the Ice Bear and his journey to be king. The battle that ensues is the
highlight of the entire film. The rest is just tiresome and redundant.
It wants to be another Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter but the writing
is just so sub par. Put aside the personal beliefs or motive of the author.
He might be a grand storyteller on paper but it never translates to film.
The cast is not to blame.
Marisa Coulter (Nicole Kidman) is played perfectly and you fear her without
knowing fully why. Kidman does a lot with a look or
a head tilt. It is scary
seduction. And she makes you shiver. Dakota Blue Richards plays the main
role of Lyra Belacqua and brings personality to her
character. She has determination
in her eyes that helps give Lyra an inner strength that comes through nicely.
Daniel Craig on the other hand is in the
film maybe a total of 3
minutes and so you never see him do anything. Luckily the bear is intriguing
because he is in the film the most.
The Golden Compass
is rated PG-13 for sequences of fantasy violence. This is a dark film and
the tone is very serious and not for kids under 13. There
are talks of witches and
the souls of humans walk along side them as animals and are referred to
as daemons. Pronounced Demon. So be aware of that with your younger family
members. Those over 13 will more than likely be bored with the hard to
follow plot and theme. I heard a few older teens comment on leaving the
screening that they didn't understand the point and were worried it would
keep dragging on. They were just happy to be out of there. As were many
of us adults as well. In truth, this film looks super. But that is not
enough to warrant an audience. There are far too many better films out
this Holiday season. As my wife says, this Compass points solidly to a
better film; and it is playing next door. I can give it only 2 out of 5
furry
souls. I'm Matt Mungle
Matt Mungle (12/05/07)
Matt is a member of the North
Texas Film Critics Association (NTFCA) and co-hosts a weekly radio feature,
The Mungles on Movies, with his wife Cindy.
For additional reviews,
interview clips and great DVD giveaways, visit the website www.mungleshow.com"
Review copyright 2007 Mungleshow
Productions. Used by Permission.
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