The Golden Compass

Reviewed by:
Pete Hammond

Beyond spectacular in it's scope and ambition, The Golden Compass is the latest in a series of thrilling fantasies in the tradition of The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia to land in theaters just in time for the lucrative holiday season. Like those films, Compass is a visual feast that transports you to an alternate world of jaw-dropping awe, unforgettable images, and pure adventure. This one is also taken from another trilogy, His Dark Materials, by Philip Pullman. The lead character, Lyra (Dakota Blue Richards), is secretly given the last Alethiometer (Golden Compass), which every kid would love to have during school finals as it gives you the answers to any conceivable question. Basic story revolves around the discovery by Lyra's uncle (Daniel Craig) of mystical parallel worlds in the Arctic Circle. When her best friend goes AWOL, she and ice-queen adult companion Mrs. Coulter (a stiff Nicole Kidman) fly off to the region where supposedly a number of kidnapped children are being kept. Also in this world every character has a corresponding creature that feels everything the person does. This leads to some fairly graphic animal violence when fights break out. There are plenty of huge action sequences, including a deadly duel between Lyra's new friend, Iorek (voiced by Ian McKellen), a majestic white bear who lives for war and his arch rival, the reigning bear king of the north. Other battles follow in a film with breathtaking PG-13-rated special effects and a fairly involving story, even for adults dragged along by their kids.