The Golden Compass Movie Review

Philip Pullman's award-winning trilogy His Dark Materials comes to life in this new winter blockbuster. Can the film live up to the books it was based on? Kidzworld has the review!

Whatever Lyra Wants

Lyra Belacqua is a 12 year-old orphan who spends her days looking for mischief with her BFF Roger at the prestigious Jordan College. But trouble comes looking for Lyra when she's given the Golden Compass - a device that can provide the answer to any question. Lyra uses the compass to look for children who have been abducted by a radical government wing that wants to rid people of their free will.

The Snow Queen

Enter Marisa Coulter (Nicole Kidman), a mysterious traveler who whisks Lyra to the far north, along with Lyra's personal demon Pantalaimon (Freddie Highmore). Lyra soon realizes that Marisa is more Wicked Stepmother than she is Fairy Godmother, and escapes into her new snowy environment.

Asriel, Lord Asriel

Lyra makes friends with a host of fantastic creatures, such as the good witch Serafina Pekkala, and a giant armored polar bear named Iorek Byrnison. We also meet Lyra's uncle, Lord Asriel (James Bond's Daniel Craig) who is researching "Dust", which he believes connects us to parallel universes. Oh yeah, it's a complicated story.

The Bottom Line

The Golden Compass is a beautifully realized adaptation of Philip Pullman's book of the same name, but the heart and soul of the film don't quite make the cut. While the His Dark Materials trilogy is thought-provoking stuff and even a little controversial, the movie is too sanitized to really get you thinking. Still, if you're looking for a fun holiday movie, this is sure to please. But make sure to pick up the book, too. It's a way better adventure!

The Golden Compass Rating:

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