The Golden Compass: What did you think?

[Until The Bombs]

Just got back from the Golden Compass. I was extremely disappointed. I thought the casting was phenomenal and the actors did the best with what they had, but the script (or at least what ended up on the screen) was terribly converted from the book.

Everything felt rushed, there was no character development, which took any potential emotion out of the movie, and one scene that I was looking forward to more than anything else was taken out. I won't say which one, but it was a major one.

I understand that it's unreasonable for the movie to play out exactly the same as the book, but at a running time of about 1:45, there was plenty of time to flesh the movie out. (Edit: I mean in that they could have added more) Maybe the budget was running too high. Maybe too much film was left on the cutting room floor. But with a supposed budget of at least $150 million, why not spend another $10-20 million to do it right. I fear that the other books may never see the big screen. It's not as if this movie was really that anticipated and mixed to poor reviews won't help it.

I assume it will be more enjoyable to someone who hasn't read the books, but only because they have no idea what they are missing. To those who have read the books, when the credits roll, you will be saying "Oh, My God!," but not for the right reasons.

If I had to rate it. I'd say 1.5/4.

[TJ Wells]

Yawnnnnnnnnnnnn.

That's my review.

[irthesteve]

that's too bad, i love the series of books and was semi-excited for this

[carsonxgrave]

Apparently this movie's about killing God. lol

[gloriousmuse]

i actually loved it. i haven't read the books yet, i just ordered the series :-). it did feel a little rushed to me though, like things didn't flow right. but i plan on reading the first one this holiday and then when i'm finished, i'll see it again.

i do hope they make the others though :-(. i will be disappointed if they don't. and the whole killing God thing wasn't that obvious. To be honest, i hadn't known about the controversy I wouldn't have guessed it was about that at all.

but i cant wait to get my books, because im also curious to know what dust is and how they get the kids daemons back

[cahrishurr]

0/10

[kshtoinks12]

Fucking loved this book.

[fluke182]

Well, as far as a film based on the book, it was solid. I enjoyed it. As a straight up adaptation, it missed quite a bit, as it changed a lot, it was SO RUSHED, and the ending...well. That's all I will say. The ending. Midway through the movie, I turned to someone else who had read the book and said "this should be 30 minutes longer" and they agreed. At the end, I said "that should have been an hour longer!"

I just find some of the choices perplexing. It was like for the majority of the movie they were trying to make it a standalone feature, and the very end they were like "Oh fuck! There are two more books!" and then pulled something out of their ass.

The dejawing was pretty fantastic though. They could not have cast anyone any better either. It isn't their fault, it's the weird ass script (The part with the separated daemon was beyond crappy), the clear time restraints, and the focus on forward "progress" over the telling of the actual story.

Frustrating, but enjoyable. I'll give it a B-, which is probably residual book love washing over it and giving it an upgrade.

And I am a huge, HUGE fan of the His Dark Materials series.

[carsonxgrave]

Actually, they were going to see how great this movie would be in the cinemas.
Then they would determine if they'd make the other 2.
Not trying to be all religious here, but the main reason had to do with it being totally against God.
And I read that parents didn't want their children, that are young, to see it.
Because it's not that powerful of a message in this one, but as it moves into the second and third ones, it gets more clear that the message is basically about 'killing God'

[KStrat]

as a fan from the beginning i rather enjoyed the movie, it was all in fun (was i the book no; but were cahrlie and the chocolate factory, harry potter, or the jason bourne movies?) i was however disappointed at the blatently political undertones the chose to give the film. yeah i understand the chritians all up in arms, but i think they could have watered it down kept the original idea and had at least a more true to the book feeling film.

i hope they make the next two to at least redeem themselves, and i want to see them fight the way out of the wet paper bag they put themselves into by changing things around.

[carsonxgrave]

as a fan from the beginning i rather enjoyed the movie, it was all in fun (was i the book no; but were cahrlie and the chocolate factory, harry potter, or the jason bourne movies?) i was however disappointed at the blatently political undertones the chose to give the film. yeah i understand the chritians all up in arms, but i think they could have watered it down kept the original idea and had at least a more true to the book feeling film.

i hope they make the next two to at least redeem themselves, and i want to see them fight the way out of the wet paper bag they put themselves into by changing things around.

Just hope they don't make that message towards the christians too explicit, like, for instance, younger kids would understand it easier.
But I don't think you'll have to worry about that too much.

[Until The Bombs]

Just hope they don't make that message towards the christians too explicit, like, for instance, younger kids would understand it easier.
But I don't think you'll have to worry about that too much.

Basically, if you went into the movie without any knowledge of the religious undertones of the book, you really wouldn't notice. The church is in essence substituted with powerful organization that could go by any name. The way the movie plays out, the Magisterium is almost irrelevant aside from advancing the plot.

I do wonder though how they will avoid the issue if books 2 and 3 are developed into movies. Unfortunately it will probably really harm the story and the potential of the films.

I wish more people weren't afraid that some movie will somehow warp their minds. I'm not overly religious but I still enjoyed the first Narnia movie, despite its clear pro-religion message.

[Until The Bombs]

Well, as far as a film based on the book, it was solid. I enjoyed it. As a straight up adaptation, it missed quite a bit, as it changed a lot, it was SO RUSHED, and the ending...well. That's all I will say. The ending. Midway through the movie, I turned to someone else who had read the book and said "this should be 30 minutes longer" and they agreed. At the end, I said "that should have been an hour longer!"

I just find some of the choices perplexing. It was like for the majority of the movie they were trying to make it a standalone feature, and the very end they were like "Oh fuck! There are two more books!" and then pulled something out of their ass.

The dejawing was pretty fantastic though. They could not have cast anyone any better either. It isn't their fault, it's the weird ass script (The part with the separated daemon was beyond crappy), the clear time restraints, and the focus on forward "progress" over the telling of the actual story.

Frustrating, but enjoyable. I'll give it a B-, which is probably residual book love washing over it and giving it an upgrade.

And I am a huge, HUGE fan of the His Dark Materials series.


The dejawing was awesome.

The ending is what bothers me the most. Maybe a repeat viewing will change my opinion, or hopefully one day being able to watch it as part of a trilogy. But I just could not believe that they left the end of the book out! To me it would have been a great way to build anticipation for a second film.

[AshesAshes]

Well, as far as a film based on the book, it was solid. I enjoyed it. As a straight up adaptation, it missed quite a bit, as it changed a lot, it was SO RUSHED, and the ending...well. That's all I will say. The ending. Midway through the movie, I turned to someone else who had read the book and said "this should be 30 minutes longer" and they agreed. At the end, I said "that should have been an hour longer!"

I just find some of the choices perplexing. It was like for the majority of the movie they were trying to make it a standalone feature, and the very end they were like "Oh fuck! There are two more books!" and then pulled something out of their ass.

The dejawing was pretty fantastic though. They could not have cast anyone any better either. It isn't their fault, it's the weird ass script (The part with the separated daemon was beyond crappy), the clear time restraints, and the focus on forward "progress" over the telling of the actual story.

Frustrating, but enjoyable. I'll give it a B-, which is probably residual book love washing over it and giving it an upgrade.

And I am a huge, HUGE fan of the His Dark Materials series.
My review would basically be the same as that.I cant believe they left the ending of the book out it would of been a huge cliff hanger to build anticipation for the next movie I was really frustrated watching this movie I wish they made it longer and spent time developing the plot/characters.....

Nicole Kidman did a fantastic job as did most of the cast

[cantnokdahustle]

1/10

apparently Tom Stoppard wrote a script based around Lyra maturing, but Lord Chris Weitz in his infinite wisdom threw it out, and decided to write it himself.

[carsonxgrave]

Basically, if you went into the movie without any knowledge of the religious undertones of the book, you really wouldn't notice. The church is in essence substituted with powerful organization that could go by any name. The way the movie plays out, the Magisterium is almost irrelevant aside from advancing the plot.

I do wonder though how they will avoid the issue if books 2 and 3 are developed into movies. Unfortunately it will probably really harm the story and the potential of the films.

I wish more people weren't afraid that some movie will somehow warp their minds. I'm not overly religious but I still enjoyed the first Narnia movie, despite its clear pro-religion message.

I know exactly what you mean, most kids that the movie attracts most likely have no idea of their faith. But then again the parents think their kids will be christians or whatever and think they'll get the picture.

I just think if people who want to see it, then see it. Who honestly cares. Haha.

[Ailite]

I'd say 6.5/10

I didn't hate it, but it wasn't perfect and could have been a lot better. The cast was perfect, I loved Lee and Iorek, and the bear fight was incredible.
The ending could have been so much better. It should have gone on for about an hour more.
I just really hope they make the second one and that they make it a lot better.

I want to re-read the books again

[carsonxgrave]

I'd say 6.5/10

I didn't hate it, but it wasn't perfect and could have been a lot better. The cast was perfect, I loved Lee and Iorek, and the bear fight was incredible.
The ending could have been so much better. It should have gone on for about an hour more.
I just really hope they make the second one and that they make it a lot better.

I want to re-read the books again


Go for it.

[thirteen]

I don't know about anywhere else, but the controversy about this movie is volatile in the south.

My Bible-thumping parents commissioned my sister to leave this image on my keyboard.

I had heard little about it before the movie was put into production. I'm interested in reading the books, though I might wait and see the movie first as it seems from these reviews that it's a better show if you go without the butchering of the books in mind.

[Blake Solomon]

way "shorter" than I thought it would be. Still, I enjoyed it. The little girl was really good, Coulter looked hot, Byrnisson was just how I pictured him.

I was a little thrown off by the reordering of the bear fight and the Bolvangar scenes, but it didn't change things that much. I mean, yeah it was lame that the ending wasn't "the ending", but i still thought it was pretty dang good. Would have liked to see even more of Jordan College, though.

I guess, if it needed a number 7.2/10

[Blake Solomon]

I don't know about anywhere else, but the controversy about this movie is volatile in the south.

My Bible-thumping parents commissioned my sister to leave this image on my keyboard.

I had heard little about it before the movie was put into production. I'm interested in reading the books, though I might wait and see the movie first as it seems from these reviews that it's a better show if you go without the butchering of the books in mind.



yeah, my mom sent me an email that's been circulating in my hometown about how "evil" the series is. To be fair, they do "fight God" in the last book ( i won't say what actually happens), but still, if anyone is swayed from their religion by this book, they didn't really have it in the first place.

[classys]

I enjoyed it.. i hope it makes enough money to warrant making the second and third

[irthesteve]

if anyone is swayed from their religion by this book, they didn't really have it in the first place.

so true, if anyone let's a sci-fi / fantasy novel change their religious views, it really isn't the book's fault

[carsonxgrave]

I don't know about anywhere else, but the controversy about this movie is volatile in the south.

My Bible-thumping parents commissioned my sister to leave this image on my keyboard.

I had heard little about it before the movie was put into production. I'm interested in reading the books, though I might wait and see the movie first as it seems from these reviews that it's a better show if you go without the butchering of the books in mind.

This image explains exactly what I was saying, haha.

[sdbrown]

I don't know about anywhere else, but the controversy about this movie is volatile in the south.

My Bible-thumping parents commissioned my sister to leave this image on my keyboard.

I had heard little about it before the movie was put into production. I'm interested in reading the books, though I might wait and see the movie first as it seems from these reviews that it's a better show if you go without the butchering of the books in mind.
whoa. That's kinda nutso.

[Whalejaw]

I haven't read the books in quite a long time, but I thought the movie was great. I do wish the movie was a bit longer, but I did not find the pacing of the movie too rushed. It is rather disappointing that all the controversy of the movie is probably going to kill the hopes of making the rest of the series decent.

[Blake Solomon]

yeah, when i realized it was only 9 (and the movie started at 6 45, so really 7ish), i was disappointed. The pacing was excellent, though.

[fluke182]

yeah, when i realized it was only 9 (and the movie started at 6 45, so really 7ish), i was disappointed. The pacing was excellent, though.
Superpatriot? Very odd!

I tend to agree with you overall, but I do think it was bit rush.

[Blake Solomon]

Superpatriot? Very odd!

I tend to agree with you overall, but I do think it was bit rush.


haha, kind of a stupid story as to why he of all people is my avatar, buttttt, i think we can agree his costume is very cool. The book, mediocre, like most of the stuff I've read from Image (though their days of publishing the GI Joe stuff was always awesome).

[Stupendous_Man]

Just got back from seeing it. I thought it was a great movie and stayed quite faithful to the book. I think for people who had not read the book it may have been a bit more confusing though. Also, I was disappointed they didn't end it with a cliffhanger like the book does.

[Until The Bombs]

I don't know about anywhere else, but the controversy about this movie is volatile in the south.

My Bible-thumping parents commissioned my sister to leave this image on my keyboard.

I had heard little about it before the movie was put into production. I'm interested in reading the books, though I might wait and see the movie first as it seems from these reviews that it's a better show if you go without the butchering of the books in mind.


Yeah I'd say see the movie first to find if its something that interests you. That's so sad that people waste time worrying about stuff like this movie instead of real issues.

so true, if anyone let's a sci-fi / fantasy novel change their religious views, it really isn't the book's fault

Totally agree.

As is, at least when I was reading it, I interpreted the message of the book to be more against letting any institution control you, than anything else. And in all fairness, its not as if the church has never abused its power anyway (more so in earlier history). But people who try to prevent others from seeing movies such as this, only prove the message that I took from the books anyway.

[TJ Wells]

Wow, so I definitely didn't like the movie, but I figured it'd take in at least $40, maybe $50 million opening weekend. But if the Friday numbers are any indication, it looks like it will barely crack $25 million.

[cantnokdahustle]

Wow, so I definitely didn't like the movie, but I figured it'd take in at least $40, maybe $50 million opening weekend. But if the Friday numbers are any indication, it looks like it will barely crack $25 million.

good! the movie was a rushed and choppy piece of shit. The fucker paid no attention to Lyra's development as a human being and completely fucked over the Tony Makairos character.

I seriously cannot believe they left every emotional scene out of this movie
How the hell did they fail to put Lyra being a little cunt by changing the Daemon coins of the former head masters and then after finding Tony Makairos and him dying, her putting Ratter on a coin before they cremate the kid. It is a truly emotional scene from the book.

And what is this shit about changing Makairos for Costa and us being lead to believe that he will find his daemon.

...and Lord Asriel was way too fucking soft.

[gloriousmuse]

if it gets kids to read instead staring in front of the boob tube, then i say go for it. i would never stop my children from seeing a movie or reading a book that might make them change their minds.

[Until The Bombs]

Early estimates say $26,125,000. Not likely good enough to warrant a sequel.

[cantnokdahustle]

good, maybe someone in twenty years that gives a shit about the series will pick it up.

[Ailite]

That's a bad omen for a sequel

[TJ Wells]

Well a Subtle Knife is already in the works.

[Drew Beringer]

Seriously, how can they fuck up the ending? Ugh.

[gloriousmuse]

Seriously, how can they fuck up the ending? Ugh.

i haven't read the books yet but i read online that they filmed more of the ending but decided to leave it out and possibly put it in the sequel but i guess it will be on the DVD

[Until The Bombs]

i haven't read the books yet but i read online that they filmed more of the ending but decided to leave it out and possibly put it in the sequel but i guess it will be on the DVD


If they filmed the book ending they will have to put it in the sequel in order to follow the story line, unless it was just an alternative ending that had nothing to do with the books. Or unless they totally fuck things up and don't follow the books at all.

[popdisaster00]

I slept through 80% of this movie last night.

[gloriousmuse]

i'm in the process of reading the book (which is excellent so far) and i am very disappointed with the film now.

[fluke182]

Well a Subtle Knife is already in the works.
Proof? Everything I've said states otherwise.
Seriously, how can they fuck up the ending? Ugh.
It was such a bizarre choice. Especially considering the trailer shows bits of the real ending. I have no idea what the hell was going on.
If they filmed the book ending they will have to put it in the sequel in order to follow the story line, unless it was just an alternative ending that had nothing to do with the books. Or unless they totally fuck things up and don't follow the books at all.
Seriously. They cannot just abandon it. I don't understand why they changed it, because the ending of the book is pretty much perfect. Lyra crossing the bridge into the unknown new worlds after the showdown with Mrs. Coulter and Lord Asriel...just seems so odd to abandon it. Of course they did a number of odd things.

[Until The Bombs]

Proof? Everything I've said states otherwise.

It was such a bizarre choice. Especially considering the trailer shows bits of the real ending. I have no idea what the hell was going on.

Seriously. They cannot just abandon it. I don't understand why they changed it, because the ending of the book is pretty much perfect. Lyra crossing the bridge into the unknown new worlds after the showdown with Mrs. Coulter and Lord Asriel...just seems so odd to abandon it. Of course they did a number of odd things.

Not ending the film like that takes the cake for odd, terrible decisions. If only because it would have ended the movie so well. I'm wondering how faithful they intend to be to the source material. Simply the fact that they alluded to Billy Costa getting his daemon back irritates me. I could see them just dropping the whole killing the authority bit, just to avoid controversy. Hopefully Pullman has a final say on the script to avoid such a possibility.

[fluke182]

Not ending the film like that takes the cake for odd, terrible decisions. If only because it would have ended the movie so well. I'm wondering how faithful they intend to be to the source material. Simply the fact that they alluded to Billy Costa getting his daemon back irritates me. I could see them just dropping the whole killing the authority bit, just to avoid controversy. Hopefully Pullman has a final say on the script to avoid such a possibility.
That whole bit with Billy Costa KILLED me. Like how within seconds of seeing Lyra and Billy, Ma Costa was like "we'll get your daemon back Billy! I promise!" and I'm like it's a tiny rat! Christ almighty, how did you even know it was gone already?! Did I mention this movie frustrated the hell out of me?

I read a lot about it before it came out. From everything I read about it, Pullman was a big supporter of it, even after seeing a final cut. I really want him to come out against it, because he can't agree with half the choices they made. If the casting wasn't so spot on, I'd have been even more angry.

[TJ Wells]

Proof? Everything I've said states otherwise.

It was such a bizarre choice. Especially considering the trailer shows bits of the real ending. I have no idea what the hell was going on.

Seriously. They cannot just abandon it. I don't understand why they changed it, because the ending of the book is pretty much perfect. Lyra crossing the bridge into the unknown new worlds after the showdown with Mrs. Coulter and Lord Asriel...just seems so odd to abandon it. Of course they did a number of odd things.
http://imdb.com/title/tt0934963/

[Kid Defender]

Worse book to movie adaption ever? Hell yes. Horrible acting, more plot holes than you'll ever seen in a movie... probably one of the five worst movies I have ever seen and definitely the worst movie to come out this year. What a fucking abortion. If they don't kill will in the next movie in favor of making it more kid-friendly like this one, i'm walking out.

[Until The Bombs]

http://imdb.com/title/tt0934963/

The fact that the script has been penned offers little to prove that the movie will actually be made. No additional casting has been done, no director is attached, etc.

[fluke182]

The fact that the script has been penned offers little to prove that the movie will actually be made. No additional casting has been done, no director is attached, etc.
Thank you. This is FAR from being made, or even being considered being made. The Goonies 2 has had writers for it for the entirety of the existence of IMDB (maybe not anymore, but for at least the late 90's and until a couple years back), and it still hasn't been made.

I like how they say in the description that Will Parry has mastered the art of Invisibility. If they make him actually able to disappear, I will pity some fools. He mainly mastered the ability of being entirely inconspicuous.

[gloriousmuse]

http://imdb.com/title/tt0934963/

imdb is like wikipedia...you can never really trust it.

[TJ Wells]

I find IMDb a little more trustworthy; if something's on there it at least was in development at some point.

[thirteen]

Finally saw the movie tonight, having no previous knowledge of contents of the book. Brought my friend along, who read the first book and a bit of the second. 10:30 showing; the theatre was absolutely empty otherwise.

I generally liked the movie for the fact that it was visually very stunning. I'm going to agree with previous posters and say it was shallow in the fact it pushed the story too fast and didn't develop much as in depth as it could have. Some parts were confusing: "Who is that/Where did they come from?" "What the hell is she talking about?" etc.

The second the credits started rolling my friend goes, "You have got to be shitting me."

One of his biggest complaints was the pointless rearrangement of scenes, I think like Lyra going to tell the bear king she was Iorek's daemon and her arrival at the lab in Bolvangar.

My friend just sent me this video containing a 1:10 cut of the film ending. Spoiler warning, but probably not. Actual warning: it'll just make you that more upset they actually cut this from the movie.

PtplnBb-dpM

I'll go read the books now.

[fluke182]

Finally saw the movie tonight, having no previous knowledge of contents of the book. Brought my friend along, who read the first book and a bit of the second. 10:30 showing; the theatre was absolutely empty otherwise.

I generally liked the movie for the fact that it was visually very stunning. I'm going to agree with previous posters and say it was shallow in the fact it pushed the story too fast and didn't develop much as in depth as it could have. Some parts were confusing: "Who is that/Where did they come from?" "What the hell is she talking about?" etc.

The second the credits started rolling my friend goes, "You have got to be shitting me."

One of his biggest complaints was the pointless rearrangement of scenes, I think like Lyra going to tell the bear king she was Iorek's daemon and her arrival at the lab in Bolvangar.

My friend just sent me this video containing a 1:10 cut of the film ending. Spoiler warning, but probably not. Actual warning: it'll just make you that more upset they actually cut this from the movie.

PtplnBb-dpM

I'll go read the books now.

Well shit, they were well on their way to an actual more accurate ending! Thanks for cutting the ending out!

[gloriousmuse]

I just finished the book and I'm like everyone else, pissed off. And by the look of that clip, the remainder of the movie could have been spot on.

[Until The Bombs]

Finally saw the movie tonight, having no previous knowledge of contents of the book. Brought my friend along, who read the first book and a bit of the second. 10:30 showing; the theatre was absolutely empty otherwise.

I generally liked the movie for the fact that it was visually very stunning. I'm going to agree with previous posters and say it was shallow in the fact it pushed the story too fast and didn't develop much as in depth as it could have. Some parts were confusing: "Who is that/Where did they come from?" "What the hell is she talking about?" etc.

The second the credits started rolling my friend goes, "You have got to be shitting me."

One of his biggest complaints was the pointless rearrangement of scenes, I think like Lyra going to tell the bear king she was Iorek's daemon and her arrival at the lab in Bolvangar.

My friend just sent me this video containing a 1:10 cut of the film ending. Spoiler warning, but probably not. Actual warning: it'll just make you that more upset they actually cut this from the movie.

PtplnBb-dpM


I'll go read the books now.

Well shit, they were well on their way to an actual more accurate ending! Thanks for cutting the ending out!


This is apparently from a Golden Compass video game which contained footage from the film. I would assume this means that the ending was cut out last second, when it was too late to change the game.

[WakingTheMisery]

Man, the scene where the king bear gets his jaw ripped off was fucking awesome.

[cantnokdahustle]

I still can not believe they killed Tom Stoppard's script for this.

[mat1419]

i don't think i'm even going to watch it...i'm about to start book three, i've got a nice little world (worlds) up in my head, and i don't really want a film that apparently is completely watered down to ruin it.

[gloriousmuse]

i don't think i'm even going to watch it...i'm about to start book three, i've got a nice little world (worlds) up in my head, and i don't really want a film that apparently is completely watered down to ruin it.

Don't bother watching the film unless you want to be extremely let down by the inaccuracy. I saw the film first before reading it, and I thought it was pretty good. But I read the books, saw it again, and found it disgusting.

[Stupendous_Man]

While the movie certainly didn't live up to the book I was quite pleased with it. The action seemed spot on and I thought both Kidman and Craig portrayed their characters quite accurately. I was a bit disappointed with the lack of the true ending but I can wait till' the next movie for that.

[selftitled85]

Saw it...liked it...but did not think it deserved the special effects oscar.