The Golden Compass
In theaters December 7th 2007
Sequences of fantasy violence
Run Time: 113 min
Matt's rating - 2
Cindy's rating - 1
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Review by Matt Mungle
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
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Matt and Cindy are members of the North Texas
Film
Critics Association (NTFCA). For additional
reviews
and interview clips visit the website.
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Mungleshow Productions
Matt Mungle
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