Golden Compass

I wanted to post a review of the Golden Compass. In spite of the mixed reviews, I would give it a 4 out of 5. Of course, this is coming from a dedicated Middle Earther and Narnian who was there practically at the beginning. Mom read me the Hobbit in 1955 and we both read the Lord of the Rings in 1964. I remember discovering C.S. Lewis's work about that time.

Many reviewers claim that it is anti-Catholic. I say, if the shoe fits, wear it. Methinks thou dost protest too much. I agree with the reviewers who say it is more against organized religion. Many of the buildings reminded me of the Mormon Tabernacle. I like the fact that the symbolism can be taken several ways, many of which are surprisingly spiritual, given that the author claims to be an atheist. For example, what is "dust" that the Magisterium hates so much? Is it free will? True spirituality? Is it coming from the spiritual world or an alternative universe or both? The Golden Compass can be taken for each person's own inner sense of truth, of right and wrong.

The special effects are truly amazing. Of course there are all the familiars that must be digitally altered. Jose and I stayed to see all the credits. There must be 500 people listed but no place credits. In other words, the frozen north is mostly created, not filmed.

There are a few weak points. I was expecting the inconclusive ending. After all, we know there will be at least 2 more movies. Technology seems to be haphazardly introduced. The Gyptian's ship uses both sails and paddlewheels. Lyra's friend Scorsby has an airship which they don't use for the first part of the trip across the north. Also, the children's familiars can change shape and when someone attacks the familiar, the person is hurt, too. So why don't the children's familiar's change into something big and dangerous when attacked? Apparently, the familiar's final shape determines one's future profession. What would happen if a soldier had a mouse familiar rather than a big mean dog? Okay, picky, picky. Anyway, I recommend seeing it in the big screen. The ice bear fight doesn't work very well on the small screen.

Catherine