the story was a very good story but needz a good endin LOL M8TE

NAT, TARLETON, ENGLAND

I think the film illustrates a great contrast between Pullman and Rowling, that of consistency. Both in their respective books and their films.

Firstly the books. Rowling created rules that were sacred were as by the third book, Pullman seemingly got bored of writing. Two points. In the second book in the trilogy it is established that the angels (Will befriends them) cannot touch humans. The last book one of them kills the priest by "pushing" him over. Contradictory. Then he can't be bothered to recall the temptation of the scientist, Mary. Priest dies... no temptation occurs.

Now the films. Rowling seeminlgy kep them honest to the books. Pullman let Hollywood butvher his books so that they make no sense and were like watching the highlights from a football match. I won't be watching the rest of the triliogy. I feel that Pullman sold out.

Doug Fresh, Cirencester, Great Britain

I wonder what Mr. Pullman thinks about it?

I should have known not to bother when they changed the name!

I spent the whole film hoping, but it was hopeless.

Matt, Gloucester,

I was bitterly disappointed by the movie. I recall a book which felt fresh and challenging, which blended traditional fantasy with elements of science fiction and was rich with new ideas. I recall a compelling story which bowled me and all three of my children along.

The movie felt like just another child's fantasy story - not quite as awful as the Eragon movie, but not much better. And for all that there is content there to enjoy, be it the special effects or the class which some of the cast cannot fail to inject, the net result felt tired, derivative, cliched. I frankly wonder whether they can rescue the franchise.

Roger, London, UK

i coudnt believe how they had ruined a great book! I thought they ruined the magic and depth of the story and did not show the bonds between characters. The special effects were good but so what. i wanted a decent length mystery maybe not as good as the books but a least better than this pile of rubbish. i am eleven.

Rosie Acorn, norwich,

this film is amazing and anyone would love to have apart in this im 18 and this would be a excellent film to be a part of makes harry potter and everything else in the genre look like they have just started out everything about this film is great.
great acting directing everything and people will love this film for years to come. me myself would love to be a part in this but being 18 and not having any experience acting apart from lying to my mum that i had a job for 6 months(quite hard tbh), but this film everything had it going for great job and keep it up for te next ones.

andrew galpin, staines, surrey

anyone with any kind of positive comment on this movie is insane. have any of you people actually read the book?! the relationships between lyra and the other characters weren't given time to build as they were in the book. in the book, farder coram and lyra had a big relationship, yet he was hardly introduced properly in the movie. i was so angry by the time the movie came to an end, i wondered how pullman could have let this happen. it was the macarina to the world of 90's pop- truly horrific.

p.s. i am a fourteen year old with a hugely vivid imagination.

henna rahim, birmingham,

I had read the books first and loved them. I didn't expect the film to be as good as the book but I wasn't expecting it to be as bad as it was.

The film makers squished the film into a short amount of time and by doing so, missed out vital plots and mixed the film around.

If they had made a 3 hour long epic film then I think that they could have done much better by taking the time to introduce characters and ideas properly.

Obviously this is just my opinion but I feel like the 2 star review was correctly assigned. The graphics and actors were good but for a film that was based on a series of books, it did not do the books justice to how good they are.

Robyn, Malmesbury, Wiltshire

I,m not sure that the people reviewing this film have actually seen it . The polar bear was not in the slightest bit camp and the compass told Lyra things she needed to know that she wouldn't have known without it. This film was excellent, beautifully filmed, well acted , it was unusal and misterious. I thoroughly enjoyed it and whilst it was not the usual none stop action that the kids may be used to it had a proper story ,good characters and it kept moving gently with the odd scare. It stayed true to the book within the limits of a 2 hour film and it was how i imagined havin g read the book.
If you like a good fantasy with fantastic acting and a good story don't listehn to the negative reviews they obvioulsy don't have any imagination and didn't understand the story.

Jacqui Williams, Chepstow, Monmouthshire

I am an avid fan of the work of Phillip Pulman, I have read the books twice and seen the plays which were amazing. The film is very true to the book for the first part but when things start to get going it loses its way. I think that the film removes the true nature of the story because it is trying to appeal to an younger audience than it was ever intended for. I was supprised and somewhat appauled that this film was rated only PG, where as similar films i.e. the later Harry Potter films are all rated 12A. The content of the film, for instance the fight between the bears and the concept of the soul being spilt from a person, is not really designed for young childern. Adult guidence is deffinately required for those under 12. I feel that the end of the film was scarficed for the lower rating. Without the horror of Roger's dealth it is all rather pointless, the one person with me who had not read the book was very confused by the lack of ending. A great story, but disappointing film.

Jennie Blake, Newbury, Berkshire

Won me over

I don't understand critics' complaints about the film: the action is too frantic, there's too little explication of plot and so forth. In fact, I thought the film was very well made, the performances overall strong and the special effects delightful. I'd never read the source materials but had absolutely no trouble following the story. An Analogy: when you've been dropped into the equivalent of a fairy tale, do you quibble because the scenery has changed, the characters are otherworldly or the action is challenging? I saw this film twice in one day due to missing the first five minutes going in... That's how much I enjoyed it. My only feeling leaving the film was that I wished the ending was a bit more of a cliffhanger. Still, I thought Director Chris Weitz did a fantastic job. From 'About a Boy' to 'The Golden Compass'? It seems that he's on Ridley Scott's track.

Elan Durham, Santa Monica, USA/CA

Saw this film on Boxing Day in the Odeon Wrexham North Wales . Hadn't read the books but had no trouble following the plot and will certainly read the books before the next film of the triliogy. As usual hated the half hour of adverts and trailers before the start.
Not THE most gripping film, but up there as one of the most imaginative.
Ms Kidman's bloodshot eyes distracted me from her character.

J. Shining, Wrexham, N. Wales

I feel that everyone is very negative towards this film. I never read the lord of the rings books and when i watched the films thought they were fantasic whereas others saw the fellowhip of the ring not even telling half of the story such as missing out chunks when they get gifts from Galadriel.
I have not yet read his dark materials yet and after watching the movie cannot wait for the second one to come, i thought it was amazing and i know from fact that like LOTR in the seconf movie there is much more action involved. The movie is BASED!!! on the book so therefore if they chose to leave out certain bits then they should of, how can you possibly fit 500 Pages into a 2hour movie!!!
They left me on the edge of my seat at the end waiting desperately to see if Lyra and Roger get to her father in time before mrs coulter.
ABSOULUTELY BRILLIANT!
All of the cast were made for their roles and everyone who is saying about God etc. it isnt the movies fault now is it???

Katherine, Essex,

I wish this movie had monkeys jumping through hoops...

Will, Sydney, Australia

Save your money!!! What aload of tripe. As a film studies student, i am open to all genres but this film lacked everything. I have seen better CGI in Harry Potter. It was a motley collection of snipets from Oliver Twist, Pirates of the Carribean, Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe and Lord of the Rings but lacked the genius of any of them! Nothing short of embarassing and completely cringeworthy.

Amy, Manchester,

this is a fair review, get the sense the film makers were hoping to create a fantasy story that could compete with lord of the rings, narnia, stardust or dare i say harry potter, but it doesnt even come close.
boring story that doesnt go anywhere and constantly hints at sequels, lack of magic or heart.

Roger, Ipswich,

Wow !! Considering they had such a great cast and a such great book on which to make, potentially, a great film, how did they make such a turkey ? It's awful !! It's been condensed to such a point that the film loses the plot entirely. How can you write a script that reduces two of the leading characters and story builders (Farder Coram, Serefina Pekala) to sharing half a dozen lines between them ? Now there are doubts that the trilogy will get finished. Shame on you New Line Cinema. No stars. Not even one for effort.

RJA, Nottingham, UK.

I thought the film was a decent enough effort. It would have been impossible to build in the breathtaking scope of the book without the film being three hours long, but an extra half-hour could have been constructively used.

Can we please also stick to the film rather than the theological ramblings from the followers of the sky-fairy? Mr. Pullman is entitled to believe (or disbelieve) what he likes, just as you are. But I think it's unlikely that as an atheist he is any more angry with god than you are with Odin.

K Joslin, Braintree, Essex UK

I really enjoyed the books and was excited when i heard they were making it into a film.

I have not seen the movie as of yet, because it has not been released where I am.

I hope what people are saying about the book is not as a big deal as they are making it.

Its a movie, it is not meant to be real, just something to take you out of the world we live in now and into something different.

The story as well as Harry Potter is my escape out of reality when i truly feel down.

And the thought that it would convert your religion i find completely ridiculous, it's a movie, it's a book. It doesn't have to be real.

Cat, America, Texas

When I read His Dark Materials, I was totally immersed, to the point that I almost resented having to do anything else - like eat, sleep, or go to work for instance.
When I sat in the cinema this evening and watched the Golden Compass, I almost started to wish that I was anywhere else, but in that seat.
How can this have come about?- I was very drawn to one review I've read online today about how the film is a sort of neutered or severed version of the book.. that the apparent anti-organised religion/ theocracy theme in the book is so heavily watered-down in the film, that there is no space for the film to breathe, or find its own footing. Watered-down of course because of heavy lobbying by paranoid church-goers.
One of the most telling things was that I hardly reacted when Pan was touched by another person. In the book this is a truly mind bogglingly excruciating moment, but it was fleeting and pointless in the film. I didn't even cry once and I sometimes cry watching Neighbours.

H Strathern, Cardiff, UK

What interests me is why these books were written... as far as I can tell the author is just really angry with God! He cannot claim that he treats Christianity as a dangerous myth... for it would be unnatural to then replace it with another myth. He cannot say it is pure fantasy ... for that is exactly what his books are. He is just so angry with God that he doesn't want to believe in him any more... and wants others not to either. This is not entirely a bad thing... God loves honesty, particularly emotional honesty. Which is something he appears to have in droves... even if he has not quite managed it with himself. I advise Christians every where PRAY for this man, PRAY for his success as well as for his conversion.

anne C, Stornoway,

the film was a disgrace. like all films that are based on books there are going to be adaptations to the story line but i imagned them to subtle like those in the harry potter movies. they weren't. not only were there major adaptation but the story didnt unfold chronilogically. what makes it worse is that rather than use certain original parts they put in Unnesessary scenes that take the story nowhere. after having read and loved the book i wonder wether someone who hadn't might enjoy they film although my unbiased instincts tell me they would not. bigger than all the travisties that make this film so bad is that it is has been aimed at young kids rather than teenagers and in doing so it has lost all its interlectual content that weaves the magic of a novel,that is blaitently aimed at adolescents every thing is spelled out rather than incinuated but funnily enough people who hadnt read the book were still baffled 1 out of ten and thats bieng generous

jeremy smith , london, england

Never read the book. The film was boring and tedious. It's 'message' was dreary, predictable and uninspiring. Just like so many of the indignant defenders of Pu,,man on here.

C, Liverpool, UK

This is by far one of the worst films I have ever seen. I made the vital mistake of not doing my research before this film was released. If I did, I would have found out that there was indeed a book, and the film done it no justice at all. The film moves way to fast and most of the time seems like there is no depth to any of the characters. Also the film does little develop each character. The potential for a film like this is almost unlimited. But what should have been a fantastic film, was basically very dry and dull. I have watched this film once, and really dont want to again. 2 out of 10 here, and the 2 points are for graphics and the armoured bears. This movie isnt worth the film it was recorded on.
Oh yeah, it also has no ending, so at the end, you literally feel robbed. This might be part one of three, but I really think the film should have been put together properly.

Simeon Lansiquot, London, England

I have seen the film twice now, I enjoyed it just as much the second time. For me it completely captures the magic and mystery of the book making wonderful use of computer animation to bring the daemons and armoured bears to life in vivid and often terrifying form. The performances are excellent Lyra is wonderfully played and there are some excellent cameo roles like Simon Mcburney's terrifying agent of The Magisterium. None of the criticisms I've heard make any sense to me. We all have our different minds eye ideas of the world created in a book and therefore there will always be disappointment for some people with every attempt to portray it. Philip Pullmans' book is subtle and many layered and can be read on many levels. I think the makers of this film have made an excellent job of synthesizing the complexity of the book into a thrilling and absorbing family film

Sarah Deco, London, UK

I am taken aback at the negativity of so many of the reviews. One can search for religious overtones. One can ferret out how the movie differs from the book. The option is to see it for itself, through children's eyes. Mine were transported, as was I. None of us had read the book, but we understood the plot perfectly. It left Narnia and Eragon in the dust. It was close to Harry Potter with less gory terror, for which I was grateful. Those stories are also heavily adapted for film.
I'm reading the books. Of course the movie is different. Who thought it wouldn't be? With all these movies, you must read the book to appreciate the richness of the tale.
Lyra reminded me of a young Cate Blanchett. Maybe the imperfect accents are noticed more in the UK. In Canada, they did not detract from the story at all. Serafina's character was very well done.
I and the 10 folks who saw it with me found it brilliant.

christine, Ontario, Canada

Being someone of a unbiased opinion and standpoint considering I lack the knowledge of the books and stay 1000 ft away from fantasy films such as these (girlfriend dragged me out to watch it).. All I can say is this, What it lacked in graphical blood soaking violence which is a crucially needed counter part for all those blessed with testosterone it made up in attention to detail, The CGI was flawless, the characters where both annoying and yet somewhat adorable.. and some scenes that made my inner child puke. It lacked the critical suggestion of cinematic magic, I felt dragged from each scene to the next rather than paced through it.. (didn't help by the fact people in the back in the cinema where having a bloody fist fight because the chav's wouldn't leave). And it didn't explain much to somebody who hasn't read the book but I guess its a cliff hanger for its next installment which I'm hoping contains a little more action and a little less conversation. and.. lazers

Paul O'Sullivan, Newton Aycliffe,

Saw it today. It was O.K.

Too bad they had to cut out all the main anti-Christian parts, though.

Samar, Vienna, Austria

the film itself was lovely, the story was lacking a bit ... am looking for the next two movies in the series through ... it is a movie ... you don't go there for reality

Lyn, Calgary, AB, Canada

the accents in this film were supposed to be all messed up! lyra had a cockney/gytian/oxford college accent in the book which the actress didnt get close to potraying! she looked like lyra but she didnt act like her! i've never been so disappointed and disheartened by a film! i loved the books and this film did no justice to them what so ever! the special effects were to special lyra looked ridiculous on top of the armoured polar bear she looked like she was on a donkey at blackpool!!!! i wanted to walk out the music during it was a joke reminded me of the theme of the bold and the beautiful not an exciting adventure for children it didnt bloody make any sense!!! i'm so angry! get peter jackson to fix it! i recommend to stay the hell away from it! i'm away to cry now boo hoo!

roisin o d, derry, n.ireland

I fell asleep and could not wait to get home to bed!! It was nonsensical rubbish. Do not do and see it.

james, bath,

I was really dissapointed with the film. It dragged on...and...on. to the point that one is thinking about walking out of the cinema. The accents were stupid and the story was badly portrayed. In the cinema the kids were getting bored with the film just half an hour in it was simply not exciting enough to keep them amused. The special effects are really rather good but that is the only positive comment I can think of. The acting was ok, but not great. To be honest I was just really bored the whole way through.
I do not recomend the film!

Jack, Bedford ,

I agree with Slyph. The accents were ridiculous and I found it really annoying from the start. 'Call my old fashioned,' when are we going to stop this fashion for actors compounding the incorrect use of the English language. Of course, I don't know noffink, you know what a meen, yeh.

patricia, Preston, UK

I must say that having seen the movie, i haven't been as let down as that since Nicholas Cage's woeful Ghost Rider. The story drags you, kicking and screaming to the end, hoping some tiwst will spin you and make you sit on the edge of your seat. Nothing new, and the aleithiometer might have been a magical pair of dice for all its appeal.
Kidman sliks her way into our bad books, the girl is bewitching, a rarely seen Daniel Craig has us wishing it was a Bond movie, and the delighfully Grumpy Bear with a deathwish is so very Gandalf! Altogether, holiday watchable, but not a high scorer.

Colette, London,

Well Helen is right too, Christmas, though originally celebrated at the same time of year by pagans, is now a Christian holiday. It simply is just no longer a pagan holiday when you refer to Christmas, like it or not. And the only people I knew who were still ranting and raving about its pagan roots were mostly 19 year old college dropouts who take acid on a regular basis. It's like creed they all chant. No one cares at this point, it's like Halloween. It's just about costumes, free candy, and partying at this point.

As for the movie, I haven't seen it but have read the books, which were entertaining. However, the first one was my least favorite. And though I know it's only a work of fiction, I still found his choice of villains odd; it made the books less enjoyable. They were entertaining, but definitely not on par with works of either JRR Tolkien or C.S. Lewis, so his self-proclaimed anti-Lewis title is hysterically arrogant.

Marie, Princeton, NJ

Helen: Liverpool: "I suggest you stop celebrating Christmas altogether considering the whole reason for it's existance is christian."

"Christmas" was celebrated long before Christ. Christians simply took over an existing pagan festival. So 'shake your head in disbelief' at your own ignorance.

Andrew, London, UK

comment is directed toward Jack Spite, regarding your comment "...i love reading the comments, it's like watching monkeys jump through hoops" You're commenting.

Heather Kirkness, Sudbury Ontario, Canada

I really can't understand the casting of Dakota Blue - she is sadly lacking. Her over acting Dick Van Dyke style Dickensian accent is very annoying and I totally lost any empathy/sympthy for this character very early on. Nocle Kidman saves this film from what would otherwise be a boring disappointment.

Slyph, London,

There is much too disscussion going on concerning Pullman's religious beliefs in His Dark Materials trilogy. One should first turn to Pullman's inspirational source: Jonh Milton's Paradise Lost , and find all the questions he/she is looking for.

Now concerning the movie:

It was very short, another 30 -60 minutes would do better justice to the original story of the book.
I did not like the endig, it was almost a "happy ending" so very far from Pullman's vision, and quite incomprehensible here in Europe. Perhaps, the studio is not planning to continue with the second and third book, this is the reason they voted for such an ending.
The actors, I liked in general, Dakota managed to impersonate a Lyra as I believe, many of us imagined. The same can be said about Nicole Kidman's performance.
The plot was almost impossible to follow for those, who haven' read the book, and there was too much emphasis on the alythiometre and its profecies.

Katalin, Brussels, Belgium

great

emily, Brussels, Belgium

I did watch the film on its opening night here in South Africa last week and was left seriously dissapointed though I have not read the book...another movie gone in the direction of the Harry Potter adaptations. But most of all I loved the daemons. I am going to search for the books of the trilogy and have my fill there as the movie did NOTHING. People were left bewildered and the end credits.

Kovilen Reddy, Durban, South Africa

I personally thought it was WONDERFUL! And let me tell you this I am not easy to please, I absolutely adore the books and would recognise a poor adaptation. I think they were very true to the books, apart fropm simplifying things a little along the way, which they had to do and the look of the film was spot-on. Most of all the acting completely blew me away, especially Dakota Blue Richards...she IS Lyra!
The only quibble I have with the film is its ending, I can see why they changed it but I still think it would have been better with Lyra disappointed by both parents walking into the sky by herself.
I REALLY hope they do the next ones...how can they not?

Rosie, St Andrews, Scotland

This film, in my view, was a total shambles, and I agree with the rating given by The Times.
First of all,the film steps away from the real meaning of the books-instead concentrating on the compass. Parts from the trailers that showed crucial parts of the book are left out, such as the Northern Lights.
Daniel Craig, I felt, was severely let down by his role. He only appeared a couple of times, and when he did, it felt like he had been added in there as an afterthought, trying to lift the film up a notch or two by including the Bond star. I felt that he out acted Lyra by far..who I felt only really acted well when angry or upset, most of the time Dakota Blue Richards seemed to be in a trance: the words of the other characters flying over her head.
The CGI was fantastic, the scenes with the bears were amazing. But the whole film lost the magic and meaning the book created. The whole thing appeared rushed and heartless. The end in particular, angered me beyond belief.Read the books.

Yasmin, London, England

Northern Lights is one of my favourite books. I went to see the film last night and came away angry. Yes, it looks magical, Lyra is great, Iorek is wonderful but they have missed the essential building blocks which make the plot so gripping in the book and provide coherence. It could have been a great film if only they had been braver. As it is a frustrating waste of 190 million dollars.

judyc, London, UK

I saw the film with my family, who've read GC/NL, but not the other two books. We were roundly disappointed. The plot was disjointed, and most of the departures from the novel seemed utterly pointless. Particularly maddening was the ending. What on earth?! The trailers were so promishing, but this movie turned out to be my second book-to-movie disappointment this year, the first being The Dark is Rising. Don't get me started on that mess. I'm sorry for both Pullman and Ms. Cooper. Next time out, they should insist on writing the screenplays themselves and on having Peter Jackson as a director. As my son said, "There was nothing wrong with [Gc and Dark is Rising] that having Peter Jackson as a director wouldn't have cured."

Gretchen

Gretchen Mills, Royal Oak, MI

I knew it was going to be terrible from the moment it started and the narrator said there was only one Alethiometer left. Why bother watching the rest when they'd made a hash in the first 30 seconds? I know that you can't expect movies to be as in depth as the novels but this was just downright silly. It could have at least had the same underlying storylines and ended in the same place. It is another case where the trailer was better than the movie. I left the cinema feeling utterly depressed at the mess I had just witnessed. The production at the national theatre was much better (and it was obvious that most of the costumes and scenery was copied from it). Why ruin a perfectly good book?

Beccy, Chester,

The review was spot on. The first 20 minutes hinted at an interesting tale, but the film descends into a pile of special effects-laden clutter after that. As all too often happens these days, this is a movie made by filmmakers who grew up more on video games than books. One hopes that Daniel Craig and Eva Green will not waste any more of their careers on further films in this projected trilogy (Nicole Kidman, on the other hand, was the best special effect of the lot). And contrary to an earlier comment, I think Pullman's legacy would be better served if they chose not to film the remaining books. In any case, if Pullman's as good a writer as people think he is (I wouldn't know having not read him), his legacy won't need saving by mediocre movies.

Mark Hollings, Los Angeles, California

Just saw it here in Singapore, and thought it was a load of *rap. Haven't read the book, but certainly think that this should be a movie, by itself, and should stand...BY itself. Does it though? NOPE. The scenes jumps all over, the scripts don't make sense, states things and just expects you to swallow the tosh being dished out...sigh....give me Never Ending Story anytime! :)

Alex, Singapore,

A crashing disappointment. This films captures nothing of books depth or interest. A whole bunch of scenes strung together, without any true vision, narrative or soul. New Line changing the ending (from the book) was such a bad idea, as it leaves the film without any resolution (especially for Daniel Craig's character, who is lost half way through the film, when he should of returned to deliver a powerful conclusion), and leaves the audience scratching their heads in bemusement.

The novels only get harder and more complex to make after this one, so I fear this mess will only get worse if the next films are made. I personally hope they are not. A real example of why some books, should just stay as books...

David Early, London, London

Having just seen 'The Golden Compass' (and read the trilogy), I have to say that I really quite liked it. In my opinion, Weitz has done a grand job of distilling a richly layered, complex novel into just short of two hours worth of visually appealing entertainment. To expect to see all aspects of Pullman's novel captured - or even addressed - on screen is, I think, naive.

Dan, UK,

If we ever want to see the 'tucked away' ending to the first movie or the other two books played out, then we must give New Line a word or two. It would be devastating to "His Dark Materials" legacy if only one (ok, barely one) book is played out with such a rollercoaster fan base. New Line wants assurance their money is well spent, I believe we as the movie viewers and book readers, owe them an explanation as to why it did not 'ring' us in and what they must do to complete the series. I was disappointed, yes, but I would be even more disappointed if the other two books were botched or, gasp, never put into theatrical release leaving this amazing tale incomplete. Bottom line, support the story and urge New Line to make the necessary corrections.

Chelsey, ann arbor, mi

Why does James Christopher's review of the book/film call Lyra's accent 'an improbable brand of cockney'? Doesn't he realise that the book is set in Oxford and that Lyra, friendly with the local kids, speaks in a local Oxford accent? (and so does Dakota Richards in the film). Read the book James!

Christine Gerrard, Oxford, Oxon

What is with the ending?!
In the trailer they show Asriel, Coulter and Lyra in the Lights...which is what happens in the book, but we don't see it!
I was so fustrated by the endingthat I shouted out in the cinema 'that's not how it ends!'

It's a good film though.

jenny, Yeovil, somerset

After reading all three books, and the much excited wait to watch “The Golden Compass”, I was so board that I actually fell asleep. The plot was all over the place, if you haven’t read the books I don’t know how you would begin to follow the movie. This seems to be one of the biggest flops out there. They could have used less on the graphics and more on the plot, and sticking to the book.

Mark, essex jct, vermont

I've just seen the movie, and left the movie theatre disappointed, although the special effects are spectacular and the acting great.

The problem is in the loose way all these well made and well acted scenes hold together. The movie doesn’t have a plot. Perhaps, the reason is that a plot must be discovered throughout the movie, and not bluntly stated in the first thirty seconds. The excitement and enchantment of the first book of the trilogy is that it plunges you into a parallel universe without any explanation, and you have to wait for every secret to be revealed. The Harry Potter movies didn’t start with a voiceover explaining that there is a world of wizards, and that Harry is chosen by a prophecy to fight evil Lord Voldemort. That’s the freaking plot!

The book ‘Golden Compass’ was a children’s story with a complexity that kept even adults spellbound. There is no complexity in the movie, no inspiration. The movie is to the book what a child without a daemon is to a real child

Ioanna, Montreal, Canada

Looking down the page this film seems to get a lot of mixed reviews and my own personal one sides with this review. Its not just that it doesn't follow the story and misses out on the incrediably important ending of the book (as I have no idea how they are going to start the next film off as doesn't it start with a completely different character?) but it lacked any flow. The story jumped from section to section which really annoyed me.

For instance Lyla just simply leaves with Mrs Coulter on a Zeplin without any explanation as to why.

Someone compared this to the LOTR trilogy and how that didn't follow the book, which is true. However the huge difference between that and this is LOTR had a plot that was followable and made sense and didn't cut out plot changing events. The Golden Compass just goes for the action and forgets about the plot changing events dishing out conincidences everywhere.

Oh, for the relgious fanatics, ahh your comments make me laugh, but each to his own =).

Tom Dickinson, Canterbury,

"No weapons formed against me shall prosper". We may not be able to stop the movie . . .but according to the Word of God, this battle was already won years ago.

The devil has his followers working, and working they may . . . but God is and always will end up the VICTOR (and the devil knows it too! :) )

HillL, Petersburg, Virginia

"I pray that Jesus pour special blessings of Godly wisdom over the nation as a whole. I pray the true Holy Spirit be upon everyone who watches the movie or reads these books. I pray that God almighty will break through the darkness with true light!!! "The light shines in the darkness and the darkness can never extinguish it..." the book of John 1:5 !!! I also pray for angelic protection to be increased in the name of Jesus!!! The book contradicts the Bible totally!!! It twists and manipulates the truth...it is lies!!!! So it is far from God written by the demon Satan himself.... who is no doubt gloating over this whole book and movie!!! Satan really can make humans look foolish...and decieve...as he is the father of lies!!! I pray God's truth be made known to all !!!! So that all can spend eternity in heaven:).... be blesssed"

Ummm... Did you even read the books? I get really tired of people spreading this garbage about the books when they haven't read em themselves.

The Gopher, Wiggins,

I must say this. I just saw this as i was reading. Chronicles of Narnia has much more propaganda than HDM ever had. Not saying Narnia are bad books because of it. The reason people think HDM is an atheist propaganda book is because a) the writer is atheist (big deal, he's atheist, get over it. Douglas Adams was atheist and i don't remember anyone criticizing Hitchhikers Guide) and b) misinterpretation of the plot. Also, read the book before you judge it. Don't take some chain letter you got on yahoo or aol force an impression into you. Another thing i should clear up. Atheism is older than 2000 years. The reason no one was openly atheist back then was because they would be known as blasphemers and in some eras and societies, executed for their beliefs or non-beliefs. Man, good thing everyone is "equal". And don't criticize the movie-makers for the name. The name Golden Compass was used in the U.S years ago when it came out here. I disagree on the renaming as well, however.

Gopher, Wiggins, Mississippi

I haven't seen the movie but I read the books and found the story facinating and totally entertaining. As for a secret underlying motive to entice the world to want to go out and kill God (as if) and turn our children into demons, I just didn't get that from reading the book. Ignorance is bliss I guess. I really enjoyed the books!!

I be a Christian, too

suzy, forest grove, oregon

Bradley - take a look at the post of "A Christian" of Reedsburgh WI and think about Mohammed the Teddy . Religious people don't need anybody else to ridicule them and make them look stupid, it's all handled in-house.

mike, WATFORD,

I pray that Jesus pour special blessings of Godly wisdom over the nation as a whole. I pray the true Holy Spirit be upon everyone who watches the movie or reads these books. I pray that God almighty will break through the darkness with true light!!! "The light shines in the darkness and the darkness can never extinguish it..." the book of John 1:5 !!! I also pray for angelic protection to be increased in the name of Jesus!!! The book contradicts the Bible totally!!! It twists and manipulates the truth...it is lies!!!! So it is far from God written by the demon Satan himself.... who is no doubt gloating over this whole book and movie!!! Satan really can make humans look foolish...and decieve...as he is the father of lies!!! I pray God's truth be made known to all !!!! So that all can spend eternity in heaven:).... be blesssed

A. Christian, Reedsburg, Wisconsin

"people really should stop stuffing their pro-religious views down others throats because all their doing is proving Pullman right"

Hmm, so expressing an opinion on a forum is 'stuffing' down peoples throats? This country suffers from a lack of decent religious debate because as soon as you raise your voice about belief people stamp on you accusing you of imposing your belief on them. Ridiculing people rather than actually entering dialogue is a tired ploy to silence others.

I wouldn't be so sure as to Mr Pullmans motivations, at the moment I think its just 'grab the cash' but previously he has been reasonably explicit about his desires about the fate of religion. Wanting to 'free minds' is all well and good but hardly appropriate for anyone that derides people for their beliefs - its more like 'open your mind in this way I tell you to'. At least most religious folks are honest about their desire to influence people to their beliefs.

Bradley, Blackpool,

I've just seen the film tonight, without the benefit of reading any Pullman books. Not a bad film but not a great film either - beautifully shot but not that involving.

This innocuous teddy bear seems to have got a lot of backs up though. Good.

Phil, Birmingham, UK

The book is wonderful, and irreplaceable. But the film is magnificent and gripping. A spectacular shambles? Nonsense - the previews may have been misleadingly bland but the film itself is a headlong dash through one terrifying situation to another, all strung along (as it is in the novel) Lyra's promise to the rendered Roger. It holds together, due in no small part to the splendid performace of the young actress cast as the silvertongued heroine. Nicole Kidman is magnificent too. As for Daniel Craig - well evidently the shades in his character have yet to emerge (the film ends before the novel does), so I wait to see if he brings this complexity to life. As for the notorious atheism which has so many believers' knickers in a twist - the Magisterium is plainly jesuitical in its desire to enslave the mind. Even if references to The Authority have been cut to one (I think), the rebellion against repression of the free human spirit embodied in this magical trilogy is still intact.

Badger, Letchworth, Hertfordshire

The conclusion you have to make about adaptions of books to film is that they are completely seperate and that it doesn't matter how many billions of dollars they pour into a hollywood adaption, to get the real feel and atmosphere of the books across at the same time as make it accessible to viewers who have not read the book themselves is near impossible.

But that doesn't make an excuse for them changing the name to the golden compass... Grrrrr. They can't even get past the title without americanising it. It's NOT a compass!! Just because 'The golden alethiometer' would be abit to much to swallow doesn't mean they couldn't have kept the english name. Although I agree that it does make sense that the movie title fits in better with the other books names with each being a object, I don't see why they had to dumb it down like that. But it is only the title afterall, all that really matters is that the films does the books justice, I'm just hoping the critics are wrong.. :(

Amy , Horsham, England

As I have not seen the film for myself (yet), I will wait to decide on what I think until I've seen it, but from what critics have said about the first of this beautifully compelling triolgy it has brung my enthusiasam down a notch or two :( I don't think the film reviewer was asking for a Phillip Pullman-christian-atheist-bashing to take place here but people really should stop stuffing their pro-religious views down others throats because all their doing is proving Pullman right. I find it sad that some people can't see past their heated views and realise that the main point Pullman's trying to get across is that children and young people (or indeen people of any age) should be alowed to make their own descision on these matters and that whether you like it or not he himself does not agree with christianity or indeed religion in itself. That does not mean that he is labelling christanity as evil.

Amy , Horsham, England

ok havin read a great deal of reviews and wat not out there on "The Golden Compass" ive a few things to say. Firstly i feel i must mention im a reader and a fan of the book and find that if noting else it is a spectacular piece of writing if nothing else. People should forget the arguments about it being blasphemous.Its a book turned film and if you cant handle the religious theme well then don watch it and dont criticise it.
Secondly ive read a great deal of dissapointment about the movie and how it relates to its book counterpart and fails to draw the viewer in like LOTR did.And to dat i say this:anyone who has read and read again the LOTR and watched the movie several times will also tell you the film is a big let down on the book.Yes it is.There is alot cut and changed and you can email me if you want to no just how much.And yet the LOTR is undisputeably the greatest movie trilogy ever.Why?because the movie was a great watch even for all the shortcomins.As i hope TGC will be.

Dylan , Carlow, Ireland

Cosmo gave it 4 stars on sunday so i say ignore this review and make your own mind up. I'm glad we all seem to agree on one thing tho...they're great books!

Clare, London,

Interestingly the position that Pulman outlines in the books is consistent with an early variant of Christianity.

The Gnostics believed that Yahweh was an imperfect god, a fraud and a late creation. Jesus came to give his followers special knowledge (gnosis) that allowed them to escape Yahweh, not unlike Lyra's formula for getting past the harpies. Rather nicely gets around the whole problem of squaring the peace and love hippy vibe that Jesus puts out with the blood and intolerance of the old testament.

The Gnostic’s main deity, Sophia or Wisdom even crops up towards the end of the Amber Spyglass so Pullman can't be unaware of the analogy and interestingly never mentions Jesus at all.

Also in Northern Lights the papacy was abolished by the 'last pope John Calvin' so I think its meant as a dig against Protestants as well.

This is all by the by of course as the only thing that should actually matter is whether its any good or not, the books were, sounds like the film isn't

Tom, London,

In addition to avoiding this turkey because it is, as the review indicates, a boring bloated turkey, parents should be warned that Philip Pullman, the author of the trilogy on the first book of which this movie is based, is a crusading atheist (or agnostic, he can't seem to make up his mind) who said in one interview that "I'm trying to undermine the basis of Christian belief" (Washington Post, February 19, 2001) and in another that "[m]y books are about killing God." (Sidney Morning Post, December 13, 2003). While I have not read the books, by all accounts the villains in the story are all religious figures associated with a falsified parody of the Catholic church and, in the end, God is in fact killed. No matter, He is a fraud, anyway, according to the Mr Pullman.

Vincent DiCarlo, Davis, California

I personally loved the book, and all i really think these protestors are doing is encouraging people to see the movie. As a catholic i truly think that books like this are wonderful. they make you seriously think about your faith, something that people do not do often enough. The children don't kill god they kill a tyrant and any good catholic knows that opression is a bad thing. Really unless he says they killed God directly i think its up to me to intrprate it as i like. And as far as these parents who think this book will turn their children athies i have one thing to say, If your parenting is so bad and your children's faith so poor that a book that maks you think about choice will change your views than YOU are doing something wrong and you should be grateful to the author for pointing this out.

Sean, Leominster,

I saw the film last night in San Francisco at a sold out premiere. Having read all three books, and having just re-read all three books, I was so very disappointed. I was hoping for something along the lines that Peter Jackson did with The Lord of the Rings, but no, what I got was a rambling film that felt disconnected from the book. They need to keep all the actors, and do a complete re-shoot with a different director and writer. The CG was amazing, the acting was good, and Nicole (wow, is she not one of the most beautiful women on earth). But where was Will in this movie? How will they explain him in the second movie if another one does get made? This was way too rushed and it was put in the hands of someone who wasnot passionate about the books - which is a shame. Shame on you New Line for doing that, and you Phillip for not overseeing the movie to hold truer to your vision.

Jason, San Francisco, California/USA

Although the 'official' theatrical release date in the U.S. is December 7, I just (12/1) saw TGC with my 10-year-old son at a theater here in Oakland CA. There was no notice on the theater marquee (which is famous for having one panel almost exclusively devoted to anti-Bush polemics, rather than movie listings), but the 7 pm show was listed on line. Does anyone know what's going on with this release?

As for the movie itself (my sons have read all or part of the series; I have not), the special effects were outstanding, particularly in how natural and lifelike the daemons appeared. Dakota Blue Richards was wonderful as Lyra, But it seemed that she had the only part with real meat on its bones. Sam Elliott, Nicole Kidman, and Derek Jacobi played charicatures, not characters. And Daniel Craig's part was too small to evaluate fairly. Better than the two stars this reviewer gave it, but not in the league of Lord of the Rings. Perhaps on a par with the first two Harry Potters.

Marshall Schwartz, Oakland, California

I'm dissapointed to hear that this movie isn't so good... and surprised to hear that Dakota Blue Richards has done a good job - especially since what i have seen from the trailers doesn't impress me much... Still i hope it doesn't completely dissapoint.

The problem with this movie, or indeed any movie based on novels is you are never gonna end up pleasing everybody, in fact it's worse in this case because of the religeous themes. So far the filmmakers haven't pleased anybody yet. The Christians think its blasphemy or, at least supporting it's blasphemic source novel, The aethists think it's "watering down" the religous themes of the book and the readers (or at least Samson Dangerfield Christopher) think it's completely slaughering a perfect story. I say: do it justice or don't do it at all.

Siobhan, Cardiff, Wales

undulattice, Gloucester, said:
"See the veiled archway in the Order of the Phoenix for a good example of this. They are different and entirely separate media and should be treated as such."

If you are going to use an example to prove your theory that if something in the film can't be explained unless you read the book it is a bad film AT LEAST USE AN EXAMPLE WHERE IT IS EXPLAINED IN THE BOOK - UNLIKE THIS!!!!! sorry - I'm a bit of a control freak :)

Siobhan, Cardiff, Wales

Funnily enough Ryan, the non-anthropomorphic type of God is probably what a lot of modern monotheistic people believe in, rather than 'bloke with a beard'. However, its the belief that God sees us as more than random chemicals that is non-negotiable in most religions. That He cares

It is amusing, in a depressing sort of way, that whenever it comes time for

a) certain Christians to speak against X
or
b) peeps to speak against Christians

it's always bits of the Old Testament that get brought out into the forefront. None of the NEW Testament which is the teachings that actually made it a major world faith, all about love everyone. None of the 'forget the eye for an eye stuff - I want you to forgive' that is at the core. Much of the Old T is about as relevant to JC's teaching as Beowulf is to modern political philosophy in Northern Europe.

Unfortunately, people use whatever suits their agenda and, lets be honest, a lot of people suck.

Bradley, Blackpool,

Just to correct those who have clearly not read the books, "God" is not killed in the books, because the whole point is that the "Authority" was a fraud all along, just a very powerful being claiming to be God and exploiting people's cherished beliefs for his own political gain (and he isn't killed anyway, he dies of old age).

Nowhere does it say God doesn't exist. It just criticizes the dogmatic notion of God as literally being a character from ancient mythology - a crusty old bearded storm god named Yahweh or Jehovah who leads his followers into war against cultures he doesn't approve of, or commands his followers to hate and kill gay people, or condones slavery, or thinks women should be the property of their husbands, etc. (He does ALL of these things AND MORE in the Bible).

There's plenty of room in the books for REAL spirituality, belief in a universal Prime Mover or "God" that does exist, doesn't oppress, and doesn't conflict with known scientific facts or common sense.

Ryan, Madison, WI

I wish people would drop the whole 'Christmas is really pagan' nonsense - its a Christian themed holiday that people decided to put into the same time slot as another holiday. People don't say 'Easter is really Jewish' because it is at Passover do they!

Also wish the ill-informed rubbish about 'Christianity has caused more wars..' got dropped as well. Even if you were of a naive disposition to not realise that wars are generally kicked off over acquisition of power - religion is a good selling point to the folk that do the dying - or ethnic conflict, the 'Christian wars' of the crusades (harshly criticised by local Bishops incidentally) were pretty tame compared to, say, Ghengis Khan's road-trip.

My friends intend to see the film, not sure I will. I mean; assuming you don't want to end it all then you have to say, on balance, your life has more plus points than bad ones and to have a go at the entity that created it (the books assume God exists) strikes me as just ungrateful, lol

Bradley, Blackpool,

Liz -- the American version of the book, at least, is actually entitled The Golden Compass, not Northern Lights, so that change wasn't made by the filmmakers.

E, Atlanta,

How can there be a "world premiere" tonight when so many here claim to have seen the film - someone is plainly lying!!

Tiddles, London, UK

Well that is what happens when a young upstart director decides a Tom Stoppard script isn't any good . . . . and then writes his own.

What might have been eh?

Ben, Shanghai, China

"The Golden Compass" was the name the book was released under here in the US. The Subtle Knife and the Amber Spyglass remain unchanged thankfully. Apparently we Americans couldnt handle the title of "Northern Lights" <shrug>

Don't kid yourself though. The thing I'm most afraid of with this film (and more with the other two films) is that they'll lose the core message about religion... specifically that the radical Christians in the US will force that message to be changed into something pro Christian instead of Anti Christian because perish the thought that there's a story that doesn't feed into Christian mythology..

My recommendation? Read the book. If you need a dramatization, listen to the audiobooks which are absolutely brilliant

John Mattos, New York, NY

Hang on- this sounds as if the severing of the daemons isn't in at all? Did they leave out the whole dramatic end of the book? Really confused here...

I have expected the film to lose out compared to the books, it's pretty normal, it's happened with the LOTR and Potter movies and I still enjoy those although the book is far superior for each- but if they did cut this essential plot line, there's just no basis to go on anymore... I am still looking forwards to seeing it, it seems to be very nicely done on the visual front and cast.

As for the title: Both Golden Compass and Northern Lights were working titles, and I think Golden compass is "better" for 2 reasons: it fits better with the other 2 books each named for an object and it is unique which N.L is not- even Nora Roberts has a Northern Lights!

Pullman has stated way before that books should not have a message/moral/meaning, they should be stories to entertain. This is one of the main reasons why he is is so opposed to Narnia

s oleille, Germany,

From the OED: "daemon1
/deemn/ (also daimon)

• noun 1 (in ancient Greek belief) a divinity or supernatural being of a nature between gods and humans. 2 archaic spelling of DEMON1"

I like to imagine that what is decribed in the book is analogous to the soul in Christian mythology. Surely that is enough to inspire fear and dread - the harvesting of children's souls.

My favourite trilogy of all time - can't wait to see the movie, whatever the reviews are.

Mark (a different one), Christchurch, New Zealand

I was quite disappointed too that they called it a compass when in fact, it is an alethiometer, from the greek alethio meaning truth...or so it says in the book. That would explain why most people cant understand why it doesnt help you find your way! I'm debating whether or not to go and see the film. I loved the books so much, but after reading that the guy who wrote american pie is the script writer, i think i might just go and have a little cry, lol.

Pippa, Luton,

It's pretty clear the reviewer hasn't read the books, otherwise we wouldn't be left with this line: "Kidman tries to charm and wheedle the compass from Lyra. Her army of childcatchers – the Gobblers – steal children and ship them to the Arctic for no sensible reason." Indeed, much of the first volume is awash in mystery -- which is one of the book's pleasures. We really don't know why the "Gobblers" are taking the children away and what they're really doing to them until Lyra gets up there to solve the mystery.

Bill, Jersey City, NJ

Interesting comments about Christianity and the film/books.'His Dark Materials' is a quotation from Milton's 'Paradise Lost', which touches on the development of a new world and the ways in which evil things (Satan, in this case, who's more of an anti-hero than a moral force) get through the barrier to it.

Lots of the quotations and references Pullman uses are far too complex for anyone but a theology professor to understand - though they're wonderfully atmospheric for the rest of us. Surely this was the point? Personally, I like it, because it reintroduces the language and imagery of the King James Bible (like it or not, some of the best writers of the generation worked on it), yet without, to my mind, 'pushing' a religious agenda, because the world is a fantasy.

Hard to translate such a word-based book into film, I guess.

Oh - and I'd call myself a Christian more happily if there weren't so many opinionated/ignorant 'Christians' out there.

Lucy, Chester-le-Street,

I was fortunate enough to go to the premiere last night and I wonder if I've seen a very different film to the reviewer. I thought it was one of the most amazing films I've seen in a long time! The cast is superb, particularly Dakota Blue Richards playing Lyra, the first professional acting role this wonderful young actress has had. All the cast do a magnificent job at portraying the different characters, almost as though they were born to play these roles. The special effects are just so special that they do not seem to be 'effects'. The scenes look so real and natural that you are led into this 'other world' and it seems perfectly natural to watch. The fight scene with Iorek and the Bear King received a spontaneous round of applause at the premiere as, despite, being all special effects, it draws you in and you believe in the characters and what they represent. It truly is magnificent. I loved the Northern Lights and think the film does great justice to it.

TGC lover, London,

The irony undermining materialist Pullman's exercise is that he exploits people's hunger for transcendence in an attempt to discredit transcendence. This irony appears to be lost on Pullman's defenders and detractors alike, and apparently on Mr. Pullman himself.

Manuel, Los Angeles, CA

Good grief. Is it possible that every time someone criticizes this film, insults such as "hypocritical halfwits" and absurd comments such as “Christianity has killed more people than any other reason in history” start to fly (I did not know Christianity was a reason)?
Aside from the fact that I am disappointed in the syntax, logic and lack of historical knowledge of my Anglophone brethren, I am more disappointed in the fact that these New Puritans are incredibly anti-liberal. Stop the name-calling and argue your points like adults not snot-nosed playground children.

Miles, Wauwatosa, USA/WI

Unlike "Bob, Maryland", I have sometimes been delighted with movies made from favorite books (example: 'The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe') but I don't believe everything has to be 'dumbed down' to suit those who don't have the time or ability to read the original material. My imagination willl fill in the blanks while watching 'Golden Compass', whilst still enjoying the ingenuity used to portray daemons, etc. As a child in England I loved Beverly Nichols' 'The Stream That Stood Still' and Trevor Dudley Smith's 'Into the Happy Glad' & 'By a Silver Stream', in the 'Watership Down' genre of animal travel stories. But even as a small child I hated Walt Disney adaptions such as the remake of 'The Incredible Journey'. So I am glad there are still moviemakers with enough imagination AND money to do a good job.

Meg hunter, Northport, ME

The person that said that the whole reason for Christmas is christianity is ignorant. Christmas was one of many pagan rituals adopted and adapted by early christians.

I, too, am glad to see some atheist propaganda. A refreshing change from the so called 'moral' majority

Ed, London, UK

Oh please Mr Pullman - have the courage of your convictions. It is irritating to hear you deny that the film is anti-religious when the Secularist Society are only too pleased to put the record straight. Or are you saying that the book was anti- religious, but not the film, because in all things bid bucks come first?

Nina, London,

'The Golden Compass' is the title of the book in the US, but 'Golden Compost' would be a better name for expensive, overheated rubbish.

Frank Upton, Solihull,

Sounds like the US godsquad are a ranting and raving again. Here's hoping a film finally comes out to show this bunch of hypocritical halfwits for what they are.

The film seems to have lost out by trying to take this bunch seriously - losing its edge in the process. If you are going to do something, do it full bore and without regret ... and let these throwbacks stew in their own bile.

Ian Smith, London,

The thing that has disspointed me most about the Golden Compass so far is Pullman's own comments in Leicester Square on the opening night to the effect that we shouldn't take the underlying message of the film too seriously. My own views are probably diametrically opposed to his, but what a sell out! I may not agree with what he's saying, but I wish he had the courage of his convictions instead of watering down what he really thinks to sell some tickets. I haven't felt so gutted in a long time.

CM, London,

In response to Rachel and the Church

When you say 'our Lord' you should refer to 'your lord'. Don't shrug off your beliefs on everyone else. We live in a modern world of Science and fact along with many different spiritual beliefs. So if something contradicts your beliefs, do the easy thing and simply ignore it. Same goes for the Catholic church. This is a free world and, of course, everything is going to offend some group of people or society. But you have to remember that not everyone is part of your group or society.

When you say children of today should not be subject to this sort of thing most people could say the same about your belief. Christianity has killed more people than any other reason in history. And all for what. Most of the time it has been over controversy over some little agenda that you believed happened or about who someone was.

If you want to make a fuss, do it amongst yourself and leave me and everyone else who is sick of you ruining the world we live in

Mark, Christchurch, New Zealand

Anybody who does not feel that their argument is robust enough to stand up to alternative points of view is guilty of academic cowardice; if you genuinely believe that children are to be given the best oportunities, they must be allowed to think for themselves, some will agree with your point of view, some will not, but they must be free to reach their own conclusions.
Also, the difference between daemon and demon is pretty crucial.

Mark, Gloucester, UK

I think the book is wonderful,maybe the film isn't, but can't we just stop bickering about everything????

PS
oh yes we can!
PPS
its not a compass!!!!!!!

charlotte warmington, chepstow,

I am disappointed that, according to this review, the relationship between humans and their daemons is pushed to the sideline. This, IMHO, is what children would probably find most intriguing about the books - an animal, that changes form (until you hit puberty) and is your constant companion – who wouldn’t want one of those? They are also rather crucial to the story line.

With regard to the religious aspects of the book, I think that most children wouldn’t even think about what it implies. Despite having read the Narnia books many times as a child I never picked up on the Christian themes until I was a teenager, and then I was old enough to make up my own mind about fiction and non-fiction. Anyway, isn’t challenging your own religious beliefs good?

Fairy tales, myths and legends have been part of our cultural oral history, both before and after Christianity. Stories about magic aren't a new concept.

Fiona, London,

Daniel Craig hit the nail on the head when he talked about the books championing individuality and free thought. That's why the Christian Right hate them so much!!!!! They fear reason and imagination as much as they do direct attacks on religion, maybe more so.

If the film has left out or underplayed the horror of separating children from their Daemons (as the review implies) then that is a great shame, because it's the fight against this evil scheme that gives the first book such dramatic power (though its wonder comes from elsewhere).

Richard Milne, Edinburgh,

Whatever the rights and wrongs of 'The Golden Compass', to call the Narnia stories 'preachy' or accusing them of ramming the Christian religion down people's throats is to expose yourself as at least as bigotted as the most ardent fundamentalist.

D A Littlewood, Sheffield, UK

Unfortunately, as with the first Harry Potter book, the first in the Dark Materials trilogy was renamed in the U.S. to "The Golden Compass" instead of the original/superior "Northern Lights" title. It's especially irritating because, yes, it's an alethiometer, not a compass.

No idea why the U.S. publishers thought The Golden Compass had more cache as a title. But unfortunately it's too late now.

Shelley, Boston,

Apparently the title of the first book was changed from "Northern Lights" to "The Golden Compass" by the North American publishers. This is because of the resemblance of the alethiometer to a compass.

Matt, Brighton, UK

Although I have neither read the books nor seen the movie, I've decided to comment on book-movie relationships in general. I'm one of those people who actively avoid movies adapted from books I enjoy. And the more I like a book, the less I want to see a movie based on it. Case in Point: The Lord of the Rings is one of my favorite books of all time, and I have no intention of ever seeing the movies. I prefer my own mental pictures of the characters, settings, and action over somebody else's. That said, movie makers do occasionally "get it right". The Grapes of Wrath, for instance, despite major cuts from the original novel, works very well as a movie

Bob, Maryland, USA

Not entirely sure why readers from Australia and Ohio are quite so keen to knock CS Lewis - I read the review and searched in vain for so much as a mention of him. It does astound me how determined fundamentalist atheists are to bring everything back to an attack on the Catholic Church, Narnia, Republicanism, the religious right and Islamist jihad (as if those things could neatly be summarised as 'religious fanaticism.')

But even granted your odd choice of subject matter, it seems to me you are just, plain wrong. I don't think I'm doing the man is disservice to say that Pullman's express intention in his trilogy is to subvert Christianity. He wants to change his readers' minds. If every child who read his books became an avowed atheist, he would not mind.

Of course, you might find his atheism more appealing than Lewis' Christianity - you might even think it liberating - but so far as I can tell His Dark Materials is no less propaganda, no less indoctrination than Narnia.

Gwilym Davies, London,

liz, Wirral asked: "What I want to know is why on earth did they change the title of the film? The Golden Compass sounds rubbish, they should have kept with Northern Lights, its the title of the book and sounds more magical."

The Golden Compass is the title of the book in the US. If I recall correctly, Pullman wanted to change the title to this in the UK too, but it was too far down the publication process.

I generally don't like it when the US changes perfectly good titles for no good reason. But in this case I prefer the US title. It fits in better with the titles of the other two books - they're all named after magical objects that are important to the plot.

Dave Cross, London, UK

Not only is 'Golden Compass' a rubbish name, it's not even right! It's not a compass, it's an alethiometer. I agree that Northern Lights is a much more exciting title. Don't they call the aurora borealis the Northern Lights in the States? And if not, why does that mean the book and film couldn't have that title anyway?

Susan Taylor, Sherburn In Elmet,

I believe in God and I believe that he believes in Free Speach, let the film go ahead. The real truth will come out in the end. I'm going to see the film and I intend to enjoy it as a 'fairy story' type of thing.

J. Dunbar, B irmingham, West Mids, England

I believe in God and I believe that he believes in Free Speech, let the film go ahead. The real truth will come out in the end. I'm going to see the film and I intend to enjoy it as a 'fairy story' type of thing.

J. Dunbar, B irmingham, West Mids, England

As a Christian can I say Pullman's trilogy is superb? Because I disagree with the artist's conclusions about the world doesn't blind me to his art, I'd recommend them to anyone with even half an open mind of whatever age.
The idea that a high adventure story with God as the baddie was going to remain unscathed at the cinema was a little naive.
C. S. Lewis writes involving children's stories too, why does it have to be one or the other?

Colin, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire

Hollywood needs to realise that not every book needs to be made into a film. After reading the Dark Materials books a few years ago (during the LOTR hysteria) my main fear was that someone would try to make a film out of them, when it is clear to whoever reads them that they cannot be truly translated to cinema without losing a lot of the magic. Further news that they had downplayed the religious elements simply depressed me, especially after reading the producer's lame excuse that the elements were all still there but "hidden". Not interested in a film that's been edited to pander to closed-minded people.

Abioye A Oyetunji, London, UK

I love reading the comments. It's like watching monkeys jump through hoops. : )

Jack Spite, Northampton, UK

Kubrick's films were always slated by the critics when they were released...

Mike, UK,

Why on earth would you think that Narnia is propaganda because of it's Christian message, but think that Pullman's anti-Christian message (at least in the books if not the film) is not propaganda?! And atheism is a lot less than 2000 years old, so that holds no bearing whatsoever! It sounds like people are so reactive against Narnia without any intelligent argument, that that it's them who have been brainwashed!

Alastair, Mbeya, Tanzania

Having seen the movie, and read, and loved the books, I can honestly say that this is one of the most accurate film reviews I've ever read. Well done James. I think I'll buy the subtle Knife at Lunch and re-read it before they make the movie.

Steve B, London,

All this bickering back an fourth about boycotts and blasphemy is just shouldering aside the main point of this review, which is that the film is crap.

There is nothing worse than a Hollywood butchering of a great story.

I suppose it just highlights how lucky we have been with the Lord of the Rings and Potter films, sad that something as ambitious and full of potential seems to have been ruined. Though I it is hardly surprising when you have the guy who wrote 'American Pie' as the lead script writer.

I was so disenchanted after the abysmal effort at 'Captain Corelli's Mandolin' that I boycotted movies for months. Might have to give this one a skip.

P.S. IT IS NOT A COMPASS!

Alistair, Oxford,

Where in this review did christianity get a mention for cryin' out loud? Nowhere. Yikes talk about overreactionary. A reviewer says the films is terrible plotwise and fails to capture whatever magic is in the books and you lot all start spouting about him/her tanking it for religeous reasons. I suggest you read the article again and take a deep breath.

As for whoever it was said they were pleased to have a Xmas movie not full of a christian message--I suggest you stop celebrating Christmas altogether considering the whole reason for it's existance is christian. *shakes head at idiocy*

Helen, Liverpool. UK,

Some say it is better to indoctrinate children with the worship of the human race as ultimate good (humanism) than to feed them ideas about some Jesus character that taught the world to love one another, to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked and to leave judging others to one side. Far better, it seems to have a world that believes in its own innate goodness as demonstrated by our progression from apes to truly civilised people where wars continue to become a feature of the past. Cynicism intended.

R. Istbear, Warwick,

What I want to know is why on earth did they change the title of the film? The Golden Compass sounds rubbish, they should have kept with Northern Lights, its the title of the book and sounds more magical.

liz, Wirral,

Well, I'd rather see this than have the Christian propaganda that is Narnia shoved down my throat again. We've heard all the complaints before about Harry Potter.

Yes, there is magic on stage and in the book for Harry, I see nothing wrong with Lyra and the wonderful twists the Pullman writes. At least is isn't nearly as sanctimonious as C. S. Lewis's series, and shows there's more to the world than a branch of religion that's less than 2000 years old.

Leigh, ACT, Australia

I would rather my daughter see a movie free of Christian mythology than one made by preachy hypocrites who aim to indoctrinate impressionable children. I can't wait until it opens around here. We will be first in line to see it.

tessa, Cincinnati , OHIO

The Dark Materials books are my wonderful read. I have read them three times including once to my eight year old son. I have also been waiting to see this film with some anticipation and a great deal of dread. Why dread? Well not because the filmmakers might make a hash of it, that's always on the cards. The real problem was New Line playing down key elements of His Dark Materials to placate the Christian Right in the US so as not jeopardise the box office - those elements being that the Magisterium is the Church and that God and his reps on earth are the bad guys. The problem with New Lines approach is this, the Christian right already hate Pullman and his books so they won't be going anyway - and I'm sure they'll be doing everything they can to dissuade other movie goers. For this very reason I will go and see the film and take my son.
Here's for the Party of Asriel and here's to Lyra.
Simon

Simon, Sydney, Australia

oh Lordy . . . why do religious fanatics always gets it wrong!!!!!

Alexie Budiae, Honolulu, Hawaii

Rachel, from Canton, OH

Are you mad? I'm not entirely certain how to even respond to your criticism. Do you mean the Bible when you say "our Lord"? Because if so, the Bible and religion plays a great role in the books. And the movie is based on the books of Philip Pullman!!! Also, daemon, not "demon". If you were not living under a rock in Ohio, you might be aware of the fact that the story is about deicide. And that can't be atheistic, because how can you kill a God that you don't believe exists?

Alexander, New York City,

Every human character is blessed with a daemon:



sshhhh!

Dave , London, Middlesex

The reason this movie was probably so lame was due to the fact that it was NOT based on our Lord. Instead it sounds like it has been based on demons and magic. Children should not be subjected to this sort of thing. And we wonder what is wrong with the world today and our precious children.

rachel, canton, OH

@Grant
"I have seen the film myself, and im sorry but i couldnt disagree more with your review, and it seems very one sided. Just because it doesnt appeal to you doesnt mean it wont appeal to anyone else. That should be kept in mind when writting a fair review. "

Do what now?
Surely the whole point of a review is to give YOUR opinion on the matter at hand. Possibly add a "may appeal" clause, but even that is second guessing.

I think, given that the reviewer didn't like it, and a ten year old boy didn't like it, that's probably gonna mean that the majority of people that want to see it possibly won't like it.

And people that say you shouldn't compare it to source material:
If something happens in the film that is only explained by reading the book, then the film is a failure. See the veiled archway in the Order of the Phoenix for a good example of this. They are different and entirely separate media and should be treated as such.

undulattice, Gloucester,

I wouldn't worry about the film, Mr Reviewer, I should concentrate on young Sam's reaction to you when he finds out that his full name is NOW known to considerably more people than just his parents and the Registry of Births...

You just couldn't resist embarrassing the poor kid any more, could you? Was it a necessary part of the review of the film? Or did it just seem funny at the time? You even put his name right at the top of the article.

Honestly, father/son relations can be difficult enough at the best of times without bragging/laughing about his misfortune in the Times - I mean, none of it was HIS fault, was it? I think you might have an expensive and contrite Christmas coming up and I suggest his mother serves you up a large slice of Humble Pie in place of Christmas Pud this year . . .

Glyn, Birmingham,

I was just wondering how exactly people leaving comments here have seen the film. Apart from John, who apparently worked on it, the release date is Dec 5th worldwide (with later dates in some countries) apart from the premiere tonight at Leicester Sq.

Or am I wrong?

Damien, London,

The film seems to have fallen from grace in the reviewer's eyes because it does not match the complexity of the novel. Well when did a film EVER match the sublties of the book it is based on? Only 50% of the Harry Potter books made it onto the screen, and I once sat through the fine adaption of the Dune book (featuring Sting), despite several of the audience walking out in disgust.
Probably a film best watched without first reading the book.

Poppy, Basingstoke, UK

I have not yet seen the film. I appreciate that this is a film adaptation, but i am surprised by the reviewer's lack of familiarity with the source material: one of the reasons i found the books so enchantingly, beautifully mysterious was that they left so many things unsaid; the reviewer touched on it with that comment on Pullman's word being "just an inch out of kilter with our own". We arent SUPPOSED to have the deamons explained to us yet, for instance. The Gobblers have a VERY sensible reason: its the basis of....well...its like character development for the Magesterium: its a view into their mindset.

im puzzled by the review. i await the film eagerly.

Michael Walsh, Manchester,