“The Golden Compass” (New Line Cinema)
Golden In Look, Not In Content
A lot of controversy has surrounded the release of the Nicole Kidman film “The Golden Compass.” The controversy has stemmed from the source material for the movie, and that is a trilogy of books by Phillip Pullman who is an avowed atheist. Some parents and church groups argue that the books attack religion and others say it will lead children to be forced to confront atheism.
In the movie the evil powers that be could be identified as certain church groups but this identification is not overt. The “majestorium” in the movie is an oppressive group of people who dress in church like robes and make pronouncements about the way people should behave. They also want to have control over Lyra (Dakota Blue Richards), a young girl who possesses a “golden compass” which can answer any question.
Lyra is the niece of Lord Asriel (Daniel Craig) and the companion of Mrs. Coulter (Nicole Kidman). One day she learns that Mrs. Coulter does not have her best interests at heart and flees to the north where she meets a man named Lee Scoresby (Sam Elliott) who is a gunslinger of sorts. She also talks a huge polar bear named Ragnar into being her protector.
There are some fierce battles that take place as Lyra tries to free some children who the majestorium has been keeping. These kids are in danger of losing their “demons” which are animals, birds, or reptiles who are their partners in life (yes, it does get a little complicated).
The battle sequences are exciting and stunning to watch, but the plot is too involved to be enjoyed. Plus the movie seems to have one purpose only and that is to set up the next movie (if there is one). For this reason a lot of things are left hanging as the movie draws to an end. It also explains why Eva Green, a flying witch, and Daniel Craig have such small roles.
Richards is in just about every scene and she is not that charismatic. There is no special spark to her performance. Kidman is icy and glaring but not particularly interesting. But man is she tall! I never realized just how tall she is. She towers over everyone else in the movie.
The film is rated PG-13 for violence.
“The Golden Compass” is artistically impressive with its flying dirigibles, and fighting polar bears. Still it is not a movie that holds your interest for the entire length of the film. The complicated plot may put off children in the audience. All of this combined does not bode well for any contemplated sequels.
I scored “The Golden Compass” a directionless 5 out of 10.
