Camden New Journal - Movies: The Golden Compass

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The Review - AT THE MOVIES with WILLIAM HALL
Published: 6 Novemeber 2007

The start of a golden epic

THE GOLDEN COMPASS
Directed by Chris Weitz
Certificate PG

FANS of Philip Pullman’s trilogy His Dark Materials will surely flock to this surreal saga, finding depths and allegories at every turn.
The rest of us may have to struggle to get our heads around a mythical fantasy set in a parallel world, and just have to take it as it comes.
We are catapulted into a rich sci-fi adventure which could well herald a series like Star Wars, with some amazing CGI effects and an endearing heroine named Lyra (Dakota Blue Richards).
She’s a perky 12-year-old orphan living in a repressive society ruled by a sinister body called the Magisterium, who control all thought and, worse, are intent upon claiming the souls of children everywhere.
Simon McBurrey is outstanding among the sinister cult, and our old friend Christopher Lee surfaces as the Senior High Elder.
When her best friend Roger (Ben Walker) is kidnapped and taken off to the frozen North where other abducted kids have been imprisoned, Lyra heads off on a perilous trek to rescue him.
She’s no Lara Croft or a Charlie’s Angel. But she’s smart and determined, and happens to possess a truth machine in the shape of an “alethiometer”, which looks like a golden compass and can reveal the true answer to any question.
Off she flies to an Arctic wasteland, accompanied by a dubious governess (an icily blonde Nicole Kidman) who holds her captive with the aid of a freaky-looking monkey which is enough to scare anyone.
To battle the forces of evil Lyra enlists a weird variety of allies, including cowboy aviator Sam Elliott and a flying witch (Eva Green), along with a massive polar bear (voiced by Ian McKellen) that she rides through the glaciers in one of the most spectacular scenes.
This is a movie full of surprises, with Daniel Craig taking time off from James Bond to play Lyra’s warm-hearted uncle Lord Asriel, and a climactic battle on the ice that rivals Lord of the Rings.
All in all, an early Christmas treat for the young and young at heart alike.

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