The Golden Compass[movie]

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12-08-2007, 03:19 AM
rubah

The Golden Compass[movie]

Saw it tonight, I was pleased with just about everything except the bridge of lyra's nosexD It bugged me really bad to stare at xD

They changed the order of a couple of major events, but all the major events were there barring the ending (I read it was going to be in the second movie, to increase the draw).

Churchgoers will be pleased with it, I believe, but I don't know how they will resolve that with the future movies.

Hollywood threw in a few flashy things that I thought were unnecessary, but they aren't very important.

Stu said it moved too fast for him to really care for the characters, and I guess if you don't already know them that would probably be true.
12-08-2007, 12:37 PM
ljkkjlcm9

I think most people don't realize this movie is the first in a series. Unlike something like Lord of the Rings, when everyone knew there was going to be more. I, as well as my friends, and everyone I talk to, did not realize it was going to have a sequel. I was left highly dissapointed.

THE JACKEL
12-08-2007, 07:56 PM
Miriel

Hahaha, there were *SO* many people who said the exact same thing about LotR and left the theater going, "wtf, is that it?"

It's pretty obvious to some that this is the first part of a Trilogy, and not so obvious for others. Just like how it was for LotR.
12-08-2007, 10:13 PM
Skyblade

Believe it or not, having my faith attacked is not something I usually pay for, especially since there are so many places where I can get it attacked for free.
12-08-2007, 10:43 PM
rubah

Hey, that's you. This partcular episode pretty much contained zero mentions of religion. Although like I said, I don't know how they can keep that up through the third book's material.
12-08-2007, 11:09 PM
I Don't Need A Name

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skyblade

Believe it or not, having my faith attacked is not something I usually pay for, especially since there are so many places where I can get it attacked for free.

Sorry, but its a fictional book/film
get over it!

im quite looking forward to seeing this film
my brother rang me and said its awsome so :up:
12-08-2007, 11:21 PM
StarlightAngel

It's pretty decent for a movie, but it's nothing compared to the original book. And, yeah, while I do know there's supposed to be another two movies, I was irritated when they lopped off the end of it. The end is still part of the Golden Compass, and at the speed they were going I'm sure they could've squeezed in the end.

And @Skyblade: The movie doesn't really have many allusions to religion at all, bar the mention of some ancestors who are obviously Adam and Eve. That's about it, really. So don't get your underwear in a bundle over it =/ Seriously, you didn't see me making a fuss over how Narnia was based on a religious book, so please don't do the same over a movie based on an anti-religious book that's pretty much cutting out all the religious references anyhow.

S'not like it's real, anyway.
12-08-2007, 11:26 PM
rubah

The reason they left the ending to the second movie was supposedly because people would've been too satisfied with that ending (SPOILER) lyra and pan walking into a heavenly city or however a moviegoer who hadn't read them would take it, so they tried to leave it more of a cliffhanger? I forget where I read that at, but I don't think it was very successful
12-08-2007, 11:50 PM
Vivisteiner

The reasons why you shouldnt see this movie:

The Golden Compass Vs. The Holy Bible
12-08-2007, 11:53 PM
Raebus

I laugh at religion.

I can't wait to see this film as well.
12-09-2007, 10:28 AM
Germ Hamee

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vivisteiner

The reasons why you shouldnt see this movie:

The Golden Compass Vs. The Holy Bible

Ha.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Religious Fanatics

Not only is the film full of cute, enticing, furry animals with mouths like horny sailors on leave in a Shanghai red light district, it exposes youngsters to alarming viewpoints that are anti-religious right, anti-morality, and anti-(just believing what you are damn well told!)

For a second I thought it was being serious and I almost stopped reading. XD Nice.

I haven't read the books yet, but I'm planning on seeing the movie next week. I don't know what the religious hooplah over this movie is. They've made it abundantly clear that they took they "offensive" stuff out.
12-09-2007, 12:46 PM
Quindiana Jones

I want to see it. I'm assuming it'll be like most book-cum-movies and be a disappointment if you've read the book. I hear it's a very good movie though, and it certainly looks to be more accurate than other bookmovies.

I'm still pissed at the United States of Dumbass for changing the name of the book. Was Northern Lights really that complicated, folks? And it's not even a pissing compass, dolts.
12-09-2007, 01:00 PM
Madame Adequate

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harle-Quin

I'm still pissed at the United States of Dumbass for changing the name of the book.

Yes. The United States Government intervened and demanded that the book's name be changed. :rolleyes2
12-09-2007, 01:02 PM
Dreddz

I heard this movie was a complete flop. I bet their pissed they have to do another two.
12-09-2007, 01:05 PM
Hazzard

It looks kinda rubbish, I ain't interested.
12-09-2007, 02:00 PM
Old Manus

Quote:

Originally Posted by I'm my own MILF

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harle-Quin

I'm still pissed at the United States of Dumbass for changing the name of the book.

Yes. The United States Government intervened and demanded that the book's name be changed. :rolleyes2

Apparently it was something to do with a mix-up at the American publishers. But yeah, 'HAI GUISE LOL WUT PHIOLLSPHERS? WUT NO WAY MAN WE'LL CALL IT THE SORCERER'S STONE' comes to mind.
12-09-2007, 02:22 PM
I Don't Need A Name

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Manus

Quote:

Originally Posted by I'm my own MILF

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harle-Quin

I'm still pissed at the United States of Dumbass for changing the name of the book.

Yes. The United States Government intervened and demanded that the book's name be changed. :rolleyes2

Apparently it was something to do with a mix-up at the American publishers. But yeah, 'HAI GUISE LOL WUT PHIOLLSPHERS? WUT NO WAY MAN WE'LL CALL IT THE SORCERER'S STONE' comes to mind.

WHATS A PHILOSOPHER!? its got too many sylables! SORCERER!! YEAHHH!!

WTF IS NORTHERN LIGHTS...I LIKE COMPASSES!! YAY GOLDEN COMPASS
12-09-2007, 03:37 PM
MJN SEIFER

I watched it at the cinima yesterday. It was awesome. It's quite rare these days I can become so instantly involved in a storyline. This film had everything, a cool, thought provoking storyline, likeable characters and great acting. Also - The FF fan within me really enjoyed it...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rubah

Stu said it moved too fast for him to really care for the characters, and I guess if you don't already know them that would probably be true.

I'm going to dissagree with "Stu" here (no offense meant to him, mind) I found the majority of characters almost instantly endearing, and before you say that's "because I already knew them" - I didn't. I did not even know that the film was a book originally, which is quite strange as I am usually on top of this sort of thing. But yeah, I liked the characters and deeply cared.
12-09-2007, 04:59 PM
Breine

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vivisteiner

The reasons why you shouldnt see this movie:

The Golden Compass Vs. The Holy Bible

That is probably the stupidest thing I've ever read. I'm looking very much forward to seeing the film, though, and have actually though about picking up the books as well.
12-09-2007, 05:34 PM
Quindiana Jones

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Manus

Quote:

Originally Posted by I'm my own MILF

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harle-Quin

I'm still pissed at the United States of Dumbass for changing the name of the book.

Yes. The United States Government intervened and demanded that the book's name be changed. :rolleyes2

Apparently it was something to do with a mix-up at the American publishers. But yeah, 'HAI GUISE LOL WUT PHIOLLSPHERS? WUT NO WAY MAN WE'LL CALL IT THE SORCERER'S STONE' comes to mind.

Srsly. It make me don my purple shorts and turn green.
12-09-2007, 06:01 PM
Captain Maxx Power

To save you all the trouble of going to see this movie, I'm going to tell you of all the awesome stuff that happens;

- Children get harmed
- There's an airship-flying cowboy
- A giant bear played by Ian McKellen literally smacks the jaw off another bear

That's about it.
12-09-2007, 06:24 PM
Quindiana Jones

We've read the book, Cap'n.
12-09-2007, 06:41 PM
rubah

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harle-Quin

I want to see it. I'm assuming it'll be like most book-cum-movies and be a disappointment if you've read the book. I hear it's a very good movie though, and it certainly looks to be more accurate than other bookmovies.

I'm still pissed at the United States of Dumbass for changing the name of the book. Was Northern Lights really that complicated, folks? And it's not even a pissing compass, dolts.

It kinda makes sense, making all three books be named for colored tangible objects.
12-09-2007, 07:05 PM
MJN SEIFER

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain Maxx Power

- A giant bear played by Ian McKellen literally smacks the jaw off another bear

That's who voiced him????!!!

Man, I'm shocked! He actually sounded pretty good... Well... better than he normally sounds anyway. Perhaps he's learned to act a little?
12-09-2007, 11:14 PM
Miriel

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJN SEIFER

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain Maxx Power

- A giant bear played by Ian McKellen literally smacks the jaw off another bear

That's who voiced him????!!!

Man, I'm shocked! He actually sounded pretty good... Well... better than he normally sounds anyway. Perhaps he's learned to act a little?

Are you kidding me? Seriously, ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

Ian McKellen = one of the greatest actors of the modern era.

I would pay to listen to him read out of a phone book, he's amazing.
12-09-2007, 11:53 PM
Raebus

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miriel

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJN SEIFER

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain Maxx Power

- A giant bear played by Ian McKellen literally smacks the jaw off another bear

That's who voiced him????!!!

Man, I'm shocked! He actually sounded pretty good... Well... better than he normally sounds anyway. Perhaps he's learned to act a little?

Are you kidding me? Seriously, ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

Ian McKellen = one of the greatest actors of the modern era.

I would pay to listen to him read out of a phone book, he's amazing.

Seconded.
12-09-2007, 11:56 PM
XxSephirothxX

I saw it last night and thought it was enjoyable. Little about the movie stood out to me as a great fantasy film, but it was good lighthearted fun.

However, the jaw-breaking polar bear fight was smurfing awesome. Everyone in the theater went absolutely crazy. That made the movie for me. :p
12-10-2007, 12:27 AM
Madame Adequate

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raebus

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miriel

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJN SEIFER

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain Maxx Power

- A giant bear played by Ian McKellen literally smacks the jaw off another bear

That's who voiced him????!!!

Man, I'm shocked! He actually sounded pretty good... Well... better than he normally sounds anyway. Perhaps he's learned to act a little?

Are you kidding me? Seriously, ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

Ian McKellen = one of the greatest actors of the modern era.

I would pay to listen to him read out of a phone book, he's amazing.

Seconded.

Thirded.
12-10-2007, 12:51 AM
Vincent, Thunder God

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vivisteiner

The reasons why you shouldnt see this movie:

The Golden Compass Vs. The Holy Bible

I think the entire article was effectively shot down by this quote from the very first sentence.

Quote:

Originally Posted by the article

(based on the pornographic scribblings of unrepentant God-hater and -- quite possibly -- heroin addicted child diddler, Philip Pullman)

Anyone who's read the book would realize it's hopelessly ridiculous, pedantic and extreme view. I've read the book and never at any time did I believe it was anti-Christian. A minor theme or motif is the focus on the excessive aspects of modern society, not specifically of any religion but rather modern life in general, and even that was presented in an objective fashion and rarely obvious. It was also done tastefully and wasn't ever a major aspect of the work.

In fact, I strongly believe the book is intended for teens and young adults, and that if a child were to read it, they wouldn't comprehend that backdrop to the world of the book (which is an alternate reality by the way, not our world). In my opinion this is another poorly researched attempt at blacklisting an innocent fantasy tale created by overzealous religious fanatics, and has little to do with helping children make informed decisions on faith.

It's very similar to the moronic view that Harry Potter creates Satanic worship - if you believe such nonsense, by all means, this new fervor-fueled outrage over the Golden Compass will appeal to your unreasonable side.
12-10-2007, 01:23 AM
Skyblade

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vincent, Thunder God

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vivisteiner

The reasons why you shouldnt see this movie:

The Golden Compass Vs. The Holy Bible

I think the entire article was effectively shot down by this quote from the very first sentence.

Quote:

Originally Posted by the article

(based on the pornographic scribblings of unrepentant God-hater and -- quite possibly -- heroin addicted child diddler, Philip Pullman)

Anyone who's read the book would realize it's hopelessly ridiculous, pedantic and extreme view. I've read the book and never at any time did I believe it was anti-Christian. A minor theme or motif is the focus on the excessive aspects of modern society, not specifically of any religion but rather modern life in general, and even that was presented in an objective fashion and rarely obvious. It was also done tastefully and wasn't ever a major aspect of the work.

In fact, I strongly believe the book is intended for teens and young adults, and that if a child were to read it, they wouldn't comprehend that backdrop to the world of the book (which is an alternate reality by the way, not our world). In my opinion this is another poorly researched attempt at blacklisting an innocent fantasy tale created by overzealous religious fanatics, and has little to do with helping children make informed decisions on faith.

It's very similar to the moronic view that Harry Potter creates Satanic worship - if you believe such nonsense, by all means, this new fervor-fueled outrage over the Golden Compass will appeal to your unreasonable side.

Um, the entire series was created to undermine the Christian faith. The author admits this. And the series, including this first story, is full of anti-Christian imagery. Yes, that article was poorly written and rather exteme, but that does not mean that the entire story is not simply an attempt by an athiest to discredit Christianity through by spreading lies and ignorance.

I find it interesting how often people in this thread have quoted Vivisteiner's link and ridiculed it, yet not a single person has even mentioned the article I linked to.
12-10-2007, 02:37 AM
Miriel

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vincent, Thunder God

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vivisteiner

The reasons why you shouldnt see this movie:

The Golden Compass Vs. The Holy Bible

I think the entire article was effectively shot down by this quote from the very first sentence.

If you actually read the article, you might discover that it's actually pro-Dark Materials and anti-bible. You know... if you bothered to even glance over the whole thing.
12-10-2007, 02:42 AM
ShunNakamura

I think a few of you have failed your sarcasm detector test. For those of you who have failed it just look up Landover Baptist Church. I thought the article was pretty obvious in what it was doing[and was a somewhat enjoyable read though it may have taken things a bit far] .

As for Skyblade's article I thought about going through and posting what is obviously wrong with that review.. but meh, the Christians who are protesting this film are either following the crowd[and likely won't listen to little old me] or they are so closed that nothing but a high powered laser would have any hope of penetrating even the outermost layers. However, to humor you I will post up one easily spotted error that really glares[and is a favorite of mine to go up with].

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silly Review

The villains are trying to “cut” the souls out of children. But in Pullman’s world, those “souls” are called “daemons”. Thus, anyone trying to “cast out demons” is really trying to carve innocence out of the kids.

Le Sigh.

Quote:

Originally Posted by definitions

Daemon: 2. Variant of daimon. [
Daimon: 2.An attendant spirit; a genius.
Daimon: a guardian spirit or guardian angel often associated with the communication of advice and inspiration. [Conneticut paranormal research society]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wiki-the weak but easily located source

The words daemon, dæmon, are Latinized spellings of the Greek δαίμων (daimon),[1] used purposely today to distinguish the daemons of Ancient Greek religion, good or malevolent "supernatural beings between mortals and gods, such as inferior divinities and ghosts of dead heroes" (see Plato's Symposium), from the Judeo-Christian usage demon, a malignant spirit that can seduce, afflict, or possess humans.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Encyclopedia Mythica- Not a good source but a semi-decent one

Daimon is the Greek derivative for the term demon. In this sense the term "demon" means "replete with knowledge." The ancient Greeks thought there were good and bad demons called 'eudemons' and 'cacodemons.' The term 'daimon' means "divine power," "fate" or "god." Daimons, in Greek mythology, included deified heroes. They were considered intermediary spirits between men and the gods. Good daimons were considered to be guardian spirits, giving guidance and protection to the ones they watched over. Bad daimons led people astray.

Quote:

Originally Posted by New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia

But though the word demon is now practically restricted to this sinister sense, it was otherwise with the earlier usage of the Greek writers. The word, which is apparently derived from daio "to divide" or "apportion", originally meant a divine being; it was occasionally applied to the higher gods and goddesses, but was more generally used to denote spiritual beings of a lower order coming between gods and men. For the most part these were beneficent beings, and their office was somewhat analogous to that of the angels in Christian theology.

Pullman Speaks on the origin of Daemon. From a Scholastic interview.

Not exactly a difficult mistake to think of Daemon as the Christian demon/devil since that is the common thinking of the word, particularly to closed Christians; however, it isn't exactly hard to find what it was meant to mean.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wiki again, not willing to spend too much time on such a silly bit so wiki it is

In the Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish editions of His Dark Materials the word "dæmon" is changed to "daimon", simply because "dæmon" means "demon" in those languages[citation needed]. In Serbian and Italian editions, dæmon is also changed to daimon. In the Spanish edition, the term "dæmon" is changed to "daimonion". The Portuguese translation of the books render the word as "génio" in reference to the familiar spirits in Greco-Roman mythology.

Anyways easier/faster for me to do a lot of cut and pasting than to write my own 6 page report on daemon/daimon/whatever.

Oh and another which is fun

Quote:

Originally Posted by silly review

And yes, the church has had its periods of horrific misbehavior. But Christ is the foundation of the church, and he stands in stark opposition to oppression, cruelty, and tyranny.

The church in the Golden Compass has no Christ figure; stated by Pullman himself.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Archbishop/Pullman interview

Well, to answer the question about Jesus first, no, he doesn't figure in the teaching of the church, as I described the church in the story. I think he's mentioned once, in the context of this notion of wisdom that works secretly and quietly, not in the great courts and palaces of the earth, but among ordinary people and so on. And there are some teachers who have embodied this quality, but whose teaching has perhaps been perverted or twisted or turned, and been used in a fashion that they themselves didn't either desire or expect or could see happening.

So there's a sort of reference to the teaching of Jesus which I may return to in the next book - but I don't want to anticipate too much because I've found that if I tell people what I'm going to write about, I don't write it, something happens to prevent it, so I'd better not anticipate that too much. But I'm conscious that that is a question that has been sort of hovering over people's understanding of the story anyway.

If you want the interview transcript, here it is.

Anyways both articles were enjoyable due to the sillyness of them... sadly it looks like Skyblade's link is serious rather than sarcastic :cry:.
12-10-2007, 05:06 AM
The Unknown Guru

Ugh. I've read the books waaaay too many times to like the movie. They changed the order of events, lopped off the ending, and crammed it all into about an hour and a half.

When I heard about it, I immediately thought, "That needs to be at least 2 and a half hours long to be any good." It wasn't, so it felt rushed and you really had no idea who most of the characters were and why they were important.

However, Ian MacKellan + Christopher Lee = Awesome, no matter what movie they're in.
12-10-2007, 05:13 AM
rubah

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vincent, Thunder God

Anyone who's read the book would realize it's hopelessly ridiculous, pedantic and extreme view. I've read the book and never at any time did I believe it was anti-Christian. A minor theme or motif is the focus on the excessive aspects of modern society, not specifically of any religion but rather modern life in general, and even that was presented in an objective fashion and rarely obvious. It was also done tastefully and wasn't ever a major aspect of the work.

The book or the entire set of three? I can't see how anyone could read the third book and not come off with the impression that pullman dislikes [at least] the catholic church.
12-10-2007, 05:25 AM
Clouded Sky

While it wasn't an AWESOME movie, it was, at the least, a rather enjoyable movie. It can't hold a candle to the books, but then, what movie can?

As for the whole religious issue surrounding the movie: WHO CARES? It's a well written work of fiction, the movie is a wonderful fantasy.

Though there are definitely times I wish some/all of it were real.
12-10-2007, 06:38 AM
ShunNakamura

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sheep

Though there are definitely times I wish some/all of it were real.

DAEMONS!!!! It would be so cool to have a "guardian spirit/divine advice giver"! Not to mention imagine the games you could play as kids when you have that type of spirit[would also be cool to have it shapeshifting as an adult(we all know what makes the daemons settle, right? well I have not meet those requirements yet and I am an adult :D)].

Anyways I wish the movie was better. From the comments[not just here but elsewhere] it sounds like it will be a bit meh. I liked the LotR movies and I was hoping this would be time number two that a book-turned-movie would be GREAT. These movie producers need to learn to take as much time as they need[in movie length or by breaking it down into smaller segments].
12-10-2007, 07:47 AM
Skyblade

Out of curiosity, how many of you have read the books? You seem to be saying that it's well written and executed, while a lot of what I've heard is that it is too rushed because it tries to cram too much of the book into too short of a time frame, and I'm wondering if that's true and you guys are able to follow it better because you are already familiar with the world, plot, and characters.
12-10-2007, 09:16 AM
ShunNakamura

I have read the books. However, I have only read The Golden Compass once I believe[Amber Spyglass and Subtle Knife I own and have read when I didn't have new books to read[about 3 times each]].
12-10-2007, 11:59 AM
MJN SEIFER

Ian Mckellen issue.

While I think of it. He was pretty good at lord of the rings. So maybe he's better in films, most of the things I've seen him in are TV shows - and in them he was awful.

I'll try to see some more FILMS with him before I decide for sure.
12-10-2007, 12:11 PM
Raebus

Here's a tip, watch more of the films he's been in before judging him on TV shows alone. Most actors aren't as good in TV shows or don't show their full acting skills. I'm sure you'll enjoy most of his movies.
12-10-2007, 12:31 PM
MJN SEIFER

Thanks for the tip.
12-10-2007, 11:42 PM
Shauna

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Manus

Apparently it was something to do with a mix-up at the American publishers. But yeah, 'HAI GUISE LOL WUT PHIOLLSPHERS? WUT NO WAY MAN WE'LL CALL IT THE SORCERER'S STONE' comes to mind.

Apparently Pullman decided to name it "The Golden Compass" over in America, for whatever reason - I was told because Americans don't know what the Northern Lights are, but I don't think that's true. It was released as "The Golden Compass", but Pullman immediately regretted his decision but then it was too late. Or something like that. xD

Or this is all lies, and this is the real reason! or from Wikipedia:

Quote:

The superficial resemblance of protagonist Lyra Belacqua's alethiometer (depicted on the book's cover) to a large compass caused the North American publishers of Northern Lights to retitle the book The Golden Compass.[1] The Golden Compasses was an early proposal for the name of the trilogy (instead of His Dark Materials), taken from Milton's Paradise Lost, where it refers to the drawing instrument, rather than the navigation instrument.

Anyway, I look forward to seeing this movie. I don't expect it at all to be anything like the book, but I still look forward to it.

Also: wtf@Ian MacKellen hate.
12-11-2007, 08:56 PM
Badge

Quote:

Originally Posted by I Don't Need A Name

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Manus

Quote:

Originally Posted by I'm my own MILF

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harle-Quin

I'm still pissed at the United States of Dumbass for changing the name of the book.

Yes. The United States Government intervened and demanded that the book's name be changed. :rolleyes2

Apparently it was something to do with a mix-up at the American publishers. But yeah, 'HAI GUISE LOL WUT PHIOLLSPHERS? WUT NO WAY MAN WE'LL CALL IT THE SORCERER'S STONE' comes to mind.

WHATS A PHILOSOPHER!? its got too many sylables! SORCERER!! YEAHHH!!

WTF IS NORTHERN LIGHTS...I LIKE COMPASSES!! YAY GOLDEN COMPASS

*nods*
Phillip Pullman's Dark Materials are my favourite series of books ever, why do the have to change everything! It could have been called something harder like Aurora Borealis but he kept it simple, Northern Lights, it's not hard people D=
12-12-2007, 12:53 AM
Heath

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain Maxx Power

To save you all the trouble of going to see this movie, I'm going to tell you of all the awesome stuff that happens;

- Children get harmed
- There's an airship-flying cowboy
- A giant bear played by Ian McKellen literally smacks the jaw off another bear

That's about it.

Let's not forget Eva Green.

I saw it this evening and was really impressed with it. I usually prepare myself for disappointment with things like this, but I was pleased with it. Hate the name change (or at least wished they'd called it 'Northern Lights' outside the US like with the books), but oh well. Well worth seeing, certainly even if you've not seen the book. The ending was a bit flat to be honest but I suppose that's to be expect considering they really missed the ending off. I think I understand why someone said it went a bit too fast because I thought that too, but I wouldn't say it impeded my enjoyment of the film.

This film wasn't terribly anti-religious. However telling Christians to "get over it" isn't terribly constructive. I'm sure many Atheists have problems with Christians put forward negative views about them, so y'know. Some of them give as good as they get and all. However, as I've said before, I think the book is worth reading to be discussed in relation to faith as the Archbishop of Canterbury said.

Good God though, Mrs. Coulter's daemon is absolutely foul. Moreso than I remembered it being.
12-12-2007, 07:43 AM
Rostum

The commercials make it look really lame, but I guess I'll go see it eventually. I have never heard of the book though, so I guess it wouldn't have that to live up to for me.
12-12-2007, 08:08 AM
escobert

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vivisteiner

The reasons why you shouldnt see this movie:

The Golden Compass Vs. The Holy Bible

that was amazing xD

"The Golden Compass teaches children that bears can talk. The Bible makes it factually clear to children that only snakes and donkeys can talk. "Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?" Genesis 3:1 "And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee?" Numbers 22:30"
xD
12-13-2007, 03:01 AM
Laddy

Screw those extremists. You don't have to be an atheist to enjoy this movie. XD

I went to go see it yesterday, and I must say, it was amazing. It was well-written and even scary at times (or that might just be me being a total pussy.) The daemons are very cute, and I reccommend anybody to see it.

If you are planning to not be exposed to atheism, worry not, it's so subtle and the message is so unimportant you'll forget the real purpose of this film and wholeheartedly enjoy it.
12-14-2007, 03:23 PM
IronOcean

If you read the first one there is not a whole to do with the church at all. Look at harry Potter the christain groups went nuts over those books and look what happened to it. i think it is smart writing get alot of people pissed and make everyone want to see what all commoition is about.
12-14-2007, 07:56 PM
Heath

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skyblade

Out of curiosity, how many of you have read the books? You seem to be saying that it's well written and executed, while a lot of what I've heard is that it is too rushed because it tries to cram too much of the book into too short of a time frame, and I'm wondering if that's true and you guys are able to follow it better because you are already familiar with the world, plot, and characters.

I've read the first two books. Lee Scoresby was as awesome as he should've been and Lyra, in all fairness, was better than I expected. The two question marks I had, really, were Daniel Craig and Nicole Kidman as Asriel and Coulter respectively, but they both managed to pull off their characters really well. Overall, I thought it was pretty good casting. I did realise Ian McKellen and Christopher Lee were in it until I saw it and was pleased to see them both included. Particularly Lee who, in my mind, is one of the best actors around to play a villain on-screen.
12-15-2007, 06:53 AM
Germ Hamee

I just got back from seeing it, and frankly thought it was a pretty boring movie. But the daemons were ADORABLE and I really liked Coulter. It's pretty obvious they skipped over a lot of stuff, so I'm going to give the book a try and see if I change my mind.
12-15-2007, 05:03 PM
Shauna

I just saw it last night. I thought it was pretty good. :D I know they lopped off the ending, but thinking over it, it'd probably make MORE sense at the start of the second film. xD
12-15-2007, 09:20 PM
Breine

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raebus

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miriel

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJN SEIFER

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain Maxx Power

- A giant bear played by Ian McKellen literally smacks the jaw off another bear

That's who voiced him????!!!

Man, I'm shocked! He actually sounded pretty good... Well... better than he normally sounds anyway. Perhaps he's learned to act a little?

Are you kidding me? Seriously, ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

Ian McKellen = one of the greatest actors of the modern era.

I would pay to listen to him read out of a phone book, he's amazing.

Seconded.

Yes! Shame on you MJN SEIFER.. :mad2:

Anyway, saw the movie last night and I thought it was pretty decent. "Stardust" was much better in my opinion, but I'll definitely go and see the sequel when/if it comes out.
12-15-2007, 09:38 PM
Vincent, Thunder God

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skyblade

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vincent, Thunder God

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vivisteiner

The reasons why you shouldnt see this movie:

The Golden Compass Vs. The Holy Bible

I think the entire article was effectively shot down by this quote from the very first sentence.

Quote:

Originally Posted by the article

(based on the pornographic scribblings of unrepentant God-hater and -- quite possibly -- heroin addicted child diddler, Philip Pullman)

Anyone who's read the book would realize it's hopelessly ridiculous, pedantic and extreme view. I've read the book and never at any time did I believe it was anti-Christian. A minor theme or motif is the focus on the excessive aspects of modern society, not specifically of any religion but rather modern life in general, and even that was presented in an objective fashion and rarely obvious. It was also done tastefully and wasn't ever a major aspect of the work.

In fact, I strongly believe the book is intended for teens and young adults, and that if a child were to read it, they wouldn't comprehend that backdrop to the world of the book (which is an alternate reality by the way, not our world). In my opinion this is another poorly researched attempt at blacklisting an innocent fantasy tale created by overzealous religious fanatics, and has little to do with helping children make informed decisions on faith.

It's very similar to the moronic view that Harry Potter creates Satanic worship - if you believe such nonsense, by all means, this new fervor-fueled outrage over the Golden Compass will appeal to your unreasonable side.

Um, the entire series was created to undermine the Christian faith. The author admits this.

It really is true - the Internet IS full of people making up their own convenient untruths to "win" debates.

CBC radio had this interview about a week ago (you can listen to it here) in which Philip states it IS NOT anti-Christian, but does highlight the dangers of letting ANY religion interfere too much with state, and I believe you can see this in evidence with the pasts of any religion of the world. So, as I first said, yes, the book provides a brief view of an alternate reality in which the inherent problems with our society are present, but that isn't a huge focus, and it's not directed at any one religion.

Look at it this way - why not interpret it without any preconceived notions at all about how it mirrors our world? That's what I did, and I saw it as a society that was faulty, but not a direct critique of our world.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miriel

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vincent, Thunder God

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vivisteiner

The reasons why you shouldnt see this movie:

The Golden Compass Vs. The Holy Bible

I think the entire article was effectively shot down by this quote from the very first sentence.

If you actually read the article, you might discover that it's actually pro-Dark Materials and anti-bible. You know... if you bothered to even glance over the whole thing.

It is a sign of how absurd I believe the Christian church can be that I didn't feel the need for verification.
12-16-2007, 12:09 AM
lulusgirl

I agree...
The diner scene where she was caught was CHANGED man...but then again...I read the book in 5th grade and the second in 6th...so it's a bit hazy to me.
But when I saw the movie, it all came back to me...but some parts I believe to be changed.
12-16-2007, 07:32 PM
Depression Moon

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skyblade

Believe it or not, having my faith attacked is not something I usually pay for, especially since there are so many places where I can get it attacked for free.

The movie didn't even have anything religously offensive in it. I might agree with you if you were referring to the book, but the movie was highly dissapointing. I just don't understand how these good authors let Hollywood or whatever ruin their work. So many things were altered in the book that it was insulting I was very tempted to walk out of their, but I was so infuriated. they revealed too much of the story early in the movie leaving no surprises or suspense later on. They didn't quite express the cruelty or violence that the book had. I was surprised that the movie was rated R when the book had some very violent parts and some nudity. I was expecting them to cut out some of the parts from Chapter 2 since i found that a bit dulling. Films based off books should stay true to the all around nature of the film, but improve on some parts of the book that were dull. Unfortunately JK or Pullman done it they both tried to kiddy up their films a bit. I don't understand how these authors let these people do these things to their work. Well what I know is that when it's turn I won't allow it to it happen to mine.
12-17-2007, 12:43 AM
Vincent, Thunder God

Quote:

Originally Posted by Depression Moon

I don't understand how these authors let these people do these things to their work.

Money my friend, lots of money.
12-18-2007, 03:50 PM
Breine

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vincent, Thunder God

Quote:

Originally Posted by Depression Moon

I don't understand how these authors let these people do these things to their work.

Money my friend, lots of money.

Yes. Lots of people will be buying Pullman's books after this movie has been made.
12-18-2007, 07:29 PM
MJN SEIFER

[QUOTE=Breine;2380903]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raebus

{Quoute after quote of Ian Mckellen stuff}

Yes! Shame on you MJN SEIFER.. :mad2:.

It's interesting to note, that I don't think my opinions on the movie it's self have been commented on yet. But coments on an ACTOR have...

Also, I already retracted my coments on Ian, seeing as I have only seen him in two films, but a lot of TV shows. And in the TV shows he is awful, but he seemed good in the film Golden Compas, and the film "Lord of the rings".

Someone said that if an actor is better known for films they aren't that good on TV and shouldn't be judged on it.
12-18-2007, 11:12 PM
Vincent, Thunder God

Quote:

Originally Posted by Breine

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vincent, Thunder God

Quote:

Originally Posted by Depression Moon

I don't understand how these authors let these people do these things to their work.

Money my friend, lots of money.

Yes. Lots of people will be buying Pullman's books after this movie has been made.

Not to mention the hefty royalties, or the increased controversy about the film being anti-Christianity adding to sales.
12-18-2007, 11:37 PM
Vivisteiner

I actually like the reply to this question...

"How can you let these people do those things to your books!?"

"What are you talking about? My book is still sitting there on that shelf, completely unchanged."

Or something like that.
12-19-2007, 09:53 AM
Vincent, Thunder God

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vivisteiner

I actually like the reply to this question...

"How can you let these people do those things to your books!?"

"What are you talking about? My book is still sitting there on that shelf, completely unchanged."

Or something like that.

True true, but there are a lot of people walking around out there who will never read the book, thinking the film is an accurate representation, which it usually isn't. Then there are people who want to read the book after seeing the movie, but don't take it as an individual work, thus ruining any objective view they might have otherwise had.
12-29-2007, 01:40 AM
Miriel

Wow, what the crap was that? I feel like I watched something that was still in the early stages of editing and accidentally got released the way it was. The entire narrative, flow, and editing of the movie was so incredibly crappy.

The acting was fine, some of it was even great. I think the actress who played Lyra got it pretty perfect as did Nicole Kidman as Mrs. Coulter.

But I seriously didn't feel like I was watching a movie. It felt like I was watching pieces of a movie that was hastily flung together with little regard for character development, timing, or anything. Ew.
12-29-2007, 07:01 PM
Depression Moon

See I told the movie was still even bad even for people who have no knowledge of the book, it's an insult.
12-29-2007, 08:16 PM
Quindiana Jones

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miriel

The acting was fine, some of it was even great. I think the actress who played Lyra got it pretty perfect as did Nicole Kidman as Mrs. Coulter.

Apart from the fact that Mrs. Coulter had black hair, y'mean?
01-01-2008, 07:58 PM
LunarWeaver

Yay, I finally got around to seeing this. Except I wasn't happy with it. It's just kind of okay, but not much more.

I am not the type that gets soggy panties over changes. I like the later Harry Potter films that change things from the book to adapt to the medium of movies. I get that it happens.

But this movie...It's like they took all the highlights of the book and went down a list, checking one after the other until they were all in. Then they strung them together without even pretending to have pacing. It was barely even coherent.

Oh, well. I thought the acting was good and the special effects were amazing of course. Nicole Kidman is always a sure bet.

According to boxofficemojo, this movie only made about 48 mil in the United States and about a hundred mil overseas. The movie cost 180 million dollars, plus advertising, so I highly doubt they will bother to make the other two considering its disappointing performance.
01-15-2008, 06:31 PM
MJN SEIFER

Hears a question for you all - are yous still Final Fantasy fans?
01-16-2008, 09:21 AM
Miriel

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harle-Quin

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miriel

The acting was fine, some of it was even great. I think the actress who played Lyra got it pretty perfect as did Nicole Kidman as Mrs. Coulter.

Apart from the fact that Mrs. Coulter had black hair, y'mean?

And Kidman is a natural redhead, what's your point? Acting ability has nothing to do with hair color.
01-16-2008, 09:43 PM
rubah

I missed the part in the books where she had black hair the first time, so when I realized she was supposed to have black hair, it was pretty dumb sounding, so if that's just a mis-interpretation, I think it was for the better.
01-16-2008, 10:27 PM
Shauna

I think Mrs. Coulter suited blonde hair. I dunno, I associate blonde hair with "goodness", for some reason - so when she turns out to be some really evil person inside, there's a big contrast between her appearance which is amazing, and wonderful; and her actual personality.

But that's just me.
01-23-2008, 07:26 AM
Jiro

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harle-Quin

I want to see it. I'm assuming it'll be like most book-cum-movies and be a disappointment if you've read the book. I hear it's a very good movie though, and it certainly looks to be more accurate than other bookmovies.

I'm still pissed at the United States of Dumbass for changing the name of the book. Was Northern Lights really that complicated, folks? And it's not even a pissing compass, dolts.

I agree. I went to see it with my girlfriend and we were both very unimpressed with the name change. How hard is it to use the name of the book? Or, if the name had to be changed, call it a damn Alethiometer like its supposed to be.