The Golden Compass (Movie)

Based on The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
Studio: New Line Cinema (2007)
Rating: PG-13

Genre: Fantasy
Director: Chris Weitz
Main Cast: Dakota Blue Richards, Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig

Viewer’s Annotation: When children begin mysteriously disappearing from her community, 12-year-old Lyra Belacqua promises her best friend Roger that if he goes missing she will find him…and she makes good on her word when Roger is abducted.

Summary: In an Oxford of a different world, precocious orphan Lyra Belacqua runs wild at Jordan College, dodging the scholars who try to educate her to play on the rooftops and in the fields with her Gyptian and servant friends. But children are disappearing and rumors of Gobblers and child snatchers circulate. Eavesdropping on a meeting, Lyra hears her uncle, Lord Asriel, talk of Dust, Ice Bears, and the far North. When a glamorous woman called Mrs. Coulter invites Lyra to assist her on a journey North, Lyra happily leaves the only home she has ever known. At the same, Lyra is worried because she cannot find her friend Roger to say good-bye. While staying with Mrs. Coulter, Lyra discovers the woman’s connection to the Gobblers and flees with only her daemon Pan and a mysterious gift from the Master of Jordan. In her flight, Lyra encounters a band of Gyptians who vow to protect her as they all venture North to rescue Roger and the other children.

Notes: Though the acting and visual effects in this film are great, the movie as a whole is not. Because the story itself is the first part of a trilogy, many elements of the plot are fully resolved by the end of the film, which makes for a frustrating viewing experience. As an adaptation, the movie is a poor representation of a masterful work.
Flags: 3

Stardust (Movie)

Based on Stardust by Neil Gaiman
Studio: Paramount Pictures (2007)
Rating: PG-13

Genre: Fantasy
Director: Matthew Vaughn
Main Cast: Claire Danes, Charlie Cox

Viewer’s Annotation: To win the heart of his long-time crush, Tristan Thorn ventures from his small town of Wall into the kingdom of Stormhold to retrieve a fallen star, but he is not the only one who seeks it.

Summary: Determined to win the affection of the beautiful Victoria, Tristan vows to bring her the star that has fallen some ways beyond the wall that borders their town. Tristan ventures into the magical world on the other side of the wall and is surprised to discover that the star is not at all the lump of meteorite he expected, but rather a lovely young woman named Yvaine. Still intent on fulfilling his promise to Victoria, Tristan insists that Yvanie accompany him back to the Wall before he will restore her to the sky. But an old witch called Lamia is pursuing Yvaine because eating the heart of a star provides immortality. Meanwhile, the king of Stromhold has passed away and his feuding sons vie to retrieve the royal ruby (which Yvaine now wears) and claim the throne. As Tristan rushes to bring Yvaine to Victoria as a birthday present, the two narrowly escape the trap Lamia has laid for them and encounter a ferocious sky pirate aboard his flying ship. Even with danger closing in from all sides, Tristan and Yvaine fall in love.

Notes: This movie is hilarious, with terrific performances from an all-star cast including Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert DeNiro and Rupert Everett.
Flags: 5