New Line Cinema and Ingenious Film Partners present a 113 minute PG rated film directed by Chris Weitz and starring Nicole Kidman (Marisa Coulter), Daniel Craig (Lord Asriel), Dakota Blue Richards (Lyra Belacqua), Ben Walker (Roger), Freddie Highmore (Voice of Pantalaimon), Ian McKellen (Voice of Iorek Byrnison), Eva Green (Serafin Pekkala), Jim Carter (John Faa), Tom Courtenay (Farder Coram), Ian McShane (Voice of Ragnar Sturlusson), Sam Elliott (Lee Scoresby) with Christopher Lee (First High Councilor), Kristin Scott Thomas (Stelmaria), Edward de Souza (Second High Councilor), and Kathy Bates (Voice of Hester).
In a mystical world filled with children who have daemons, a physical representation of their soul in speaking animal form that can change from one species to another in a flash, adults with motives and evil Gobblers out to kidnap the children for experimentation, this film is loaded with thrills, chills and enough fantasy to keep you entertained for two hours at least. This action adventure novel on the big screen introduces a new actor to the movie world, Dakota Blue, someone to watch for not only in the films to follow in this series but else where as well.
The story takes flight when Lyra is given an Alethiometer, a golden compass, that is able to tell the truth to the one and only one that is able to read it. According to the prophecy by the witches, this young girl is the key to unlocked doors, other worlds and universes that travels like dust in the wind. By the hand of Marisa Coulter, friend of the college in Jordan, where Lyra resides, she is made to believe that as an assistant to her, she would be taken to the north. Given the compass by a Council member and told to keep it secret from Ms. Coulter she leaves on a journey. Things are not always as they appear and Lyra must flee for her life which soon entails a fantastical journey of her own as she travels to the north looking for her kidnapped friends who disappeared and are believed to be part of an experiment by a mysterious group of people set in the Arctic. This group is out to separate the children from their daemons as an attempt to prevent them from becoming in touch with this mystical dust that Lyra heard about from Lord Asriel.
The cinematography and special effects in this film are spectacular, in line with that of "Lord of the Rings" and "Harry Potter". The writing is a bit confusing in the beginning if you are not familiar with the novels and the story line but it pulls together in the middle yet leaving you wanting more in the end. The CG effects of the animals transforming from one species to another are phenomenal and worth the attention in itself especially the scenes of Lyra and Iorek in the Arctic, truly breath-taking and remarkably realistic. Although I must admit, I would need to review this film again to totally catch some of the story line I missed. I will say though that it is worthy of a packed theatre but make sure you pay close attention from scene to scene because one blink can keep you guessing.
Marisa Coulter played beautifully by Kidman is not only gorgeous in this film but as evil as a bi-polar patient that forgot to take her medicine. She and her wicked yet loyal monkey are true vixens with hearts of ice. Craig, although not a big part of the screen but a main character to the plot is a pleasure to watch as Lyra's possible Uncle! But, it is Richards who steals the scenes and helps to tie this story into a worthy drama for the entire family to enjoy. Even though not physically seen, Highmore, who seems to be popping up everywhere these days does an excellent job as the voice of Lyra's daemon, Pan. Interesting note that a child can have a daemon and feel their pain and vice versa but an adult cannot. But it is the moments with Iorek majestically voiced by McKellen, that mesmerized me throughout the film. Watching this huge, authoritative ice bear in armor battle through his contract with Lyra against the evil Gobblers and their wolves, other ice bears and the trickery of humans was a visual thrill ride all in itself. Albeit, that is not all that graphically takes place as Iorek fights by the side of the young and devoted to her cause, Lyra.
There are many characters laced throughout this story that help to keep it interesting and visually pleasing along with a terrific score but it will ultimately be the audience that will decide if they are able to follow this brilliant yet a bit illusive adaptation to the big screen. Personally, even though it lost me at times since I am not a reader of the novels, it is the acting, direction, and special effects that kept me glued to this exciting story. Not to forget that of the ultimate battle scene, between the evil Gobblers and friends of lyra's, the Witches, Gyptians, Iorek, Lee, the children along with their daemons, makes this climax a visual masterpiece. Ashes to Ashes, dust to dust, either way like that of death we all have our own assumptions of another life afterwards so take what you may from the story but enjoy this visual fantasy sure to make you believe that life is worth looking at through a child's eyes, as long as you have your animal daemon to accompany you along your journey.
Reporting for Talkin' Pets, I'm Jon Patch.