The Golden Compass

What a disappointment! I had just finished reading the book "The Golden Compass" about an hour before going to see this movie. I had enjoyed the book, so I was looking forward to seeing the film adaption. I can't believe I wasted my time and money going to see this movie. I rated this movie a 3/10, but only because theoretically it's possible for a movie to be less enjoyable.

This movie has very little in common with the book. Character names have been changed. Major plot events are not the same as the book. Even the "fundamental message" of the book isn't present in the movie. If you liked the book, I would not recommend going to see the movie. It's been watered down and distorted to such a point that it's no longer enjoyable. The last few chapters of the book were completely omitted in the movie.

From a purely visual standpoint, the graphics in The Golden Compass were quite good. The computer animation was what you'd expect from a high-budget film - it was neat to see some of the animals in the book in their animated form.