If you read the book, don't bother with the movie.

half a star due to some supreme voice acting. and sam elliott. half because it birthed flav and gregs' rendition.

A wasted opportunity. It's a fantastic story idea, but the lack of depth, character development or explanation of the events makes it feel less like a fantasy epic and more like a complicated series of speeches and action set pieces. The polar bear b... (read more) A wasted opportunity. It's a fantastic story idea, but the lack of depth, character development or explanation of the events makes it feel less like a fantasy epic and more like a complicated series of speeches and action set pieces. The polar bear battle is spectacular, but the rest of the CGI feels rushed and over-simplified. The end result is a horrendously under-whelming film.

Not nearly as good as the book, and I wish this movie would have done better, as I'm not sure if they're making more now or not. But this movie ~is~ good. MOST. BRUTAL. POLAR. BEAR. FIGHT. EVAR!

Kind of boring, mostly confusing. The book may have been better, but the movie does nothing to make me want to read it.

Can't wait to see part 2

It's always a shame when a fantasy world doesn't fully get to come to life on-screen, but there's nothing in director/writer Chris Weitz's repertoire that would suggest he's capable of such a huge task. "Golden Compass" entertains by keeping up your ... (read more) It's always a shame when a fantasy world doesn't fully get to come to life on-screen, but there's nothing in director/writer Chris Weitz's repertoire that would suggest he's capable of such a huge task. "Golden Compass" entertains by keeping up your curiosity the whole time, but it's by far the least spectacular of the last few years' big-budget young adult fantasy novel-turned-movies. A great cast and some stunning CG work can't save a plot-weighted script that only has time to tell and not show us the story.

A darker, deeper fantasy epic than the Rings trilogy, The Chronicles of Narnia or the Potter films. It springs from the same world of quasi-philosophical magic, but creates more complex villains and poses more intriguing questions.

Like Lord Of The Rings and Chronicles Of Narnia it's a visual feast that transports you to an alternate world of jaw-dropping awe, unforgettable images and pure adventure.

This is the kind of movie that was made by throwing dollars at stuff, as opposed to using imagination, thought or even just common sense.

Disappoints with its lack of character development and convoluted storytelling.

Theologically confused and culturally contrived, The Golden Compass is devoid of charm and mystery.