Awful film! I've rarely been so bored whilst watching a 'blockbuster'. I've read the books and whilst enjoying them thought they were a little over-rated (the Subtle Knife was the best read of the 3), and could never imagine how a film version would come across. Seems we have an answer now. Badly.
Little girl aside the performances were phoned in and devoid of any character. It really felt like the actors realised what a turkey they were signed up for and gave up trying.
The story line was so too convoluted, heavy on exposition - it had to be driven by dialogue to explain to the viewers what was happening - and basically consisted of one meaningless quest after another with little emotion.
The special effects were pretty forgettable too so I'm not sure where the rave reviews for them have come from, although granted the Polar Bear fight was about as good as it got.
On the back of this offering and its lukewarm reception from the public and critics alike I'd be amazed if the 2nd or 3rd films were ever given the green light.

No surely! I did see a crease in the brow at some stage, but admittedly I'd errantly read the reviews before going to see the film and seeking this erroneous brow slightly marred my viewing.

As others, I have also read the book, but nontheless I rather enjoyed the film and the graphic/animation was indeed supurb.

I really liked these books so I was looking forward to the film version of the first one. I thought it was really good, especially the little girl who plays Lyra - she was fantastic. Loved the daemons and the witches as well as the fight scene at the end. However I usually love Ian McKellen but I'm not sure about him in this - Iorek just sounded like an angry polar bear that ate Gandalf.

Honestly I don't really know what what the Catholic church is kicking up all this fuss about because they're removed all references to 'The Church' and they're just known as the Magisterium. Even my staunchly athiest husband didn't pick up on the metaphor...

Went to see The Golden Compass last night as I'd seen the trailers and thought it looked really good. Plus, wanted to see what the Catholic church were making all the fuss about! Have to admit that I find it strange they're trying to be so controlling about the film's release in America.

Anyway, that aside I thought the film itself was very good and Dakota is definitely going to be the next Natalie Portman if she keeps up performances like this. Nicole Kidman needs to stop having botox if she's having it though - she can't move her forehead at all. Not good for an actress!