Rated PG-13 for sequences of fantasy violence

Directed by Chris Weitz

Written by From a Novel By Phillip Pullman

Starring Nicole Kidman, Dakota Blue Richards, Eva Green, Daniel Craig, Sam Elliot, Ben Walker, Ian McKellen (voice), Ian McShane (voice), and Freddie Highmore (voice)

The Golden Compass has enough energy to light up the world and probably will. The film shines for the young and is intriguing enough for their parents. Although it’s not much on storyline for this installment, let’s hope the filmmakers have more for us the next time.

In a parallel universe, a world exists that’s ruled by witches and where humans have visible daemons in the form of animals that shape-shift to fit any danger that may present itself. In this amazing world however, an evil government called the Magisterium controls all humans with laws and the backing of a martial force.

In this first book of three by Phillip Pullman, the Magisterium has made an attempt to keep their control over the populace by kidnapping children and bringing them to an experimental lab somewhere to the north. But a child of providence, Lyra (Richards), has come into the possession of a special golden compass that may be the salvation of the world, as she knows it. Finding out that Lyra has the object, a strong confidant of the Magisterium, Mrs. Coulter (Kidman) sets out to trick the young girl into giving it to her. When Lyra finds out how to use the special compass, she realizes she has the power to fight the Magisterium. So starts her mission to save the children and her world.

The stars of The Golden Compass are the computer animators who bring to life all the creatures of each of the humans. People of The Golden Compass world speak with and walk side by side their animal friends, much like we do our pets. However children’s daemons, like Lyra’s Pantalaimon (voiced by Highmore) for example, can change from bird to mouse to marmot to a ferocious cat and back around depending on the danger Lyra may be in. All the humans have a creature and the CGI geeks have created a bevy of them. In addition, they animate a cunning Ice Bear named Lorek (voiced by McKellen) that becomes the pivotal pawn in Lyra’s quest.

(*A daemon, according to Weitz, is a physical manifestation of your soul, which takes the form of an animal. In the case of children, because of their unlimited potential, a daemon can change shape.)

The film has some very exciting action scenes much like Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, but more elaborate. The most remarkable is the Ice Bear battle between Lorek and Ragnar (voiced by McShane), although a little violent for small tykes, it provides most of the thrills in the film.

Topping the very fine acting is Nicole Kidman as the sly Mrs. Coulter. Her presence on the screen is magnificent with her big blue eyes expressing her false devotion and at times nastiness.

On the downside, the film isn’t the first one to deal with parallel universes so you may feel a little déjà vu while watching the film. The examples that come to mind from recent times are Narnia: The Loin, The Witch and the Wardrobe and this year’s Stardust.

FINAL ANALYSIS: The Golden Compass has a lot going for it, including a great cast, awesome CGI and credible acting. The film should stand up to most kid’s expectations.