Soul Searching
The Golden Compass
Review by Ross Anthony

I received a broadcasted email from some stranger telling me not to see this movie. How about you? What passion. I respect that passion. However, I also respect my right to make a judgment for myself. And, unfortunately, I can't make that judgment unless I, myself, take look. The email warned that the author of the book was an atheist and that he so despised C.S. Lewis' Narnia that he wanted to write stories for children that killed God. That's quite a declaration. With that email in mind, I went to see the film with a minister friend of mine who was well aware of the controversy.

To dispel any gross worries, I do believe I left the theatre with the same beautiful soul I'd entered it with. In fact, my minister friend commented that this film would make a great discussion starter with a group of teens. He'd love to ask them, "So, in what ways do you think modern society feels like it's trying to separate you from your soul?"

As for the movie, er uh, it was okay. There were many charming elements, but for me they didn't quite add up to a fulfilling whole. The most beautiful and stirring element was the premise that there are worlds were people and their souls are not integrated, but rather the soul runs (or flies) alongside you in the form of an animal. City scenes capturing people with their souls scampering beside them remind us all that we really do have souls. I don't see how such a reminder is an affront to religion. In fact, it certainly seems to me quite the contrary. That said, the film clearly highlights as its main conflict the age old difficult relationship between Science and Religion. While the science side is much more nuanced, the group meant to represent religion is sharply generalized to what my minister friend termed as bad religion. I certainly didn't get the feeling that this film's representation of religion was meant to state that all religion was bad. But, it does clearly make a point that any authority that seeks to aggressively separate its young citizens from their right to free thought – to separate them from their very souls in the name of safety – then that authority is the bad guy.

In addition to the frolicking souls, several visual elements are also done nicely. But as the film progresses, its seems these visuals run away with the story, ignoring deeper interactions, stronger dialogue and leaving characters and groups to rather one dimensional definitions. For all the marvelous landscapes and pretty polar bears, I just felt bogged down by something. Lastly, while I loved Sam Elliot's contributions, I was rather disappointed that Daniel Craig had so little screen time.

This film screened at a Krikorian Theatre.

-- Book Contest --


  • The Golden Compass. Copyright © 2007.
  • Starring Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Dakota Blue Richards, Ben Walker, Freddie Highmore, Ian McKellen, Eva Green, Jim Carter, Tom Courtenay, Ian McShane, Sam Elliott, Derek Jacobi.
  • Directed by and Screenplay by Chris Weitz. Based on the novel by Philip Pullman.
  • Produced by Deborah Forte, Bill Carraro at Newline/Ingenious/Scholastic/Depth of Field.

Grade..........................B (2/4)


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Copyright © 1998-2023 Ross Anthony, Author - Speaker - Solo World Circumnavigator In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Mr. Anthony also runs his own publishing company in the Los Angeles area. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books and shooting documentaries, Mr. Anthony has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over 30 countries & 100 cities (Nairobi to Nagasaki). He's bungee-jumped from a bridge near Victoria Falls, wrestled with lions in Zimbabwe, crashed a Vespa off a high mountain road in Taiwan, and ridden a dirt bike across the States (Washington State to Washington DC). To get signed books ("Rodney Appleseed" to "Jinshirou") or schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186. Go into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. Check out books by Ross Anthony. Rand() functions, Pho chicken soup, rollerblading, and frozen yogurt (w/ blueberries) also rock! (Btw, rand is short for random. It can also stand for "Really Awkward Nutty Dinosaurs" -- which is quite rand, isn't it?) Being alive is the miracle. Special thanks to Ken Kocanda, HAL, Jodie Keszek, Don Haderlein, Mom and Pops, my family, R. Foss, and many others by Ross Anthony. Galati-FE also deserves a shout out. And thanks to all of you for your interest and optimism. Enjoy great films, read stirring novels, grow.


Last Modified: Monday, 17-Dec-2007 19:06:58 PST