da'Moose on "Compass"

I'm not entirely sure where to go with this movie. On one hand, I liked the pseudo-steampunk world it took place in. The ice bears were somewhat interesting (especially with Sir Ian McKellen voicing the story's main bear), and graphically well done. The villian of the movie being the authoritarian religious institution was also compelling, though a bit overdone in today's "Da Vinci code" world.

Of course, you can't have the good without the bad. The whole bear fight-the-heir-to-the-death plot with the bears was kind of cliche. If you want a quick comparison, watch the sword and board duel in "The 13th Warrior". Same thing.

Sam Elliot? Hello typecasting, how have you been? I know the guy has brass balls engraved with Chuck Norris' personal endorsement, but c'mon man! Branch out a little!? I was waiting for him to pull back the curtain on his airship and have Bill Paxton, Kurt Russell, and Val Kilmer sitting there playing poker.

Why did Daniel Craig even do this movie? Did he owe someone a favor? He was in it for a grand total of 5 minutes, 4 of which were reprising some sort of bond-esque moments anyways. Lets hope they give him some more lines in the next one... oh yes, Mr. Bond.. there will be a next one...

Then there was Marisa Coulter, the character portrayed by Nicole Kidman. Everytime someone mentioned Ms. Coulter, I couldn't help picturing Ann Coulter in the roll.

Blonde? Check.
Waifish? Check.
Totally out of touch with reality and drunk on the idea of authoritarian neo-conservative para-militaristic regimes? Check.

I think this roll really missed it's calling. Sorry Mrs. Kidman.

All in all, "The Golden Compass" wasn't bad. I'd give it 3 out of 5 antlers. Once I finish reading the book, we'll see if that opinion changes.