MOVIE TRAILERS

Oh Alex this one looks absolutely amazing! My hubby thought it looked a bit silly before but even he is now like WOW! Can't wait to see it!

Bah, I wish they'd show more of the daemons. Lyra is nothing without Pan!

It would seem that they stayed true to the book, at least in plot moving points and appearances. A shame that they changed the religious aspect to one of "looking for a family." Not sure how they're going to make movies from the other two books like that.... (yes, this was a book first and the two that come after it are _The Subtle Knife_ and _The Amber Spyglass_ and both are very worth reading)

Um ya, what happened to the Alethiometer?

Have to agree with & about the lack of daemons and others about the removal of the religious themes. These are very good books and while they are still most definitely childrens books they do work on 2 levels. It would seem from the trailer that the subtleties of the book haven't made it to the screen which is a shame because the actual plot lines of the story are fairly basic and what makes the book compelling are the metaphysical aspects that are interwoven with the story so cleverly.

Looking forward to seeing it next to "Zathura" in the 99 cent DVD bin this coming Christmas.

Check out this link to Golden Compass on snopes.com - you won't believe what you read, but it is true! http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/compass.asp

I find it absolutely hilarious that Christains are boycoting this film. Do they not see the irony in this action? You've allowed films like LOTR, Narnia, etc. as "exceptional" since they condone Christain virtues and symbolize all that is beautiful with the religion. In these Christain based novels and movies, magic, witches, evil, good, etc. are all discussed. And they are allowed, because they back up Christianity. However, when a book comes along that deals with these same symbols but against Christianity, you are suddenly completely against seeing the film or reading the book. Boycott! Our children will become atheists, because the author is an atheist, we cannot expose our children to values which are outside or Christianity at all. Wake up. It's ok to ask questions, your children will be exposed to atheism one day anyways (is it not better, then, to expose them early on to atheism in a form - such as a novel, or movie - where they WILL ask questions and you CAN support their questions with Christianity?) Questions are not bad. Ignorance is the sin, and trying to shelter your kids from anything against principles which you are trying to instill will only make them more likely to leave their Christain principles behind when they are exposed to the real world later on. Phillip Pullman's books are beautiful. They make you think, they make you QUESTION Christian institutions (The institution is different than a belief, remember), but most of all they are food for your imagination. They are amazing books. And not allowing children the gift of reading, because of consequential material, is denying them the most amazing opportunity of all: the opportunity to learn, to question, and then to ultimately grow. Now...arent those Christian principles?

I am a Christian, teach an adult bible study and read the bible daily. On the flip side I am an avid fantasy reader and I'm looking forward to this movie. I've read and re-read LoR, DragonLance series, Stephen King, and to tell you the truth I'd have no qualms if my kids wanted to see this movie or read his books. Those who are requesting a boycott of this movie should actually look at their own lives and find out where they actually stand in their beliefs. To start of boycott of a movie such as this would actually brandish all movies, including some Disney movie because as we all know Bambi has been rated the scariest movie of all time (USA Today). I say buy a ticket, stand in line, get some popcorn and soda... turn your cellphone off and enjoy the movie.... I will be... Triston

I have tried to read all the comments regarding this movie and books as I am a mother of 6 ... but I have to say I am shocked after reading all of the reviews that any parent would take their child to see such a movie. I WILL NOT BE TAKING MY CHILDREN TO WATCH ANY MOVIE OR READ ANY BOOKS WHERE THE THEME IS KILLING GOD! that's all!

Andrew. I can understand where you're comming from on this, however your analogy is flawed. For one thing we don't teach children anything about the sex (including abstinence) until they hit puberty, but we do teach them religion from practically the moment they're born. For you analogy to work you'd have to not teach them anything about any religion until a certain age. I've been going to Catholic Schools since I was 4. If we can teach them about Christianity when they are little then why is it some crime to teach them about other religious veiws when they are little? It's also a poor comparrison because watching pornography is something that Christians shouldn't do because of the activity that usually takes place while watching porn. Christians should, however, learn about other religions and other religious ideals as well as their own. So, unless you still live by the mideval idea that "knowledge of evil is evil" then I don't think that's the message you want to be sending children by boycotting movies that might involve different religious views. The idea of boycotting a movie because it expresses different religious views (Subtly I might add) is rediculous. There are two reasons for this. The most ammusing one being that you're essecially giving them free advertising. I'd never heard of this movie until I got an e-mail saying that I shouldn't go see it and should never take my children to it. This sparked my curriocity and now I will end up seeing this movie in theatres just to see if the all the hype about it being about "destroying god" is true. Personally from what I've read about the movie it's more about standing up to an institution rather than God. I was always taught to question why I believe something and to question those that tell me that I should believe something as to why. Because of that I have a strong understanding of Catholicism, and why Catholics believe what they believe. This movie seem to send the same kind of message in that regards. The other reason being that the reason for the boycott is that it will somehow corrupt good Christian children into being atheists. I'm sorry, maybe I just had a better understanding of the difference between fantasy and reality as a child, but I never watched a movie about Superman and thought that there were really aliens with super powers living among us. I never watched a horror movie and thought that zombies would really rise from the dead or that Jaws was going to pop out of the water and eat me at the swimming pool. I never saw the older Lion the Witch and Wardrobe movies and made the conection to Christ until others pointed it out to me. Even though othe children still do get scared from movies I think it's quite a stretch to think that they will change their entire belief system that they've grown up with thus far because of one movie. So I fail to see especially with wonderful movies like Chronicles of Narnia to balance out why someone who was taught about God and brought up Christian would, because of some movie that vaguely and indirectly references atheistic ideals, suddenly stop believing in God. Forgive me for saying this, but if it's THAT easy to convert children away from Christianity despite parental teachings to the contrary then perhaps the fault lies more within the Christian institutions and teachers and less with outside influences like a movie. Oh, and Andrew two other things: 1) "How are they going to be able to make sense of their Sunday School lessons and this strange movie?" - This is what parents are there for. Course, if any child manages to make the connection between this movie and atheism without anyone else informing them of that connection I'll be impressed and wouldn't be surprised if that kid turned out to have an IQ of 200 later in life. 2) "Face it Anne, you're a wacked out liberal." - Real mature.

What I find interesting is that everyone is surprised about this movie, and its content. Pullman is an Atheist he has no beliefs, that means he has no belief in God or the Devil. One cannot exists without the other, so the idea of shunning/boycotting this movie is nothing but foolish, and by doing so will drive people to see the movie. Atheist usually takes the darker side of life because the idea of God is not attainable to them. Don't see the movie if you don't like Pullman or his books or the content of the movie. Politically speaking whether you are an Elephant or a Donkey who cares, that doesn't have anything to do with this movies content or the writer. Truthfully the book Northern Lights/Golden Compass is a re-write of book from another Atheist from the 1400's. It's a movie for entertainment nothing more. Pullman or any other writer regardless of their beliefs will continue to write whatever they want and if a director or screen writer thinks it will make a great movie then it will be done. The movie is going to be a hit, the actors selected for this movie will not be the driving force for the movie, the idea of Fantasy, talking animals, witches, and war between God and Evil will be the driving force. Stop putting each other down for having an opinion, and religious beliefs. See the movie if you want too, don't see it if you don't want too or don't like the writer. This thread has gotten out of hand. Let's discuss the movie, not personal attacks on each other.

Stephen, You ARE a whacked out liberal. Andrew was right. He has a completely valid point. You obviously don't understand Christian values, morals, or disciplines at all. So please don't try to act like you do. I'm sorry that you feel so threatened by us. People, like you, want to live in a feel-good-guilt-free world where they can do anything they want and not be made to feel bad about it. Guess what, there are some things that you SHOULD feel bad about! Every time somebody wants to do something repulsive, and not feel guilty about it, they get angry at Christianity. You also don’t have kids. Yes, it’s that obvious. You wouldn’t be spouting that gibberish about puberty if you did. Good parents may talk to their children about sex before puberty. If you wait until puberty, it may be too late. Same with drugs. Hey kids are going to be exposed to drugs sooner or later, so let’s give them some now! We’re going to boycott this movie because many Christians don’t know what this movie is really about. They’re going to take their children to see it all unaware. I don’t care who goes to see it but I want them to know what it is that they’re going to see.

Boycott it if you want, we won`t have to put up with silly commentaries during the movie... Anyways, I`m sure most of you let the children kill every kind of monsters and animals and girls and muslims in video game? buiscuil

Simple-minded? Since when does MY boycotting of a movie prevent YOU from seeing it? How does my boycott determine what is right for for you? NO ONE IS STOPPING YOU FROM SEEING THE MOVIE, SO WHAT ARE YOU COMPLAINING ABOUT? boy·cott (boi'k?t') Pronunciation Key boy·cott·ed, boy·cott·ing, boy·cotts To abstain from or act together in abstaining from using, buying, or dealing with as an expression of protest or disfavor or as a means of coercion. See Synonyms at blackball. No one is talking about picket lines here. We're just not going to see the movie. If a group of people do that, in large numbers, that's a boycott. It's a free country and we can abstain from this movie all we want. Apparently, you don't even know what boycott means, so who's really simple minded?

I didnt read the number 34 one. but i skimmed back up to take a look. he says that "the parents should explain to their children that this is a rebellion againist a manipulative institution that does more harm than good" in this right there he is saying god is manipulative and does more harm than good! which is as far from the truth as i can imagine!!

Open opinion on this subjuct has led me to believe that there are quite a few concerned people out there. People looking to defend one point of view and others looking to defend theirs. Being a Christian myself, I have my own views about what I watch and about what I let influence my life, but a movie certainly shouldn't be something so huge. Did you know that in Christian Bible Colleges they not only teach you about the differences inbetween different religions and that of the Chrisitian faith? I agree with some of the parents that are discussing their side about not letting their children see this film because the mind of a child can easily be influenced at an early age. Christian parents shouldn't let their children see this movie, but they themselves should go to see, not only a great adventure, but the point of view of an Atheist. Is reading the book of Mormon so different to learn what is different between it and the Bible? Is studying the differences between Buddists and Muslims compared to the Christian values so horrible? Children don't need this kind of influence at such a young age, with that I agree. But to deny someone their own opinion is like putting a regulation on the way a democracy works. Opinions need to be heard and others need to understand that there will always be two sided opinions to every matter. Jesus was patient when he was teaching those who didn't know God, he never acted harmfully or hurt anyone with words or distaste. Why then are we doing the same when debating against someone else's values? If you're worried about giving money to someone who doesn't see your own point of view, why then do you pay taxes to a Government that you didn't vote for? I would gladly buy a copy of the Qur'an so I could point out the differences between the Christian values and those of Islam. People have the right to believe what they want to believe. Its a sad truth, but it's the choice God gave us and the freedom that everyone has to make. If God wanted everyone to be Christians when they were born, he would have designed us this way, but instead He gave us a choice. You don't have to see the movie if you don't want to, no one is forcing that on you at all. I'm simply saying that this should be used not only as an adventure film such as LOTR, but as a lesson for those that want to dwell deeper into it. When I read Pullman's trilogy, I was reading it along side with my Bible, back up things and views that he had with words that God had to say. I prepared myself. If you're a parent that is worried for your child, as am I worried for mine, let them know about the different views of the world slowly, but not through this movie. Go see it for yourselves to further enhance your own learnings of Christianity. The warrior that is more skilled and wise in all the forms of combat and tactics is far better off that the soldier who only knows the way of his own homeland. I am deeply saddened at the way some Christians act towards others with views and words of harshness. Jesus himself never spat back at those that spat at him. Remember that. Be modest about this discussion. Listen to people's points of view and learn why they think this way. Ultimately, it will help you in other things that make it easier to no debate religious points of view, but rather discuss them. Movies like this shouldn't be used as a tool to create chaos, like the witch burnings in the middle ages. Boycott if you don't want to see it, but don't hate others that want to. See this movie for your own enjoyment if you like, or learn from it such as I will. But please don't let your negative feelings hurt either side of the arguement. Let's discuss and not argue, such as Jesus did. By the way, thank you Triston (Numbers 29 & 32) for sparking my interest in needing to voice my own opinion. If you need to comment against me, please do so with the knowledge that I am only defending my own believes and just like your own, I have every right to voice it. To my Brothers and Sisters in Christ, keep the minds of your children as safe as you need to, and maybe later on in life introduce them to the ways others believe. Never hate. Voice your opinion fairly. Listen. Don't judge. These things I know will make things like a movie like this easier to understand why God allows different opinions to fill the world

God loves you. Never forget it!

God doesnt exist. Get over it

Have to say, i'm not surprised by the outrage from those that think the book is about destroying god. If they had read the book maybe they'ld see that the book (which is a work of fiction) explores deeper idea's and mythology behind the Universe and life than the Bible even comes close to. The refferece to killing god, I think must be the part in the book third book when the first being to become a consious(sp?) being(in this case an angel type being) tells the second being to become consious that he is indeed, god. The power, control and Universal battles that follow over the course of Time all stem from that moment. People(or all beings inc angels etc) through time then have the opportunity (just as the first being did) to use thier own minds o comprehend the Universe. Many follow the beliefs of others, and some choose to use thier own brains to figure things out. No wonder some people don't like this book. It encourages independant thinking, and that's not really very godly is it?

You know - after reading many of the comments, I have come to the conclusion that I think it's GOOD that the good Christian folk do not want to subject their little tots to such a subversive message. Yes - PLEASE - SHELTER your kids. Don't, for the love of your non-existent god, subject them to ANY other message other than your own narrow world-view, for, when they are older - and out from under your strong-armed christian militantism, they will UNDOUBTEDLY and assuredly by subjected to the same "evil," "vile," and dare I say,"satanic," themes that are, apparently, in this movie. And by then, you will not be around to be the the holy shoulder to cry on - and they will have to make a decision... ... FOR THEMSELVES!!! Oh holy Moses say it isn't true. And people like me will be waiting - like demons under the rocks. Take care of them now. Show them the ropes of REAL life. Don't shelter them. Let them see what there is to see - let them USE THEIR MINDS to MAKE REAL DECISIONS with YOU AS PARENTS AS A GUIDE!!!!! or suffer the consequences in this increasingly secular world. Infidelephant

26 - "How are they going to make sense of their Sunday school lessons and this strange movie?" - That's a very good question. And here's the answer. All parents should explain to their children that books contain stories and that stories, while often not actually being real in the sense of containing a historical record, can be true in the sense that they may convey lessons on how to behave. If parents explain that the Bible is a book just like any other and that some useful ideas can be had from it, along with some bad ones, then The Golden Compass can sit alongside it in kids' minds just fine. If you find this hard to accept and wish to insist that the bible is the word of God and must be followed to the letter, then you'll do children everywere a service if you can explain why no modern Christians kill people who work on the Sabbath, as it says to do in Exodus 31:12-15. Let's face it. This book and film do not purport to be real. They are self-evidently stories in which the church is portrayed as an advocate of mind-control. I think that this kind of thing is terrifying to some members of organised religions because they think of words as facts and people (particularly children) as being as black and white about these words as they are. Children are only as stupid and impressionable as you wish to make them. Give them the tools to think about the grey areas of life and they'll do just fine.

It's a wonderful FANTASY story, that features a smart, strong girl who uses her brain. The succeeding books, have a smart string boy who uses his, and together, the two of them go on an epic journey and play a part in major events of their time. The difference between these charachters and the boycott crowd, is that they know the difference between fantasy and reality. Ther are no virgin births in "The Golden Compass." The evils of a ruthless, dogmatic institution that harms children are exposed, (much like the court admitted 4% of Catholic priests are child molesters) and Lyra has to negotiate her way through a world where she has to learn who to trust. Not everything is black and white, and the characters have real human depth to them. Yes, Christians, keep your children at home and away from any other examples where children have to learn to think critically. The more repressive their childhood experiences with your hate filled religion, the more likely they'll reject it entirely when they're adults.

Yes, Christians, keep your children at home and away from any other examples where children have to learn to think critically. The more repressive their childhood experiences with your hate filled religion, the more likely they'll reject it entirely when they're adults. Christopher Bingham on Nov 30, 2007 _______________________________________________________________________________ So, you’re saying that only Christians can be Child molesters? You’re saying that only Christians can hate? There as many Atheist Child Molesters as there are religious Child molesters. Faith makes no difference, in that regard. Many Atheists commit terrible crimes and then hide behind a religious façade. If you don’t believe that you’ll be judged, in the next life, then you’ll do whatever disgusting you want, in this life. True Christianity is about love. Jesus was the ultimate pacifist. Atheism is an excuse for despicable people to do despicable things.

If you don't agree with the movie, you don't have to go see it, it's true. However, most of the boycotters really have no real idea of what the trilogy or the movie entails. And as such, they stand out as rather silly. They listened to the exaggerated comments of fanatics and paraphrased what Pullman has said in his interviews. The trilogy does not promote Atheism. It promotes free will and choice. His Dark Materials may have stemmed from Paradise Lost by Milton, but it is deeply spiritual. It promotes so many good things; love and loyalty and courage and curiosity and friendship. It is fundamentally a story about a young girl who is overcoming all obstacles by remaining faithful to her friend and herself. Anyone who can even mention His Dark Materials and pornography in the same sentence has either never read the series, or never understood it. By not allowing your children to see these movies or read these books, based on the mistaken notion that the series is about 'killing God', is not allowing your children an opportunity to grow. Lyra, the protagonist, grows from girl to woman during the trilogy. She questions authorities, she defies the people that try to change her, and she always remains truthful to herself. Her loyalty and courage and capacity to love have inspired me when I was a child. THAT is what children would take away from the series. Any 'hidden agenda' or anti-religious undertones are adult interpretations. The religious fanatics that cannot appreciate the series for what it is, that is their lost; a type of discrimination. It is your choice to boycott the movie, or prevent your children from seeing it. But if you are doing so without truly understanding the beauty of the story, without understanding how much that story has inspired thousands of children to become better people, to love, to question to never give up, you are doing yourself a disfavor. My suggestion is to find out whether His Dark Materials is acceptable for yourself. Yes, it does have anti-religious undertones. Yes, a character who calls himself God (but is revealed to be fake) is killed. Yes, there is a Magisterium which is corrupt and cruel, which is organized not dissimilar to the Catholic Church. Yes to a lot of things. But at its heart, it is a story about growing up, about free will and beauty and a little girl's determination to change to world and protect her friends. The Magisterium of His Dark Materials controls free will by cutting out the part of children that enables them to make choices. They are evil and do not reflect the values taught by most religious groups. By boycotting a wonderful story like this one on the basis that it disagrees with part of your theology, you are making yourself more like Pullman's Magisterium than you need to be. I can understand if these books were valid threats to your children or yourself, but if you ask most parents who have read the book, or most children who has read the book, you may get a very different view. His Dark Materials, all three books, are undoubtedly some of the greatest Children's fictions ever written. With its scope, its imagination, the strong and wonderful protagonist, and its magic. They treat children with respect, and shows children that they can be strong and good, that they are not powerless, and inspires them to find themselves. And that, is a truly precious thing that I wish every child in the world can participate in.

Who formed you in the womb! GOD

The book was incredible, a real page turner.. I'm so excited for the movie! Pullman is an talented and profound writer; one does not have to be against religion to enjoy this story.. Keep an open mind and you will see the beauty of the story. Enjoy everyone! Cheers.

I saw the film last night and can confidently tell all Christians (and indeed muslims, Wiccans and everyone else) that you have nothing to fear. It tries to cram too much into less than two hours and so you are rushed from set piece to set piece wondering why. The characters are a bit two dimensional and the relationships between them are not really realised; end result - I didn't really care about them, felt slightly confused and imagined that most of the young (and old) people watching probably felt the same way. The Majesterium comes across looking less like the catholic church and more like a bunch of Mussollini's fascists. If there was any god-killing going on here, I didn't see it. I think the only religion that got dented by this effort is that of Hollywood, whose excecutives seem to believe that you can take any popular piece of fiction, turn it into moving pictures and sit back while the cash rolls in. Not so!

Why is it deemed bizarre to want to encourage our children to watch fun, nice things? As a christian, an individual, as a parent - We teach our children values, morals but also to question, to be informed, to be respectful of others and their point of view. But we also are accountable for bringing up our children and safeguarding at times what they are exposed to. We can't wrap them up and protect them form all ''the worldy'' views!! We don't want to produce little clones of ourselves!! But we can try to be wise and provide good foundations for them to build upon as they grow and become the person that God intends them to be. I havn't read the book - I will be as my son is now due to study it at school. I need to be informed before entering into a discussion with him. I just don't understand why killing, demons, attack on a specific group of people or belief system is regarded as a great topic to base a book on.

Where freddie highmore appear in this movie?? he's my cousin!!! GRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!! >8-(