Re: [scifinoir2] Gonna See The Golden Compass?
i guess i'm thinking that one or two less than super-duper blockbusters wouldn't hurt Smith. He could have viewed Hitch as the one to do more normal box office, then gone back to the Bad Boys-summer-winter blockbuster routine he's gotten down so well. I mean, when the likes of Adam Sandler does crap like Chuck and Larry, and Halle Berry does the last couple of films she's done--which did no box office to speak of--I don't see why Smith doesn't at least try to send out a more positive message. I just think it's crazy that in 2007 the only person really pushing black-on-black couples as something wonderful and romantic is Tyler Perry. I really think Smith missed an opportunity with Hitch to show the world something. I mean, if you think of his last few films, such as that Happyness one, that horrible Bad Boys 2, and now I am Legend, all were or will most likely (in the case of Legend) do big box office and/or decent critical success. So surely he could have shoehorned in a movie that said Hey, black people can have romance too. And when will that chance come around again? How much more does Smith need to do to prove he's bankable before he can take the risk of having a love story with a woman who looks like his real life wife? Not meaning to bluster, but I hear some people--some on this list for example--criticize Tyler Perry for being slapstick, simplistic, formulaic, lowbrow, or too preachy. I think someone said he had a flaw in that he only appeals to middle-aged church going black women. Well, aside from the fact that i disagree with that (fifty plus million in box office didn't all come from the Sunday school crowd) again, i applaud the Brother for insisting on showing romance with black couples. Given the state of black couples in America, Black people need to see that as much as whites. I'm a man ,and i felt insulted to see the slot that should have gone to a Sister filled by Eva Mendez. Man, I thought, Black women just keep getting bad breaks, especially when Brothers won't push for them. Between the Brothers who love them some white women, asian/black women, and now Latina women, and those like Smith scared to challenge the white guys in Hollywood, is it any wonder people flock to support the likes of Tyler Perry, or movies like Love Jones, Brown Sugar, Last Holiday, Two Can Play that Game, etc? They may all be comedies and somewhat formulaic, but you takes what you can get where you can get it. I make a point of supporting films that show black romantic love, and my DVD collection is filled with all of them that are good-to-decent. Hitch isn't in the house. Okay, off the soapbox! It's 3 am and I hope i don't read this missive later today and realize it was a garbled string of incomprehensible stuff written by a half-sleeping mind! I'm supposed to be up in six hours to hit two hours of workouts at the gym, then go fix a friend's dad's computer, so off to sleepytime land for me! -- Original message -- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] i think that when the like of Tyler Perry can do fifty million in less than two weeks, Will Smith would have been a success with Hitch. he still would have drawn in a lot of whites, and blacks would have seen it too. It may have only made one hundred million instead of, say one hundred seventy-five, but when is the time to take a chance if not then? I hear what you're saying, but if America isn't ready now, when will they ever be? -- Original message -- From: Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor) Your assuming that he has enough clout to survive if (in my opinion- when) they were proved right and it turned out not to be a block bluster. I think, though he might has sold out in a way, he was shrewd enough to realize that it was a battle that if he won, would do him harm. American Audiences are not ready. I think he should fight for such a goal in an art house, low budget venture with less to loose if it does not deliver at the box office. Hollywood decision makers are fickle. do you remember when Travolta could not get a reading after two flops. It took several years to revive his career. Smith only has one flop that I know of ..Wild West, had that romance flopped he would have been perceived as not being able to be a romantic lead. no star, of any race has enough clout to survive flops caused by going up against the big decision makers [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: You're right on. I was really thrown when i heard that Master and Commander changed the book's premise, changing the bad guys from the Americans to the France. That really pisses me off. As for Sali Richardson in Legend tha'ts really just a throwaway roll. See, the problem with Hollywood isn't giving a Black man a Black wife in a movie where the romance isn't the focus. It's in a straight up romantic comedy or dramatic
Re: [scifinoir2] Gonna See The Golden Compass?
Good point, but I think Perry is making movie history, by proving that you can make lots of movies with a predominantly Black audience that is not in the teen target demographics. As far as I know, less than 20% of Perry's audience is not African American. I think someone with a smaller budget flick and black or black love will at some point have a mega-hit. It will cause the ditto-head decision-makers to try to duplicate that success over and over. This will enable the masses to adapt. I think that is how they got used to interracial match-ups. I think that for it to work, it can not be with a predominantly Black cast, but with a cast similar to most mainstream movies, but the difference is the male and female leads are both African American. The problem with Smith taking a risk with that movie is the budget and the high profile. If he had taken the risk you think he should have and it was a low budget movie (maybe even one he bankrolled) that became a breakout hit great. If it failed, it would not have been as much risk to his clout in Hollywood. Just my cynical musings. I actually hope I'm way off base and that he is just gutless. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: i think that when the like of Tyler Perry can do fifty million in less than two weeks, Will Smith would have been a success with Hitch. he still would have drawn in a lot of whites, and blacks would have seen it too. It may have only made one hundred million instead of, say one hundred seventy-five, but when is the time to take a chance if not then? I hear what you're saying, but if America isn't ready now, when will they ever be? -- Original message -- From: Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor) [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your assuming that he has enough clout to survive if (in my opinion- when) they were proved right and it turned out not to be a block bluster. I think, though he might has sold out in a way, he was shrewd enough to realize that it was a battle that if he won, would do him harm. American Audiences are not ready. I think he should fight for such a goal in an art house, low budget venture with less to loose if it does not deliver at the box office. Hollywood decision makers are fickle. do you remember when Travolta could not get a reading after two flops. It took several years to revive his career. Smith only has one flop that I know of ..Wild West, had that romance flopped he would have been perceived as not being able to be a romantic lead. no star, of any race has enough clout to survive flops caused by going up against the big decision makers [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: You're right on. I was really thrown when i heard that Master and Commander changed the book's premise, changing the bad guys from the Americans to the France. That really pisses me off. As for Sali Richardson in Legend tha'ts really just a throwaway roll. See, the problem with Hollywood isn't giving a Black man a Black wife in a movie where the romance isn't the focus. It's in a straight up romantic comedy or dramatic love story where the love is the focus when they balk. Hence, Smith was told that giving him a black lady would have made it a black movie, and scared away white audiences. And a white love interest would have scared away white audiences as well, so they got something that to their puny minds was in between: a Latina. I find that to be contemptible, and I'm more than a little pissed that Smith didn't use all that supposed clout to fight for a Sister anyway -- Original message -- From: Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor) Keith, you are assuming the US audience is intelligent and open to alternative perspectives, like yourself. I was reading an American blog for Blood+, an anime on Adult Swim, in which the US creates a global plague for which they have the cure and thus power. The blogger was shocked that a lot of Anime positioned the US as a corrupt bad guy. I understand why they are inclined to see our government that way. But, most Americans perceive us as the men in White, always doing good, even when we do wrong; Many unenlightened White Americans, also have no interest in seeing Black on Black love. While I have heard backlash over Will Smith being the lead in I am Legend, I have not yet heard anything negative about Salli Richardson being his love interest. If movie makers, who make decisions based on the bottom line, start raising their expectations of viewers and moviegoer, when all evidence is pointing to the fact that Americans are not as smart as they once were, then they will start to lose money. Just remember, we who seek out new, different and challenging stories, are not their target audience. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: yeah, i'd read that. That's one of the strangest
Re: [scifinoir2] Gonna See The Golden Compass?
no, you're on base. everything you say is true, Smith just needs in my opinion to jump in a take a chance. Perry definitely brings in mostly black audiences, but Will Smith has a built in likeability factor for white audiences. again, i'm just wondering how much popularity is enough, how much money is enough, for him to do it? -- Original message -- From: Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor) [EMAIL PROTECTED] Good point, but I think Perry is making movie history, by proving that you can make lots of movies with a predominantly Black audience that is not in the teen target demographics. As far as I know, less than 20% of Perry's audience is not African American. I think someone with a smaller budget flick and black or black love will at some point have a mega-hit. It will cause the ditto-head decision-makers to try to duplicate that success over and over. This will enable the masses to adapt. I think that is how they got used to interracial match-ups. I think that for it to work, it can not be with a predominantly Black cast, but with a cast similar to most mainstream movies, but the difference is the male and female leads are both African American. The problem with Smith taking a risk with that movie is the budget and the high profile. If he had taken the risk you think he should have and it was a low budget movie (maybe even one he bankrolled) that became a breakout hit great. If it failed, it would not have been as much risk to his clout in Hollywood. Just my cynical musings. I actually hope I'm way off base and that he is just gutless. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: i think that when the like of Tyler Perry can do fifty million in less than two weeks, Will Smith would have been a success with Hitch. he still would have drawn in a lot of whites, and blacks would have seen it too. It may have only made one hundred million instead of, say one hundred seventy-five, but when is the time to take a chance if not then? I hear what you're saying, but if America isn't ready now, when will they ever be? -- Original message -- From: Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor) Your assuming that he has enough clout to survive if (in my opinion- when) they were proved right and it turned out not to be a block bluster. I think, though he might has sold out in a way, he was shrewd enough to realize that it was a battle that if he won, would do him harm. American Audiences are not ready. I think he should fight for such a goal in an art house, low budget venture with less to loose if it does not deliver at the box office. Hollywood decision makers are fickle. do you remember when Travolta could not get a reading after two flops. It took several years to revive his career. Smith only has one flop that I know of ..Wild West, had that romance flopped he would have been perceived as not being able to be a romantic lead. no star, of any race has enough clout to survive flops caused by going up against the big decision makers [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: You're right on. I was really thrown when i heard that Master and Commander changed the book's premise, changing the bad guys from the Americans to the France. That really pisses me off. As for Sali Richardson in Legend tha'ts really just a throwaway roll. See, the problem with Hollywood isn't giving a Black man a Black wife in a movie where the romance isn't the focus. It's in a straight up romantic comedy or dramatic love story where the love is the focus when they balk. Hence, Smith was told that giving him a black lady would have made it a black movie, and scared away white audiences. And a white love interest would have scared away white audiences as well, so they got something that to their puny minds was in between: a Latina. I find that to be contemptible, and I'm more than a little pissed that Smith didn't use all that supposed clout to fight for a Sister anyway -- Original message -- From: Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor) Keith, you are assuming the US audience is intelligent and open to alternative perspectives, like yourself. I was reading an American blog for Blood+, an anime on Adult Swim, in which the US creates a global plague for which they have the cure and thus power. The blogger was shocked that a lot of Anime positioned the US as a corrupt bad guy. I understand why they are inclined to see our government that way. But, most Americans perceive us as the men in White, always doing good, even when we do wrong; Many unenlightened White Americans, also have no interest in seeing Black on Black love. While I have heard backlash over Will Smith being the lead in I am Legend, I have not yet heard anything negative about Salli
Re: [scifinoir2] Gonna See The Golden Compass?
Keith, you are assuming the US audience is intelligent and open to alternative perspectives, like yourself. I was reading an American blog for Blood+, an anime on Adult Swim, in which the US creates a global plague for which they have the cure and thus power. The blogger was shocked that a lot of Anime positioned the US as a corrupt bad guy. I understand why they are inclined to see our government that way. But, most Americans perceive us as the men in White, always doing good, even when we do wrong; Many unenlightened White Americans, also have no interest in seeing Black on Black love. While I have heard backlash over Will Smith being the lead in I am Legend, I have not yet heard anything negative about Salli Richardson being his love interest. If movie makers, who make decisions based on the bottom line, start raising their expectations of viewers and moviegoer, when all evidence is pointing to the fact that Americans are not as smart as they once were, then they will start to lose money. Just remember, we who seek out new, different and challenging stories, are not their target audience. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: yeah, i'd read that. That's one of the strangest ironies: that the film actually pulling back from the more overt anti-religious themes of the books angers some Christians, becuase they fear that makes it a stealth film, harmless in and of itself, but then leading kids to the heathen books. Again, i haven't read any of the books, but i have to say, the more i see the trailers the more i want to see this movie. I believe in God--and you better believe as a self-styled scientist, engineer, and someone who seeks knowledgeable friends, i've heard all the it's stupid to believe in a God arguments. So for me, the subject matter isn't a problem. I do find myself always sighing when i read the words such-and-such was changed to appeal to US audiences. That's the same crap that allowed Will Smith to punk out and not cast a black female love interest in Hitch (white Americans wouldn't see the resultant black movie), the reason the movie Master and Commander changed the bad guys from the US (as it was in the book) to the French (didn't want to piss off US audiences), and the reason Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was changed to Harry Potter and the Sorcerers's Stone (they were afraid American kids didn't know what a Philosopher's Stone was). Geez, anyone ever think of American audiences freakin' *increasing* their intelligence instead of expecting movies to dumb down theres??! -- Original message -- From: Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor) [EMAIL PROTECTED] You probably saw this, but just incase I thought I would post this text from wikipedia Controversies Several key themes of the novels, the rejection of organized religion and the abuse of power in a fictionalized Catholic Church, are to be diluted in the adaptation. Director Weitz said in the books the Magisterium is a version of the Catholic Church gone wildly astray from its roots but that the organization portrayed in his film would not directly match that of Pullman's books. Instead, the Magisterium will represent all dogmatic http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dogma organizations.^[34] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-telegraph Weitz said that New Line Cinema had feared the story's anti-religious themes would make the film financially unviable in the US, and so religion and God http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God will not be referenced directly. Attempting to reassure fans of the novels, Weitz said that religion would instead appear in euphemistic http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euphemistic terms, yet the decision has been attacked by some fans,^[35] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-btts-weitz anti-censorship groups, and the National Secular Society http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Secular_Society (of which Pullman is an honorary associate), which said they are taking the heart out of it, losing the point of it, castrating it,^[36] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-observer this is part of a long-term problem over freedom of speech. The changes from the novel have been present since Tom Stoppard http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Stoppard's rejected version of the script,^[23] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-nyt and Pullman himself believes the film will be faithful.^[34] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-telegraph On October 7 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/October_7, 2007 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007 the Catholic League http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_League_%28US%29 called for a boycott of the film.^[37] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-CL League president William A.
Re: [scifinoir2] Gonna See The Golden Compass?
Your assuming that he has enough clout to survive if (in my opinion- when) they were proved right and it turned out not to be a block bluster. I think, though he might has sold out in a way, he was shrewd enough to realize that it was a battle that if he won, would do him harm. American Audiences are not ready. I think he should fight for such a goal in an art house, low budget venture with less to loose if it does not deliver at the box office. Hollywood decision makers are fickle. do you remember when Travolta could not get a reading after two flops. It took several years to revive his career. Smith only has one flop that I know of ..Wild West, had that romance flopped he would have been perceived as not being able to be a romantic lead. no star, of any race has enough clout to survive flops caused by going up against the big decision makers [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: You're right on. I was really thrown when i heard that Master and Commander changed the book's premise, changing the bad guys from the Americans to the France. That really pisses me off. As for Sali Richardson in Legend tha'ts really just a throwaway roll. See, the problem with Hollywood isn't giving a Black man a Black wife in a movie where the romance isn't the focus. It's in a straight up romantic comedy or dramatic love story where the love is the focus when they balk. Hence, Smith was told that giving him a black lady would have made it a black movie, and scared away white audiences. And a white love interest would have scared away white audiences as well, so they got something that to their puny minds was in between: a Latina. I find that to be contemptible, and I'm more than a little pissed that Smith didn't use all that supposed clout to fight for a Sister anyway -- Original message -- From: Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor) [EMAIL PROTECTED] Keith, you are assuming the US audience is intelligent and open to alternative perspectives, like yourself. I was reading an American blog for Blood+, an anime on Adult Swim, in which the US creates a global plague for which they have the cure and thus power. The blogger was shocked that a lot of Anime positioned the US as a corrupt bad guy. I understand why they are inclined to see our government that way. But, most Americans perceive us as the men in White, always doing good, even when we do wrong; Many unenlightened White Americans, also have no interest in seeing Black on Black love. While I have heard backlash over Will Smith being the lead in I am Legend, I have not yet heard anything negative about Salli Richardson being his love interest. If movie makers, who make decisions based on the bottom line, start raising their expectations of viewers and moviegoer, when all evidence is pointing to the fact that Americans are not as smart as they once were, then they will start to lose money. Just remember, we who seek out new, different and challenging stories, are not their target audience. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: yeah, i'd read that. That's one of the strangest ironies: that the film actually pulling back from the more overt anti-religious themes of the books angers some Christians, becuase they fear that makes it a stealth film, harmless in and of itself, but then leading kids to the heathen books. Again, i haven't read any of the books, but i have to say, the more i see the trailers the more i want to see this movie. I believe in God--and you better believe as a self-styled scientist, engineer, and someone who seeks knowledgeable friends, i've heard all the it's stupid to believe in a God arguments. So for me, the subject matter isn't a problem. I do find myself always sighing when i read the words such-and-such was changed to appeal to US audiences. That's the same crap that allowed Will Smith to punk out and not cast a black female love interest in Hitch (white Americans wouldn't see the resultant black movie), the reason the movie Master and Commander changed the bad guys from the US (as it was in the book) to the French (didn't want to piss off US audiences), and the reason Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was changed to Harry Potter and the Sorcerers's Stone (they were afraid American kids didn't know what a Philosopher's Stone was). Geez, anyone ever think of American audiences freakin' *increasing* their intelligence instead of expecting movies to dumb down theres??! -- Original message -- From: Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor) You probably saw this, but just incase I thought I would post this text from wikipedia Controversies Several key themes of the novels, the rejection of organized religion and the abuse of power in a fictionalized Catholic Church, are to be diluted in the
Re: [scifinoir2] Gonna See The Golden Compass?
i think that when the like of Tyler Perry can do fifty million in less than two weeks, Will Smith would have been a success with Hitch. he still would have drawn in a lot of whites, and blacks would have seen it too. It may have only made one hundred million instead of, say one hundred seventy-five, but when is the time to take a chance if not then? I hear what you're saying, but if America isn't ready now, when will they ever be? -- Original message -- From: Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor) [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your assuming that he has enough clout to survive if (in my opinion- when) they were proved right and it turned out not to be a block bluster. I think, though he might has sold out in a way, he was shrewd enough to realize that it was a battle that if he won, would do him harm. American Audiences are not ready. I think he should fight for such a goal in an art house, low budget venture with less to loose if it does not deliver at the box office. Hollywood decision makers are fickle. do you remember when Travolta could not get a reading after two flops. It took several years to revive his career. Smith only has one flop that I know of ..Wild West, had that romance flopped he would have been perceived as not being able to be a romantic lead. no star, of any race has enough clout to survive flops caused by going up against the big decision makers [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: You're right on. I was really thrown when i heard that Master and Commander changed the book's premise, changing the bad guys from the Americans to the France. That really pisses me off. As for Sali Richardson in Legend tha'ts really just a throwaway roll. See, the problem with Hollywood isn't giving a Black man a Black wife in a movie where the romance isn't the focus. It's in a straight up romantic comedy or dramatic love story where the love is the focus when they balk. Hence, Smith was told that giving him a black lady would have made it a black movie, and scared away white audiences. And a white love interest would have scared away white audiences as well, so they got something that to their puny minds was in between: a Latina. I find that to be contemptible, and I'm more than a little pissed that Smith didn't use all that supposed clout to fight for a Sister anyway -- Original message -- From: Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor) Keith, you are assuming the US audience is intelligent and open to alternative perspectives, like yourself. I was reading an American blog for Blood+, an anime on Adult Swim, in which the US creates a global plague for which they have the cure and thus power. The blogger was shocked that a lot of Anime positioned the US as a corrupt bad guy. I understand why they are inclined to see our government that way. But, most Americans perceive us as the men in White, always doing good, even when we do wrong; Many unenlightened White Americans, also have no interest in seeing Black on Black love. While I have heard backlash over Will Smith being the lead in I am Legend, I have not yet heard anything negative about Salli Richardson being his love interest. If movie makers, who make decisions based on the bottom line, start raising their expectations of viewers and moviegoer, when all evidence is pointing to the fact that Americans are not as smart as they once were, then they will start to lose money. Just remember, we who seek out new, different and challenging stories, are not their target audience. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: yeah, i'd read that. That's one of the strangest ironies: that the film actually pulling back from the more overt anti-religious themes of the books angers some Christians, becuase they fear that makes it a stealth film, harmless in and of itself, but then leading kids to the heathen books. Again, i haven't read any of the books, but i have to say, the more i see the trailers the more i want to see this movie. I believe in God--and you better believe as a self-styled scientist, engineer, and someone who seeks knowledgeable friends, i've heard all the it's stupid to believe in a God arguments. So for me, the subject matter isn't a problem. I do find myself always sighing when i read the words such-and-such was changed to appeal to US audiences. That's the same crap that allowed Will Smith to punk out and not cast a black female love interest in Hitch (white Americans wouldn't see the resultant black movie), the reason the movie Master and Commander changed the bad guys from the US (as it was in the book) to the French (didn't want to piss off US audiences), and the reason Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was changed to Harry Potter and the Sorcerers's Stone (they were afraid
Re: [scifinoir2] Gonna See The Golden Compass?
And they ask me why I left the Church...maybe they'll come to the realization that this isn't the 14th Century anymore, too. Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor) [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: You probably saw this, but just incase I thought I would post this text from wikipedia Controversies Several key themes of the novels, the rejection of organized religion and the abuse of power in a fictionalized Catholic Church, are to be diluted in the adaptation. Director Weitz said in the books the Magisterium is a version of the Catholic Church gone wildly astray from its roots but that the organization portrayed in his film would not directly match that of Pullman's books. Instead, the Magisterium will represent all dogmatic http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dogma organizations.^[34] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-telegraph Weitz said that New Line Cinema had feared the story's anti-religious themes would make the film financially unviable in the US, and so religion and God http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God will not be referenced directly. Attempting to reassure fans of the novels, Weitz said that religion would instead appear in euphemistic http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euphemistic terms, yet the decision has been attacked by some fans,^[35] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-btts-weitz anti-censorship groups, and the National Secular Society http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Secular_Society (of which Pullman is an honorary associate), which said they are taking the heart out of it, losing the point of it, castrating it,^[36] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-observer this is part of a long-term problem over freedom of speech. The changes from the novel have been present since Tom Stoppard http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Stoppard's rejected version of the script,^[23] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-nyt and Pullman himself believes the film will be faithful.^[34] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-telegraph On October 7 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/October_7, 2007 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007 the Catholic League http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_League_%28US%29 called for a boycott of the film.^[37] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-CL League president William A. Donohue http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_A._Donohue said he would not ordinarily object to the film, but that while the religious elements will be diluted from the source material, the film will encourage children to read the novels, which he says denigrate Christianity and promote atheism for kids.^[5] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-fox He cited author Pullman as saying that he is trying to undermine the basis of Christian belief.^[38] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-13 The League hopes that the film [will fail] to meet box office expectations and that [Pullman's] books attract few buyers.^[39] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-14 Other evangelical groups, such as The Christian Film and Television Commission http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Baehr, are adopting a wait-and-see approach to the film before deciding upon any action,^[40] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-15 as is the Roman Catholic Church in Britain http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic_Church_in_England_and_Wales,^[41] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-nitwits while the /Catholic News Service/ suggests that instead of a boycott, it may be appropriate for Catholic parents to talk through any thorny philosophical issues with their children.^[42] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-16 Pullman has since said that the books do not have a religious agenda, saying of Donohue's call for a boycott, Why don't we trust readers? Why don't we trust filmgoers? Oh, it causes me to shake my head with sorrow that such nitwits could be loose in the world.^[41] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-nitwits In a 28 November http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/November_28 2007 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007 discussion with Donohue on CBS http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CBS's /Early Show http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Show/, Ellen Johnson http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellen_Johnson, president of American Atheists http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Atheists, said that rather than promote atheism, the film would encourage children to question authority http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Authority, saying that would not be a bad thing for children to learn.^[43] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-17 Director Weitz says that he believes /His Dark Materials/ is not an atheistic work,
Re: [scifinoir2] Gonna See The Golden Compass?
yeah, i'd read that. That's one of the strangest ironies: that the film actually pulling back from the more overt anti-religious themes of the books angers some Christians, becuase they fear that makes it a stealth film, harmless in and of itself, but then leading kids to the heathen books. Again, i haven't read any of the books, but i have to say, the more i see the trailers the more i want to see this movie. I believe in God--and you better believe as a self-styled scientist, engineer, and someone who seeks knowledgeable friends, i've heard all the it's stupid to believe in a God arguments. So for me, the subject matter isn't a problem. I do find myself always sighing when i read the words such-and-such was changed to appeal to US audiences. That's the same crap that allowed Will Smith to punk out and not cast a black female love interest in Hitch (white Americans wouldn't see the resultant black movie), the reason the movie Master and Commander changed the bad guys from the US (as it was in the book) to the French (didn't want to piss off US audiences), and the reason Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was changed to Harry Potter and the Sorcerers's Stone (they were afraid American kids didn't know what a Philosopher's Stone was). Geez, anyone ever think of American audiences freakin' *increasing* their intelligence instead of expecting movies to dumb down theres??! -- Original message -- From: Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor) [EMAIL PROTECTED] You probably saw this, but just incase I thought I would post this text from wikipedia Controversies Several key themes of the novels, the rejection of organized religion and the abuse of power in a fictionalized Catholic Church, are to be diluted in the adaptation. Director Weitz said in the books the Magisterium is a version of the Catholic Church gone wildly astray from its roots but that the organization portrayed in his film would not directly match that of Pullman's books. Instead, the Magisterium will represent all dogmatic http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dogma organizations.^[34] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-telegraph Weitz said that New Line Cinema had feared the story's anti-religious themes would make the film financially unviable in the US, and so religion and God http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God will not be referenced directly. Attempting to reassure fans of the novels, Weitz said that religion would instead appear in euphemistic http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euphemistic terms, yet the decision has been attacked by some fans,^[35] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-btts-weitz anti-censorship groups, and the National Secular Society http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Secular_Society (of which Pullman is an honorary associate), which said they are taking the heart out of it, losing the point of it, castrating it,^[36] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-observer this is part of a long-term problem over freedom of speech. The changes from the novel have been present since Tom Stoppard http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Stoppard's rejected version of the script,^[23] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-nyt and Pullman himself believes the film will be faithful.^[34] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-telegraph On October 7 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/October_7, 2007 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007 the Catholic League http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_League_%28US%29 called for a boycott of the film.^[37] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-CL League president William A. Donohue http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_A._Donohue said he would not ordinarily object to the film, but that while the religious elements will be diluted from the source material, the film will encourage children to read the novels, which he says denigrate Christianity and promote atheism for kids.^[5] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-fox He cited author Pullman as saying that he is trying to undermine the basis of Christian belief.^[38] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-13 The League hopes that the film [will fail] to meet box office expectations and that [Pullman's] books attract few buyers.^[39] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-14 Other evangelical groups, such as The Christian Film and Television Commission http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Baehr, are adopting a wait-and-see approach to the film before deciding upon any action,^[40] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-15 as is the Roman Catholic Church in Britain http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic_Church_in_England_and_Wales,^[41]
Re: [scifinoir2] Gonna See The Golden Compass?
I was ther elast month, Keith. All they had on hand was The Courts of Chaos, and it was too decrepit for me to risk money on it. They claimed to have the omnibus on the shelf with the oversized books, but I never found it.. I have to go out to pick up my meds on Tuesday, so I'll take another look then. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: The first Amber series is still one of the best fantasy works I've ever read. The second series--which deals with Corwin's son Merlin--was ultimately disappointing overall. Lord of Light: the more I think of it, the more i need to get it out and read it again. Try a bookstore like The Book Nook, they ought to have a used copy for under five bucks... Everytime I read anything Zelazny does, it makes me want to start writing immediately. His stuff was often so smooth and lyrical, almost poetic at times. What a great writer he was... -- Original message -- From: Martin I've got half the Amber series, had Lord of Light until I lost it in that fire back in '95 and have yet to replace it. One day... [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Ever read the Amber series or Lord of Light? Really great stuff. -- Original message -- From: Martin THere's another batch I need to weigh into, Knight of the Word. Back when I worked, I just bought books like crazy, and have yet to get around to reading a lot of them. Those are parked on my bookcase on my left right now. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: let me know what you think. i'm about to dive into another Raymond Feist novel. I really enjoyed the Riftwar books (someone in this group suggested them, in fact), and i've been reading his stuff since. Over the winter I may pull out the George RR Martin books i have (three of them) and read all 2400 pages again to catch up. Then there's Terry Brooks' Knight of the Word books. And every 3 -4 years I *must* read something from Zelazny. Usually it's the whole Amber series again. Or the awesome Lord of Light, which is a must-read to my mind... -- Original message -- From: Martin I bought the first two when they came out, and I just dug them out for reading. (Never did read them- back when I worked steadily, I bought books right and left, and never had the chance to read them, because I worked steadily.) First few pages come across as though written for young adults. I won't let that stop me, because I've read a couple of YA books that came out as really good. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I'm actually looking forward to seeing this film. I know nothing about the books, but the trailer looks cool. Reminds me of Narnia or some aspects of Lord of the Rings. For me, being able to see a scifi or fantasy film based on material that's completely unfamiliar is a really exciting thing, like discovering new treasure. I understand there's quite a bit of controversy because the auther is an avowed atheist who said his books are about killing God. Christians are upset because they say the film has been watered down, the atheist stuff removed. But then, they say, kids will want to read the books, and then be subjected to the anti-religious slant of the author. Anyone read the books? Are they any good? Are they that overt in their preachments against spirituality and do the children indeed kill God--or a god--in them? *** http://www.goldencompassmovie.com/blog/us/featured/story/lyras-world/ There is a world where witches rule the northern skies, where ice bears are the bravest of warriors, and where every human is joined with an animal spirit who is as close to them as their own heart. But this world is dominated by the Magisterium, which seeks to control all of humanity, and whose greatest threat is the last remaining Golden Compass and the one child destined to possess it. Twelve year-old Lyra Belacqua (Dakota Blue Richards) lives an extraordinary life as a ward of distinguished Jordan College. Tearing unsupervised through the streets on mad quests for adventure with her loyal friend Roger (Ben Walker), Lyra is accompanied everywhere by her daemon, Pantalaimon (voiced by Freddie Highmore) a small, ever-changing animal that serves as a constant voice of reason. But Lyras world is changing. Her uncle, Lord Asriel (Daniel Craig), is embarking on a trip to the Arctic Circle to investigate a mysterious element intriguingly called Dust, but the Magisterium would go to any lengths including shutting down Jordan College to stop him. At the same time, rumors of children mysteriously disappearing and being taken north become terrifyingly real when her best friend Roger goes missing. Lyra swears to go to the ends of the earth to rescue him, and when a new figure appears at the college Marisa Coulter (Nicole Kidman), a beguiling scientist and world traveler she sees her best chance to get away. But Lyra finds that she has been drawn into a trap designed to take from
Re: [scifinoir2] Gonna See The Golden Compass?
You probably saw this, but just incase I thought I would post this text from wikipedia Controversies Several key themes of the novels, the rejection of organized religion and the abuse of power in a fictionalized Catholic Church, are to be diluted in the adaptation. Director Weitz said in the books the Magisterium is a version of the Catholic Church gone wildly astray from its roots but that the organization portrayed in his film would not directly match that of Pullman's books. Instead, the Magisterium will represent all dogmatic http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dogma organizations.^[34] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-telegraph Weitz said that New Line Cinema had feared the story's anti-religious themes would make the film financially unviable in the US, and so religion and God http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God will not be referenced directly. Attempting to reassure fans of the novels, Weitz said that religion would instead appear in euphemistic http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euphemistic terms, yet the decision has been attacked by some fans,^[35] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-btts-weitz anti-censorship groups, and the National Secular Society http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Secular_Society (of which Pullman is an honorary associate), which said they are taking the heart out of it, losing the point of it, castrating it,^[36] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-observer this is part of a long-term problem over freedom of speech. The changes from the novel have been present since Tom Stoppard http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Stoppard's rejected version of the script,^[23] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-nyt and Pullman himself believes the film will be faithful.^[34] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-telegraph On October 7 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/October_7, 2007 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007 the Catholic League http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_League_%28US%29 called for a boycott of the film.^[37] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-CL League president William A. Donohue http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_A._Donohue said he would not ordinarily object to the film, but that while the religious elements will be diluted from the source material, the film will encourage children to read the novels, which he says denigrate Christianity and promote atheism for kids.^[5] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-fox He cited author Pullman as saying that he is trying to undermine the basis of Christian belief.^[38] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-13 The League hopes that the film [will fail] to meet box office expectations and that [Pullman's] books attract few buyers.^[39] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-14 Other evangelical groups, such as The Christian Film and Television Commission http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Baehr, are adopting a wait-and-see approach to the film before deciding upon any action,^[40] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-15 as is the Roman Catholic Church in Britain http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic_Church_in_England_and_Wales,^[41] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-nitwits while the /Catholic News Service/ suggests that instead of a boycott, it may be appropriate for Catholic parents to talk through any thorny philosophical issues with their children.^[42] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-16 Pullman has since said that the books do not have a religious agenda, saying of Donohue's call for a boycott, Why don't we trust readers? Why don't we trust filmgoers? Oh, it causes me to shake my head with sorrow that such nitwits could be loose in the world.^[41] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-nitwits In a 28 November http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/November_28 2007 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007 discussion with Donohue on CBS http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CBS's /Early Show http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Show/, Ellen Johnson http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellen_Johnson, president of American Atheists http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Atheists, said that rather than promote atheism, the film would encourage children to question authority http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Authority, saying that would not be a bad thing for children to learn.^[43] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-17 Director Weitz says that he believes /His Dark Materials/ is not an atheistic work, but a highly spiritual and reverent piece of writing,^[35] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_%28film%29#_note-btts-weitz and Nicole Kidman has defended her decision to star in the film,
Re: [scifinoir2] Gonna See The Golden Compass?
I've got half the Amber series, had Lord of Light until I lost it in that fire back in '95 and have yet to replace it. One day... [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Ever read the Amber series or Lord of Light? Really great stuff. -- Original message -- From: Martin THere's another batch I need to weigh into, Knight of the Word. Back when I worked, I just bought books like crazy, and have yet to get around to reading a lot of them. Those are parked on my bookcase on my left right now. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: let me know what you think. i'm about to dive into another Raymond Feist novel. I really enjoyed the Riftwar books (someone in this group suggested them, in fact), and i've been reading his stuff since. Over the winter I may pull out the George RR Martin books i have (three of them) and read all 2400 pages again to catch up. Then there's Terry Brooks' Knight of the Word books. And every 3 -4 years I *must* read something from Zelazny. Usually it's the whole Amber series again. Or the awesome Lord of Light, which is a must-read to my mind... -- Original message -- From: Martin I bought the first two when they came out, and I just dug them out for reading. (Never did read them- back when I worked steadily, I bought books right and left, and never had the chance to read them, because I worked steadily.) First few pages come across as though written for young adults. I won't let that stop me, because I've read a couple of YA books that came out as really good. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I'm actually looking forward to seeing this film. I know nothing about the books, but the trailer looks cool. Reminds me of Narnia or some aspects of Lord of the Rings. For me, being able to see a scifi or fantasy film based on material that's completely unfamiliar is a really exciting thing, like discovering new treasure. I understand there's quite a bit of controversy because the auther is an avowed atheist who said his books are about killing God. Christians are upset because they say the film has been watered down, the atheist stuff removed. But then, they say, kids will want to read the books, and then be subjected to the anti-religious slant of the author. Anyone read the books? Are they any good? Are they that overt in their preachments against spirituality and do the children indeed kill God--or a god--in them? *** http://www.goldencompassmovie.com/blog/us/featured/story/lyras-world/ There is a world where witches rule the northern skies, where ice bears are the bravest of warriors, and where every human is joined with an animal spirit who is as close to them as their own heart. But this world is dominated by the Magisterium, which seeks to control all of humanity, and whose greatest threat is the last remaining Golden Compass and the one child destined to possess it. Twelve year-old Lyra Belacqua (Dakota Blue Richards) lives an extraordinary life as a ward of distinguished Jordan College. Tearing unsupervised through the streets on mad quests for adventure with her loyal friend Roger (Ben Walker), Lyra is accompanied everywhere by her daemon, Pantalaimon (voiced by Freddie Highmore) a small, ever-changing animal that serves as a constant voice of reason. But Lyras world is changing. Her uncle, Lord Asriel (Daniel Craig), is embarking on a trip to the Arctic Circle to investigate a mysterious element intriguingly called Dust, but the Magisterium would go to any lengths including shutting down Jordan College to stop him. At the same time, rumors of children mysteriously disappearing and being taken north become terrifyingly real when her best friend Roger goes missing. Lyra swears to go to the ends of the earth to rescue him, and when a new figure appears at the college Marisa Coulter (Nicole Kidman), a beguiling scientist and world traveler she sees her best chance to get away. But Lyra finds that she has been drawn into a trap designed to take from her the one thing she possesses that the Magisterium desperately seeks the Golden Compass. Given to her as a gift by the Master of Jordan College (Jack Shepherd), it is a mystical, powerful device that can tell the truth, reveal what others wish to hide and foreshadow and even change the future. At that moment, Lyra realizes that she will have to break away from Mrs. Coulter and embark on her own journey to rescue Roger and stop the Magisterium. But fate puts her in the company and protection of a tribe of seafaring Gyptians led by Lord Faa (Jim Carter), Ma Costa (Clare Higgins) and Farder Coram (Tom Courtenay). Banding together an unlikely alliance with the Gyptians, the mysterious witch Serafina Pekkala (Eva Green) and Texas airman Lee Scoresby (Sam Elliott), Lyra is flung into an adventure that will take her over sky and ocean, to the wilds of the icy north, where she gains a powerful ally in a great
Re: [scifinoir2] Gonna See The Golden Compass?
The first Amber series is still one of the best fantasy works I've ever read. The second series--which deals with Corwin's son Merlin--was ultimately disappointing overall. Lord of Light: the more I think of it, the more i need to get it out and read it again. Try a bookstore like The Book Nook, they ought to have a used copy for under five bucks... Everytime I read anything Zelazny does, it makes me want to start writing immediately. His stuff was often so smooth and lyrical, almost poetic at times. What a great writer he was... -- Original message -- From: Martin [EMAIL PROTECTED] I've got half the Amber series, had Lord of Light until I lost it in that fire back in '95 and have yet to replace it. One day... [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Ever read the Amber series or Lord of Light? Really great stuff. -- Original message -- From: Martin THere's another batch I need to weigh into, Knight of the Word. Back when I worked, I just bought books like crazy, and have yet to get around to reading a lot of them. Those are parked on my bookcase on my left right now. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: let me know what you think. i'm about to dive into another Raymond Feist novel. I really enjoyed the Riftwar books (someone in this group suggested them, in fact), and i've been reading his stuff since. Over the winter I may pull out the George RR Martin books i have (three of them) and read all 2400 pages again to catch up. Then there's Terry Brooks' Knight of the Word books. And every 3 -4 years I *must* read something from Zelazny. Usually it's the whole Amber series again. Or the awesome Lord of Light, which is a must-read to my mind... -- Original message -- From: Martin I bought the first two when they came out, and I just dug them out for reading. (Never did read them- back when I worked steadily, I bought books right and left, and never had the chance to read them, because I worked steadily.) First few pages come across as though written for young adults. I won't let that stop me, because I've read a couple of YA books that came out as really good. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I'm actually looking forward to seeing this film. I know nothing about the books, but the trailer looks cool. Reminds me of Narnia or some aspects of Lord of the Rings. For me, being able to see a scifi or fantasy film based on material that's completely unfamiliar is a really exciting thing, like discovering new treasure. I understand there's quite a bit of controversy because the auther is an avowed atheist who said his books are about killing God. Christians are upset because they say the film has been watered down, the atheist stuff removed. But then, they say, kids will want to read the books, and then be subjected to the anti-religious slant of the author. Anyone read the books? Are they any good? Are they that overt in their preachments against spirituality and do the children indeed kill God--or a god--in them? *** http://www.goldencompassmovie.com/blog/us/featured/story/lyras-world/ There is a world where witches rule the northern skies, where ice bears are the bravest of warriors, and where every human is joined with an animal spirit who is as close to them as their own heart. But this world is dominated by the Magisterium, which seeks to control all of humanity, and whose greatest threat is the last remaining Golden Compass and the one child destined to possess it. Twelve year-old Lyra Belacqua (Dakota Blue Richards) lives an extraordinary life as a ward of distinguished Jordan College. Tearing unsupervised through the streets on mad quests for adventure with her loyal friend Roger (Ben Walker), Lyra is accompanied everywhere by her daemon, Pantalaimon (voiced by Freddie Highmore) a small, ever-changing animal that serves as a constant voice of reason. But Lyras world is changing. Her uncle, Lord Asriel (Daniel Craig), is embarking on a trip to the Arctic Circle to investigate a mysterious element intriguingly called Dust, but the Magisterium would go to any lengths including shutting down Jordan College to stop him. At the same time, rumors of children mysteriously disappearing and being taken north become terrifyingly real when her best friend Roger goes missing. Lyra swears to go to the ends of the earth to rescue him, and when a new figure appears at the college Marisa Coulter (Nicole Kidman), a beguiling scientist and world traveler she sees her best chance to get away. But Lyra finds that she has been drawn into a trap designed to take from her the one thing she possesses that the Magisterium desperately seeks the Golden Compass. Given to her as a gift by the Master of Jordan College (Jack Shepherd), it is a mystical, powerful device that can tell the truth, reveal what others wish to hide and foreshadow and even change the future. At that
Re: [scifinoir2] Gonna See The Golden Compass?
THere's another batch I need to weigh into, Knight of the Word. Back when I worked, I just bought books like crazy, and have yet to get around to reading a lot of them. Those are parked on my bookcase on my left right now. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: let me know what you think. i'm about to dive into another Raymond Feist novel. I really enjoyed the Riftwar books (someone in this group suggested them, in fact), and i've been reading his stuff since. Over the winter I may pull out the George RR Martin books i have (three of them) and read all 2400 pages again to catch up. Then there's Terry Brooks' Knight of the Word books. And every 3 -4 years I *must* read something from Zelazny. Usually it's the whole Amber series again. Or the awesome Lord of Light, which is a must-read to my mind... -- Original message -- From: Martin I bought the first two when they came out, and I just dug them out for reading. (Never did read them- back when I worked steadily, I bought books right and left, and never had the chance to read them, because I worked steadily.) First few pages come across as though written for young adults. I won't let that stop me, because I've read a couple of YA books that came out as really good. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I'm actually looking forward to seeing this film. I know nothing about the books, but the trailer looks cool. Reminds me of Narnia or some aspects of Lord of the Rings. For me, being able to see a scifi or fantasy film based on material that's completely unfamiliar is a really exciting thing, like discovering new treasure. I understand there's quite a bit of controversy because the auther is an avowed atheist who said his books are about killing God. Christians are upset because they say the film has been watered down, the atheist stuff removed. But then, they say, kids will want to read the books, and then be subjected to the anti-religious slant of the author. Anyone read the books? Are they any good? Are they that overt in their preachments against spirituality and do the children indeed kill God--or a god--in them? *** http://www.goldencompassmovie.com/blog/us/featured/story/lyras-world/ There is a world where witches rule the northern skies, where ice bears are the bravest of warriors, and where every human is joined with an animal spirit who is as close to them as their own heart. But this world is dominated by the Magisterium, which seeks to control all of humanity, and whose greatest threat is the last remaining Golden Compass and the one child destined to possess it. Twelve year-old Lyra Belacqua (Dakota Blue Richards) lives an extraordinary life as a ward of distinguished Jordan College. Tearing unsupervised through the streets on mad quests for adventure with her loyal friend Roger (Ben Walker), Lyra is accompanied everywhere by her daemon, Pantalaimon (voiced by Freddie Highmore) a small, ever-changing animal that serves as a constant voice of reason. But Lyras world is changing. Her uncle, Lord Asriel (Daniel Craig), is embarking on a trip to the Arctic Circle to investigate a mysterious element intriguingly called Dust, but the Magisterium would go to any lengths including shutting down Jordan College to stop him. At the same time, rumors of children mysteriously disappearing and being taken north become terrifyingly real when her best friend Roger goes missing. Lyra swears to go to the ends of the earth to rescue him, and when a new figure appears at the college Marisa Coulter (Nicole Kidman), a beguiling scientist and world traveler she sees her best chance to get away. But Lyra finds that she has been drawn into a trap designed to take from her the one thing she possesses that the Magisterium desperately seeks the Golden Compass. Given to her as a gift by the Master of Jordan College (Jack Shepherd), it is a mystical, powerful device that can tell the truth, reveal what others wish to hide and foreshadow and even change the future. At that moment, Lyra realizes that she will have to break away from Mrs. Coulter and embark on her own journey to rescue Roger and stop the Magisterium. But fate puts her in the company and protection of a tribe of seafaring Gyptians led by Lord Faa (Jim Carter), Ma Costa (Clare Higgins) and Farder Coram (Tom Courtenay). Banding together an unlikely alliance with the Gyptians, the mysterious witch Serafina Pekkala (Eva Green) and Texas airman Lee Scoresby (Sam Elliott), Lyra is flung into an adventure that will take her over sky and ocean, to the wilds of the icy north, where she gains a powerful ally in a great armored bear named Iorek Byrnison (voiced by Ian McKellen), who pledges to serve her in her campaign until she prevails. A great war is coming one that threatens not only Lyras world but all the parallel worlds waiting just beyond the northern lights. With her band of friends and
Re: [scifinoir2] Gonna See The Golden Compass?
Ever read the Amber series or Lord of Light? Really great stuff. -- Original message -- From: Martin [EMAIL PROTECTED] THere's another batch I need to weigh into, Knight of the Word. Back when I worked, I just bought books like crazy, and have yet to get around to reading a lot of them. Those are parked on my bookcase on my left right now. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: let me know what you think. i'm about to dive into another Raymond Feist novel. I really enjoyed the Riftwar books (someone in this group suggested them, in fact), and i've been reading his stuff since. Over the winter I may pull out the George RR Martin books i have (three of them) and read all 2400 pages again to catch up. Then there's Terry Brooks' Knight of the Word books. And every 3 -4 years I *must* read something from Zelazny. Usually it's the whole Amber series again. Or the awesome Lord of Light, which is a must-read to my mind... -- Original message -- From: Martin I bought the first two when they came out, and I just dug them out for reading. (Never did read them- back when I worked steadily, I bought books right and left, and never had the chance to read them, because I worked steadily.) First few pages come across as though written for young adults. I won't let that stop me, because I've read a couple of YA books that came out as really good. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I'm actually looking forward to seeing this film. I know nothing about the books, but the trailer looks cool. Reminds me of Narnia or some aspects of Lord of the Rings. For me, being able to see a scifi or fantasy film based on material that's completely unfamiliar is a really exciting thing, like discovering new treasure. I understand there's quite a bit of controversy because the auther is an avowed atheist who said his books are about killing God. Christians are upset because they say the film has been watered down, the atheist stuff removed. But then, they say, kids will want to read the books, and then be subjected to the anti-religious slant of the author. Anyone read the books? Are they any good? Are they that overt in their preachments against spirituality and do the children indeed kill God--or a god--in them? *** http://www.goldencompassmovie.com/blog/us/featured/story/lyras-world/ There is a world where witches rule the northern skies, where ice bears are the bravest of warriors, and where every human is joined with an animal spirit who is as close to them as their own heart. But this world is dominated by the Magisterium, which seeks to control all of humanity, and whose greatest threat is the last remaining Golden Compass and the one child destined to possess it. Twelve year-old Lyra Belacqua (Dakota Blue Richards) lives an extraordinary life as a ward of distinguished Jordan College. Tearing unsupervised through the streets on mad quests for adventure with her loyal friend Roger (Ben Walker), Lyra is accompanied everywhere by her daemon, Pantalaimon (voiced by Freddie Highmore) a small, ever-changing animal that serves as a constant voice of reason. But Lyras world is changing. Her uncle, Lord Asriel (Daniel Craig), is embarking on a trip to the Arctic Circle to investigate a mysterious element intriguingly called Dust, but the Magisterium would go to any lengths including shutting down Jordan College to stop him. At the same time, rumors of children mysteriously disappearing and being taken north become terrifyingly real when her best friend Roger goes missing. Lyra swears to go to the ends of the earth to rescue him, and when a new figure appears at the college Marisa Coulter (Nicole Kidman), a beguiling scientist and world traveler she sees her best chance to get away. But Lyra finds that she has been drawn into a trap designed to take from her the one thing she possesses that the Magisterium desperately seeks the Golden Compass. Given to her as a gift by the Master of Jordan College (Jack Shepherd), it is a mystical, powerful device that can tell the truth, reveal what others wish to hide and foreshadow and even change the future. At that moment, Lyra realizes that she will have to break away from Mrs. Coulter and embark on her own journey to rescue Roger and stop the Magisterium. But fate puts her in the company and protection of a tribe of seafaring Gyptians led by Lord Faa (Jim Carter), Ma Costa (Clare Higgins) and Farder Coram (Tom Courtenay). Banding together an unlikely alliance with the Gyptians, the mysterious witch Serafina Pekkala (Eva Green) and Texas airman Lee Scoresby (Sam Elliott), Lyra is flung into an adventure that will take her over sky and ocean, to the wilds of the icy north, where she gains a powerful ally in a great armored bear named Iorek Byrnison (voiced by Ian McKellen), who pledges to serve her in her campaign until she prevails. A great war is coming
Re: [scifinoir2] Gonna See The Golden Compass?
I bought the first two when they came out, and I just dug them out for reading. (Never did read them- back when I worked steadily, I bought books right and left, and never had the chance to read them, because I worked steadily.) First few pages come across as though written for young adults. I won't let that stop me, because I've read a couple of YA books that came out as really good. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I'm actually looking forward to seeing this film. I know nothing about the books, but the trailer looks cool. Reminds me of Narnia or some aspects of Lord of the Rings. For me, being able to see a scifi or fantasy film based on material that's completely unfamiliar is a really exciting thing, like discovering new treasure. I understand there's quite a bit of controversy because the auther is an avowed atheist who said his books are about killing God. Christians are upset because they say the film has been watered down, the atheist stuff removed. But then, they say, kids will want to read the books, and then be subjected to the anti-religious slant of the author. Anyone read the books? Are they any good? Are they that overt in their preachments against spirituality and do the children indeed kill God--or a god--in them? *** http://www.goldencompassmovie.com/blog/us/featured/story/lyras-world/ There is a world where witches rule the northern skies, where ice bears are the bravest of warriors, and where every human is joined with an animal spirit who is as close to them as their own heart. But this world is dominated by the Magisterium, which seeks to control all of humanity, and whose greatest threat is the last remaining Golden Compass and the one child destined to possess it. Twelve year-old Lyra Belacqua (Dakota Blue Richards) lives an extraordinary life as a ward of distinguished Jordan College. Tearing unsupervised through the streets on mad quests for adventure with her loyal friend Roger (Ben Walker), Lyra is accompanied everywhere by her daemon, Pantalaimon (voiced by Freddie Highmore) a small, ever-changing animal that serves as a constant voice of reason. But Lyras world is changing. Her uncle, Lord Asriel (Daniel Craig), is embarking on a trip to the Arctic Circle to investigate a mysterious element intriguingly called Dust, but the Magisterium would go to any lengths including shutting down Jordan College to stop him. At the same time, rumors of children mysteriously disappearing and being taken north become terrifyingly real when her best friend Roger goes missing. Lyra swears to go to the ends of the earth to rescue him, and when a new figure appears at the college Marisa Coulter (Nicole Kidman), a beguiling scientist and world traveler she sees her best chance to get away. But Lyra finds that she has been drawn into a trap designed to take from her the one thing she possesses that the Magisterium desperately seeks the Golden Compass. Given to her as a gift by the Master of Jordan College (Jack Shepherd), it is a mystical, powerful device that can tell the truth, reveal what others wish to hide and foreshadow and even change the future. At that moment, Lyra realizes that she will have to break away from Mrs. Coulter and embark on her own journey to rescue Roger and stop the Magisterium. But fate puts her in the company and protection of a tribe of seafaring Gyptians led by Lord Faa (Jim Carter), Ma Costa (Clare Higgins) and Farder Coram (Tom Courtenay). Banding together an unlikely alliance with the Gyptians, the mysterious witch Serafina Pekkala (Eva Green) and Texas airman Lee Scoresby (Sam Elliott), Lyra is flung into an adventure that will take her over sky and ocean, to the wilds of the icy north, where she gains a powerful ally in a great armored bear named Iorek Byrnison (voiced by Ian McKellen), who pledges to serve her in her campaign until she prevails. A great war is coming one that threatens not only Lyras world but all the parallel worlds waiting just beyond the northern lights. With her band of friends and allies, and the power of the Golden Compass, Lyra will need all her skill and all her courage, to stop it. New Line Cinema presents The Golden Compass, an epic fantasy adventure starring Oscar® winner Nicole Kidman (The Hours), newcomer Dakota Blue Richards, Sam Elliott (We Were Soldiers), Eva Green (Casino Royale) and Daniel Craig (Casino Royale). Based on Philip Pullmans best-selling and award-winning first novel in his Dark Materials trilogy, the film is adapted and directed by Academy Award® nominee Chris Weitz (About A Boy). The Golden Compass is produced by Deborah Forte and Bill Carraro, with executive producers Bob Shaye and Michael Lynne. Toby Emmerich, Mark Ordesky, Ileen Maisel, Andrew Miano and Paul Weitz also executive produce. The distinguished cast also includes Academy Award® nominee Tom Courtenay (The Dresser), Derek Jacobi (Gosford
Re: [scifinoir2] Gonna See The Golden Compass?
[EMAIL PROTECTED] I have copies but have not yet read the books. I did meet Mr. Pullman at an author event and he's a very pleasant and dynamic guy and the excerpt he read was excellent. I am very eager to see this film. Cheers! Amy I'm actually looking forward to seeing this film. I know nothing about the books, but the trailer looks cool. Reminds me of Narnia or some aspects of Lord of the Rings. For me, being able to see a scifi or fantasy film based on material that's completely unfamiliar is a really exciting thing, like discovering new treasure. I understand there's quite a bit of controversy because the auther is an avowed atheist who said his books are about killing God. Christians are upset because they say the film has been watered down, the atheist stuff removed. But then, they say, kids will want to read the books, and then be subjected to the anti-religious slant of the author. Anyone read the books? Are they any good? Are they that overt in their preachments against spirituality and do the children indeed kill God--or a god--in them? *** http://www.goldencompassmovie.com/blog/us/featured/story/lyras-world/ There is a world where witches rule the northern skies, where ice bears are the bravest of warriors, and where every human is joined with an animal spirit who is as close to them as their own heart. But this world is dominated by the Magisterium, which seeks to control all of humanity, and whose greatest threat is the last remaining Golden Compass and the one child destined to possess it. Twelve year-old Lyra Belacqua (Dakota Blue Richards) lives an extraordinary life as a ward of distinguished Jordan College. Tearing unsupervised through the streets on mad quests for adventure with her loyal friend Roger (Ben Walker), Lyra is accompanied everywhere by her daemon, Pantalaimon (voiced by Freddie Highmore) - a small, ever-changing animal that serves as a constant voice of reason. But Lyra's world is changing. Her uncle, Lord Asriel (Daniel Craig), is embarking on a trip to the Arctic Circle to investigate a mysterious element intriguingly called Dust, but the Magisterium would go to any lengths - including shutting down Jordan College - to stop him. At the same time, rumors of children mysteriously disappearing and being taken north become terrifyingly real when her best friend Roger goes missing. Lyra swears to go to the ends of the earth to rescue him, and when a new figure appears at the college - Marisa Coulter (Nicole Kidman), a beguiling scientist and world traveler - she sees her best chance to get away. But Lyra finds that she has been drawn into a trap designed to take from her the one thing she possesses that the Magisterium desperately seeks - the Golden Compass. Given to her as a gift by the Master of Jordan College (Jack Shepherd), it is a mystical, powerful device that can tell the truth, reveal what others wish to hide and foreshadow - and even change - the future. At that moment, Lyra realizes that she will have to break away from Mrs. Coulter and embark on her own journey to rescue Roger and stop the Magisterium. But fate puts her in the company and protection of a tribe of seafaring Gyptians led by Lord Faa (Jim Carter), Ma Costa (Clare Higgins) and Farder Coram (Tom Courtenay). Banding together an unlikely alliance with the Gyptians, the mysterious witch Serafina Pekkala (Eva Green) and Texas airman Lee Scoresby (Sam Elliott), Lyra is flung into an adventure that will take her over sky and ocean, to the wilds of the icy north, where she gains a powerful ally in a great armored bear named Iorek Byrnison (voiced by Ian McKellen), who pledges to serve her in her campaign until she prevails. A great war is coming - one that threatens not only Lyra's world but all the parallel worlds waiting just beyond the northern lights. With her band of friends and allies, and the power of the Golden Compass, Lyra will need all her skill and all her courage, to stop it. New Line Cinema presents The Golden Compass, an epic fantasy adventure starring Oscar® winner Nicole Kidman (The Hours), newcomer Dakota Blue Richards, Sam Elliott (We Were Soldiers), Eva Green (Casino Royale) and Daniel Craig (Casino Royale). Based on Philip Pullman's best-selling and award-winning first novel in his Dark Materials trilogy, the film is adapted and directed by Academy Award® nominee Chris Weitz (About A Boy). The Golden Compass is produced by Deborah Forte and Bill Carraro, with executive producers Bob Shaye and Michael Lynne. Toby Emmerich, Mark Ordesky, Ileen Maisel, Andrew Miano and Paul Weitz also executive produce. The distinguished cast also includes Academy Award® nominee Tom Courtenay (The Dresser), Derek Jacobi (Gosford Park), Jack Shepherd (Charlotte Gray), Ben Walker (BBC's Sweeney Todd), Simon McBurney (The Last King of Scotland), Jim Carter (Shakespeare in Love), Clare Higgins
Re: [scifinoir2] Gonna See The Golden Compass?
let me know what you think. i'm about to dive into another Raymond Feist novel. I really enjoyed the Riftwar books (someone in this group suggested them, in fact), and i've been reading his stuff since. Over the winter I may pull out the George RR Martin books i have (three of them) and read all 2400 pages again to catch up. Then there's Terry Brooks' Knight of the Word books. And every 3 -4 years I *must* read something from Zelazny. Usually it's the whole Amber series again. Or the awesome Lord of Light, which is a must-read to my mind... -- Original message -- From: Martin [EMAIL PROTECTED] I bought the first two when they came out, and I just dug them out for reading. (Never did read them- back when I worked steadily, I bought books right and left, and never had the chance to read them, because I worked steadily.) First few pages come across as though written for young adults. I won't let that stop me, because I've read a couple of YA books that came out as really good. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I'm actually looking forward to seeing this film. I know nothing about the books, but the trailer looks cool. Reminds me of Narnia or some aspects of Lord of the Rings. For me, being able to see a scifi or fantasy film based on material that's completely unfamiliar is a really exciting thing, like discovering new treasure. I understand there's quite a bit of controversy because the auther is an avowed atheist who said his books are about killing God. Christians are upset because they say the film has been watered down, the atheist stuff removed. But then, they say, kids will want to read the books, and then be subjected to the anti-religious slant of the author. Anyone read the books? Are they any good? Are they that overt in their preachments against spirituality and do the children indeed kill God--or a god--in them? *** http://www.goldencompassmovie.com/blog/us/featured/story/lyras-world/ There is a world where witches rule the northern skies, where ice bears are the bravest of warriors, and where every human is joined with an animal spirit who is as close to them as their own heart. But this world is dominated by the Magisterium, which seeks to control all of humanity, and whose greatest threat is the last remaining Golden Compass and the one child destined to possess it. Twelve year-old Lyra Belacqua (Dakota Blue Richards) lives an extraordinary life as a ward of distinguished Jordan College. Tearing unsupervised through the streets on mad quests for adventure with her loyal friend Roger (Ben Walker), Lyra is accompanied everywhere by her daemon, Pantalaimon (voiced by Freddie Highmore) a small, ever-changing animal that serves as a constant voice of reason. But Lyras world is changing. Her uncle, Lord Asriel (Daniel Craig), is embarking on a trip to the Arctic Circle to investigate a mysterious element intriguingly called Dust, but the Magisterium would go to any lengths including shutting down Jordan College to stop him. At the same time, rumors of children mysteriously disappearing and being taken north become terrifyingly real when her best friend Roger goes missing. Lyra swears to go to the ends of the earth to rescue him, and when a new figure appears at the college Marisa Coulter (Nicole Kidman), a beguiling scientist and world traveler she sees her best chance to get away. But Lyra finds that she has been drawn into a trap designed to take from her the one thing she possesses that the Magisterium desperately seeks the Golden Compass. Given to her as a gift by the Master of Jordan College (Jack Shepherd), it is a mystical, powerful device that can tell the truth, reveal what others wish to hide and foreshadow and even change the future. At that moment, Lyra realizes that she will have to break away from Mrs. Coulter and embark on her own journey to rescue Roger and stop the Magisterium. But fate puts her in the company and protection of a tribe of seafaring Gyptians led by Lord Faa (Jim Carter), Ma Costa (Clare Higgins) and Farder Coram (Tom Courtenay). Banding together an unlikely alliance with the Gyptians, the mysterious witch Serafina Pekkala (Eva Green) and Texas airman Lee Scoresby (Sam Elliott), Lyra is flung into an adventure that will take her over sky and ocean, to the wilds of the icy north, where she gains a powerful ally in a great armored bear named Iorek Byrnison (voiced by Ian McKellen), who pledges to serve her in her campaign until she prevails. A great war is coming one that threatens not only Lyras world but all the parallel worlds waiting just beyond the northern lights. With her band of friends and allies, and the power of the Golden Compass, Lyra will need all her skill and all her courage, to stop it. New Line Cinema presents The Golden Compass, an epic fantasy adventure starring Oscar® winner Nicole Kidman (The Hours), newcomer
Re: [scifinoir2] Gonna See The Golden Compass?
so he's not an anger, cynical, arrogant, dismissive, contemptuous atheist? Not that all are, by any means, but i've certainly been accosted by unyielding atheists at least as obnoxious as religious fanatics. I think it's a reaction to years of feeling attacked by proselytizers -- Original message -- From: Amy Harlib [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] I have copies but have not yet read the books. I did meet Mr. Pullman at an author event and he's a very pleasant and dynamic guy and the excerpt he read was excellent. I am very eager to see this film. Cheers! Amy I'm actually looking forward to seeing this film. I know nothing about the books, but the trailer looks cool. Reminds me of Narnia or some aspects of Lord of the Rings. For me, being able to see a scifi or fantasy film based on material that's completely unfamiliar is a really exciting thing, like discovering new treasure. I understand there's quite a bit of controversy because the auther is an avowed atheist who said his books are about killing God. Christians are upset because they say the film has been watered down, the atheist stuff removed. But then, they say, kids will want to read the books, and then be subjected to the anti-religious slant of the author. Anyone read the books? Are they any good? Are they that overt in their preachments against spirituality and do the children indeed kill God--or a god--in them? *** http://www.goldencompassmovie.com/blog/us/featured/story/lyras-world/ There is a world where witches rule the northern skies, where ice bears are the bravest of warriors, and where every human is joined with an animal spirit who is as close to them as their own heart. But this world is dominated by the Magisterium, which seeks to control all of humanity, and whose greatest threat is the last remaining Golden Compass and the one child destined to possess it. Twelve year-old Lyra Belacqua (Dakota Blue Richards) lives an extraordinary life as a ward of distinguished Jordan College. Tearing unsupervised through the streets on mad quests for adventure with her loyal friend Roger (Ben Walker), Lyra is accompanied everywhere by her daemon, Pantalaimon (voiced by Freddie Highmore) - a small, ever-changing animal that serves as a constant voice of reason. But Lyra's world is changing. Her uncle, Lord Asriel (Daniel Craig), is embarking on a trip to the Arctic Circle to investigate a mysterious element intriguingly called Dust, but the Magisterium would go to any lengths - including shutting down Jordan College - to stop him. At the same time, rumors of children mysteriously disappearing and being taken north become terrifyingly real when her best friend Roger goes missing. Lyra swears to go to the ends of the earth to rescue him, and when a new figure appears at the college - Marisa Coulter (Nicole Kidman), a beguiling scientist and world traveler - she sees her best chance to get away. But Lyra finds that she has been drawn into a trap designed to take from her the one thing she possesses that the Magisterium desperately seeks - the Golden Compass. Given to her as a gift by the Master of Jordan College (Jack Shepherd), it is a mystical, powerful device that can tell the truth, reveal what others wish to hide and foreshadow - and even change - the future. At that moment, Lyra realizes that she will have to break away from Mrs. Coulter and embark on her own journey to rescue Roger and stop the Magisterium. But fate puts her in the company and protection of a tribe of seafaring Gyptians led by Lord Faa (Jim Carter), Ma Costa (Clare Higgins) and Farder Coram (Tom Courtenay). Banding together an unlikely alliance with the Gyptians, the mysterious witch Serafina Pekkala (Eva Green) and Texas airman Lee Scoresby (Sam Elliott), Lyra is flung into an adventure that will take her over sky and ocean, to the wilds of the icy north, where she gains a powerful ally in a great armored bear named Iorek Byrnison (voiced by Ian McKellen), who pledges to serve her in her campaign until she prevails. A great war is coming - one that threatens not only Lyra's world but all the parallel worlds waiting just beyond the northern lights. With her band of friends and allies, and the power of the Golden Compass, Lyra will need all her skill and all her courage, to stop it. New Line Cinema presents The Golden Compass, an epic fantasy adventure starring Oscar® winner Nicole Kidman (The Hours), newcomer Dakota Blue Richards, Sam Elliott (We Were Soldiers), Eva Green (Casino Royale) and Daniel Craig (Casino Royale). Based on Philip Pullman's best-selling and award-winning first novel in his Dark Materials trilogy, the film is adapted and directed by Academy Award® nominee Chris Weitz (About A Boy). The Golden Compass is produced by Deborah Forte and Bill Carraro, with executive producers Bob Shaye and Michael Lynne. Toby Emmerich, Mark
[scifinoir2] Gonna See The Golden Compass?
I'm actually looking forward to seeing this film. I know nothing about the books, but the trailer looks cool. Reminds me of Narnia or some aspects of Lord of the Rings. For me, being able to see a scifi or fantasy film based on material that's completely unfamiliar is a really exciting thing, like discovering new treasure. I understand there's quite a bit of controversy because the auther is an avowed atheist who said his books are about killing God. Christians are upset because they say the film has been watered down, the atheist stuff removed. But then, they say, kids will want to read the books, and then be subjected to the anti-religious slant of the author. Anyone read the books? Are they any good? Are they that overt in their preachments against spirituality and do the children indeed kill God--or a god--in them? *** http://www.goldencompassmovie.com/blog/us/featured/story/lyras-world/ There is a world where witches rule the northern skies, where ice bears are the bravest of warriors, and where every human is joined with an animal spirit who is as close to them as their own heart. But this world is dominated by the Magisterium, which seeks to control all of humanity, and whose greatest threat is the last remaining Golden Compass and the one child destined to possess it. Twelve year-old Lyra Belacqua (Dakota Blue Richards) lives an extraordinary life as a ward of distinguished Jordan College. Tearing unsupervised through the streets on mad quests for adventure with her loyal friend Roger (Ben Walker), Lyra is accompanied everywhere by her daemon, Pantalaimon (voiced by Freddie Highmore) a small, ever-changing animal that serves as a constant voice of reason. But Lyras world is changing. Her uncle, Lord Asriel (Daniel Craig), is embarking on a trip to the Arctic Circle to investigate a mysterious element intriguingly called Dust, but the Magisterium would go to any lengths including shutting down Jordan College to stop him. At the same time, rumors of children mysteriously disappearing and being taken north become terrifyingly real when her best friend Roger goes missing. Lyra swears to go to the ends of the earth to rescue him, and when a new figure appears at the college Marisa Coulter (Nicole Kidman), a beguiling scientist and world traveler she sees her best chance to get away. But Lyra finds that she has been drawn into a trap designed to take from her the one thing she possesses that the Magisterium desperately seeks the Golden Compass. Given to her as a gift by the Master of Jordan College (Jack Shepherd), it is a mystical, powerful device that can tell the truth, reveal what others wish to hide and foreshadow and even change the future. At that moment, Lyra realizes that she will have to break away from Mrs. Coulter and embark on her own journey to rescue Roger and stop the Magisterium. But fate puts her in the company and protection of a tribe of seafaring Gyptians led by Lord Faa (Jim Carter), Ma Costa (Clare Higgins) and Farder Coram (Tom Courtenay). Banding together an unlikely alliance with the Gyptians, the mysterious witch Serafina Pekkala (Eva Green) and Texas airman Lee Scoresby (Sam Elliott), Lyra is flung into an adventure that will take her over sky and ocean, to the wilds of the icy north, where she gains a powerful ally in a great armored bear named Iorek Byrnison (voiced by Ian McKellen), who pledges to serve her in her campaign until she prevails. A great war is coming one that threatens not only Lyras world but all the parallel worlds waiting just beyond the northern lights. With her band of friends and allies, and the power of the Golden Compass, Lyra will need all her skill and all her courage, to stop it. New Line Cinema presents The Golden Compass, an epic fantasy adventure starring Oscar® winner Nicole Kidman (The Hours), newcomer Dakota Blue Richards, Sam Elliott (We Were Soldiers), Eva Green (Casino Royale) and Daniel Craig (Casino Royale). Based on Philip Pullmans best-selling and award-winning first novel in his Dark Materials trilogy, the film is adapted and directed by Academy Award® nominee Chris Weitz (About A Boy). The Golden Compass is produced by Deborah Forte and Bill Carraro, with executive producers Bob Shaye and Michael Lynne. Toby Emmerich, Mark Ordesky, Ileen Maisel, Andrew Miano and Paul Weitz also executive produce. The distinguished cast also includes Academy Award® nominee Tom Courtenay (The Dresser), Derek Jacobi (Gosford Park), Jack Shepherd (Charlotte Gray), Ben Walker (BBCs Sweeney Todd), Simon McBurney (The Last King of Scotland), Jim Carter (Shakespeare in Love), Clare Higgins (Stage Beauty), Magda Szubanski (Happy Feet) and legendary actor Christopher Lee (The Lord of the Rings trilogy) The film also features voices of Oscar® nominee Ian McKellen (Gods and Monsters, The Lord of the Rings trilogy), Oscar® winner
