No Tolkien

The Golden Compass (New Line)
Based on the first in Philip Pullman’s series of novels, The Golden Compass is an attempt to create another fantastic Lord of the Rings/Chronicles of Narnia franchise. Unfortunately, the film is limply directed by Chris Weitz (of American Pie/About a Boy fame, and lacking fantasy-action credentials) and indifferently acted by a cast led by ice queen Nicole Kidman. Some of the visuals–notably the bear fight–are effective and Dakota Blue Richards makes a believable young heroine, but The Golden Compass is otherwise moribund.
EXTRAS: Weitz commentary; several making-of featurettes.