The Golden Compass (2007)

Set in a parallel universe, a government is involved in experiments that would eliminate freedom of choice and total compliance with the ruling party. This big budget fantasy deserved a better fate (both critically and box office) than it received. Chris Weitz' (NEW MOON) previous efforts didn't indicate a particular talent for epic fantasy but he seems to have an assured hand. Unfortunately, this film was apparently taken from him and cut without his input. The film simply ends with nothing resolved, clearly indicating that there was an intended sequel that never came. Pity. Based on the novel DARK MATERIALS by Philip Pullman, the film eliminates religion and God, two of the main themes of the novel. The cast includes Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, , Sam Elliott, Derek Jacobi, Eva Green and voice work (as animals) by Ian McKellen, Kathy Bates, Kristin Scott Thomas among others and Christopher Lee and Tom Courtenay whose roles have been cut to pieces. A solid score by Alexandre Desplat and some of the best CGI I've seen outside of a James Cameron film.