The Golden Compass

My husband was interested in this book/movie because it had apparently caused protests in the religious world. I feel like a fool because I didn't even catch the religious tones of the book. As I watched the movie, it seemed clearer to me that the author is criticizing the nature of religion to encourage blind faith. As the magesterium cuts away childrens' daemons (their souls, outside their bodies) they are trying to enforce "pure thoughts". Without a daemon, the evil Dust does not descend upon the children. However, without a daemon the children can no longer think for themselves, or have any type of meaningful happiness.

The movie followed the book relatively closely. Lyra was even more intelligent and intuitive in the movie... figuring out that Mrs Coulter is her mother and Lord Asriel her father. She also comes up with the plan to trick the bear king very spur-of-the-moment. The special effects were good. I also loved Sam Elliott as Scoresby. He was so charming and warm.

The big complaint I have is the ending. The book ends before Lyra meets up with her father. The book, however, ends after Lord Asriel has already entered the other world, and as Lyra and Pan are crossing the newly-formed bridge. This is a huge difference, and I'm not sure I understand the rationale of the change.