'The Golden Compass' lacks charm

Philip Pullman’s book was lost in translation when Chris Weitz got his hands on The Golden Compass (EIV; €24.99).

It’s not hard to see where the fault lies in this film adaptation — grown-ups Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig and Sam Elliott often look as if they’d like to be somewhere else.

The basic plot revolves around the evil Magisterium, which wants to control mankind and get its hands on the magical Golden Compass given to 12-year-old Lyra Belacqua (Dakota Blue Richards).

However, it lacks the charm and enchantment of the Harry Potter films, caused in part by straying from the original book.

Fantasy

**