Off Topic — HabitableZone

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The Golden Compass
Fox — (archived)

Jody and I saw the film yesterday afternoon. She (who has not yet read the books) was completely blown away, especially by the concept of daemons. I (who read them four or so years ago) was favorably impressed by the adaptation of the very complex and detailed story. And of course, the CGI is top-notch.

When I first read them, I thought -- and still do -- that Pullman's trilogy contains the most richly realized fantasy world(s) since Tolkein. It's a comparison I don't make lightly... in fact, it's the first time I've ever made that comparison. Mary Anne, podrock and Tony understand why. As it happens, Jody gave me a boxed set of the hardcovers for Hanukkah, and I have encouraged her to read them.

Couple of other comments: Sam Elliot is cast perfectly as Scoresby (as is Kathy Bates as the voice of his daemon, Hester). And, speaking of voice actors, I mistakenly pegged Patrick Stewart as Iorek Byrnison, but Jody's fine ear was correct: Ian McKellan.

So -- who else here has seen the film and/or read the books, and what did you think?

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