The Golden Compass- God Reviews the Movies

Box office, smox office. As the supreme creator I could care less if a film is popular or not. Need I remind anyone that IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE- a personal favorite, flopped when it first debuted. THE THIN RED LINE lost the battle of the war movies with SAVING PRIVATE RYAN. RYAN was a great film but lacked the depth and character studies of THIN RED LINE. Hell, masturbation is popular(you're welcome for that by the way, just don't overdo it), but it probably wouldn't bee all that popular at the theater. Well, maybe in a few inner city places, and Amsterdam, but not really for a family night out.

When a critic relies on a films merit by virtue of box office draw you can be sure they are selling you something. It might be a religious or political agenda, but it certainly is a load of bull. Habanero's aren't popular peppers, but they are oh so good. Ethiopian food- awesome but not so popular. I don't want to belabor the point, but Taco Bell sells millions of chalupas every year, but that don't make that it proper Mexican food! Besides, what kind of food costs 99 cents? A can of dog food costs more than that, and dogs enjoy licking their own butts!

Back to THE GOLDEN COMPASS. A lot is being made about the supposed political bias to the movie. Some are even saying that the Church like Magisterium portays an anti-Christian slant. If you are looking for that bias you are bound to find it in just about anything. The movie speaks to power and the corruption of power. It might apply to any power system in any era. In 1938 the magisterium might have been the Nazi Party and the Reichstag. Folks get sensitive and they see what they want.

Kids won't see that. They'll be dazzled by the incredible effects. And they are fantastic. This from the diety who brought you supernovas! Kids will love the magical little companions-called demons- which really represent their souls and the innocence all too often stolen, broken or smothered by adults.

More than that, the film is about friendship and commitment to a true and honest cause. It is about selflessness and learning to overcome fears. Commodities in far too short supply these days.

But for those who can't help but feel this movie holds some sort of anti-christian slant the question becomes why is that power being challenged? Is it because the power has become corrupt, or because they wish to replace the corrupt power with their own? Power must also ask itself why it is being challenged. As God, I say it is your right to challenge and question everything. Challenge and question me. I won't be offended. I'm friggin' God! Freewill is the largest muscle of your soul. It must be exercised or it whithers and dies. That's the difference between a religion and a cult.

All in all THE GOLDEN COMPASS was a delightfully fun film. It was a bit violent in place, though there was a context and purpose. Truth is, half you parents let your kids watch WWF, play video games and watch television shows with a lot more gratuitous violence than this movie. Suitable for kids, though? Depends on the kid. Depends on the parent. Depends on your ability and desire to communicate with your kids. If you've never had the kind of open and honest relationship with your children that enables you to talk freely about any question your child has then maybe this one ain't for you. On the other hand, if you are the parent who goes out for a soda or ice cream after a movie and has really heartfelt conversations with your kid then THE GOLEN COMPASS is the perfect film for exploring some really solid values.