The Golden Compass

Last night I finally watched The Golden Compass, and enjoyed it despite the fact that I felt like it rushed through the story. Having recently watched the fifth Harry Potter film and been disappointed because that film was a mere shell of the actual story, I felt like this one was likewise a shell. But because I don’t know the whole story, the movie piqued my desire to read the books. I want to know more about the Magisterium, their parallels to organized religion and more about their role in that universe…more about the Witches, who seem to be a fascinating race…more about Lyra’s parentage and the prophecy…and, of course, more about Dust.

I could tell that the movie left out so much, as is typical with book-to-screen adaptations. So I went looking for a bit more info on the books (don’t want too many spoilers), and am now determined to read the entire trilogy as soon as I can.

I’d never looked into the books in the past because I’d thought they were “simply” children’s books—a silly excuse since I love Harry Potter—and the trilogy’s title, His Dark Materials, put me off as I thought the books were too religious for my taste. But then when the movie came out and there was uproar about them being anti-(organized) religion, of course my interest perked up. ;-) Anytime religious groups get their panties in a bunch over something, I know that means that there’s a good chance I’ll find whatever it is to be at least interesting.

And so it is with His Dark Materials. What little I’ve read about the overall story, and after essentially skimming the surface with the movie, I’m very eager to know all of it. Must go hunt down copies of the British versions on Amazon.com…