IESB‘s Andy Duke reviews The Golden Compass, beginning with all of the production’s challenges. He also states, “[Philip Pullman] has ever reason to approve of Weitz’s effort.” Ain’t It Cool News‘ writers have given the film mixed-positive reviews but express the concerns of fans for missing elements. The Hollywood Reporter calls it, “A golden celebration of childhood fantasies,” predicting substantial box office promise. Emmanuel Levy gives it B: “[Weitz’s] “Golden Compass” lacks a sense of magic and wonder.” Variety‘s Tod McCarthy gives the film a lot of credit, but gives the film more mixed review: “impressively rendered but oddly uninviting.”