After three days of press screenings and roundtables, reviews by members of the press have begun to appear online and in print. Like our own, most praise writing, set pieces, and performances especially. The Sun describe Dakota Blue Richard’s debut portraying Lyra as “enchanting,” predicting that sequels are sure to follow. The film itself is called “a well-written, beautifully delivered adventure.” The Guardian‘s Peter Bradshaw gives The Golden Compass four stars, praising Kidman’s take on the villainous Mrs. Coulter (who could out-evil Darth Vader any day and “may come to dominate our children’s nightmares the way Robert Helpmann’s Child Catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang once did ours”). Fox News‘ Roger Friedman describes the film as a success with Oscar worthy visual effects and production design: “a large-scale thoughtful fantasy, something to get lost in during (the) holiday film season.” Performances are “spot on” and Kidman and Craig’s on screen chemistry is redemptive the turnout of The Invasion. Meanwhile, James Christopher of the Times gives the film only two stars. While once again praising performances and special effects, he laments on the film’s pacing and claims, “the magic is missing.”
There will certainly be more reviews in the next few weeks. Keep and eye on BridgetotheStars for more reviews as the wider release approaches.
New Line held press roundtables for The Golden Compass London premiere with some of the main cast and crew. Director Chris Weitz has the most interesting story to tell of anyone involved in this production. We recorded the full roundtable with The Golden Compass director – hear him discuss studio interference, the reasons why he initially left the film and how he thinks it’s turned out in the end.