THE GOLDEN COMPASS — ** — Dakota Blue Richards, Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig; rated PG-13 (violence).
So far, most of the pre-release talk about "The Golden Compass" has revolved around whether the film contains the supposed virulent, anti-Christian component of its source material, Philip Pullman's best-selling "His Dark Material" fantasy novels.
But lost in all that talk is any discussion about what the film definitely doesn't contain — the kind of thrilling action, engaging characters and coherent story line that a movie like this one needs.
In fact, with its muddled, sometimes confusing blend of "Lord of the Rings" and "Star Wars" mythology, quasi-religious elements, and veiled references to C.S. Lewis' books, this mediocre film that is heavy on computer-generated imagery adds up to little more than the "Yawn-icles of Narnia."
"The Golden Compass" is a mystical artifact called an Alethiometer, which allows its user to find truthful answers to questions. And the only remaining compass has come into possession of a young orphan named Lyra Belacqua (newcomer Dakota Blue Richards), who plans to use it to help find and free children kidnapped by sinister figures known as Gobblers.
There are those who would like to stop her and obtain the coveted compass, including the Gobblers and the mysterious Mrs. Coulter (Nicole Kidman). And Lyra doesn't have many allies. The one person who helps her use the Alethiometer is her uncle, Lord Azriel (Daniel Craig), but he has disappeared during an expedition to the Arctic.
To be fair, the film does contain some dazzling CGI effects effects, which include flying witches, armored polar bears and shape-changing animals, referred to as daemons.
But screenwriter-director Chris Weitz's adaptation is just not very magical or enthralling. In fact, like Pullman's novel "Northern Lights," it feels like an extensive set-up for further adventures, which is not very satisfying cinematically.
And a lot of talented people have so little to do. Craig goes missing for the film's second half, while barely recognizable voice-cast members include Freddie Highmore, Ian McShane and Kathy Bates. Ian McKellen is one of the few highlights as the voice of Lyra's bear "bodyguard," and both Kidman and Sam Elliott appear to be having some fun.
"The Golden Compass" is rated PG-13 for strong scenes of violent action (creature attacks, swordplay, gunfire and strong children-in-peril elements), as well as use of toxic, poisonous chemicals. Running time: 113 minutes.
E-mail: jeff@desnews.com