dalemarshall

This is a celebration of friendship, growing up, and in-your-face reality for teens, tho enjoyable at any age. Mean girls, hot kids, everyday sexual tension, parental conflicts, and a depiction of earnest religious types as hypocrites that will offend some. Relax, it's a fantasy comedy! Some really talented young actors here who I hope to see a lot more of.

It's true that the film doesn't do justice to all the developments and nuances of the book, but given the amount of material to be covered, that's not surprising. What is gratifying is that there is enough exposition to give us a coherent story, and it's beautifully done. The cinematography and lighting are outstanding; the CG imagery amazing and lifelike; and the camera angles, especially on transition shots, are often disturbing in a way that sweeps us along.

Weitz moves the plot along by *showing* us what we need to know, rather than telling us about it. I can't wait to see (and buy) the director's cut, to see all the footage he was forced to leave out of the release. I hope there is more with Tom Courtenay in there, because he (as Farder Coram) was given short shrift with the time constraints.

The acting is superb, with Lyra a standout. I was disappointed in Nicole Kidman's portrayal of Mrs. Coulter. Her performance lacked the depth and edge that another actor could have provided. And why was she blonde?

The film was more violent than most I choose to see, but all the violence was integral to the story, necessary, and a reminder that children's lives are often not the sanitized, pleasant existence we like to pretend they are -- and that children themselves can in fact cope with courage and optimism. Scenes of tussles between daemons can be shocking, and the bear fight was outstanding. There is no spattering of blood or gratuitous violence.

The film is beautiful and satisfying, and I hope the sequels live up to the standards exhibited here.

Not the usual network fare. The story may be an old one, but the cast delivers and there are some amusing barbs that strike home. The Hispanic-American environment for Betty's family gives the formula new life, with true-to-life touches like the telenovela playing on the TV at home. Mark Indelicato as Betty's nephew is believable with a subtle touch in a role that could easily be overplayed for cheap laughs. Vanessa Williams gets a chance to vamp as the conniving, power-hungry rival for the company, and Gina Gershon offers a wonderful parody -- or is it? -- of an aging supermodel. The Beautiful People -- and the less-than-perfect who also inhabit their world, however under-appreciated -- are here in force.