I think what concerns me is that there's so many of these fantasy series books being made into movies. Clearly trying to cash in on the popularity of fantasy series like Harry Potter and the Lord of the RIngs movies. Just from the law of averages, some of these new flicks are going to suck. Maybe not the Golden Compass but some of them.

They're making a Dragonriders of Pern movie, and a Dark is Rising movie. Plus this Golden Compass movie. And of course the second Chronicles of Narnia movie as well.

Hey Andy,

I just started the Golden Compass and noticed that it's going to be a film. Glad I'll be able to finish it before the film gets released so I'll have a basis for comparison, but I agree - great books rarely become great movies. Maybe with the exception of One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest.

I'm way late on this conversation, but what the heck? The His Dark Materials Trilogy is so well written that I'm not sure whether I'm looking forward to movie versions. The trailer for the Golden Compass looks wonderful, but that doesn't mean the adaption will be good. My fingers are crossed.

We can hope. I heard rumors that Pullman was angry that his anti-church message had been pretty much eliminated from the movie (though that is not surprising)

I read just the opposite, that he was very happy with the adaptation. But what really counts is whether fans of the book are happy.

I've read his dark materials numerous times i love the books and I'm very nervous about it becoming a movie! i love the harry potter books too and to me the movies werent as great as the books..but I'm prepared to think that the movie wont be as good..[the golden compass] but the main point in this [some see it as bad] it will get more people to read the books! and thats a good thing..but it also brings it more out in the open for criticism...by church organizations and such...reading this book did not make me into an atheist and when i read it in the 6th grade i didnt even see or get a hint at any "hidden message" about going against christianity i think the book series is really great

I, too, wondered about what the producers would decide regarding his anti-organized-religion material. Has anybody seen the movie yet. Is it out yet?