Greetings all, I trust you are enjoying your boxes.

We partook of our engorgement on the 24th, so I had yestereday free to do my favorite thing - watch movies.

Much as I love Will Smith - I Am Legend dropped the ball in the last ten minutes, so I left the theater with a big 'meh' in my mind.

As an antidote, I thought I'd give the much maligned (in North America at least) Golden Compass a chance - and was really glad I made the decision to fling another four bucks in New Line's direction (Tuesdays are cheap in Ottawa!!)

I've dabbled in Phil Pullman's books but never really taken the plunge, so I went into the film with no preconceptions and allowed it to wash over me, which it did, like honey and milk body wash in a steam shower.

Ah, it's been a while since I could check my cynicism at the door and immerse myself in another world - and this is one of the things that makes a Star Wars fan a special kind of person - that willingness to let go and wallow in another universe. The universe of 'Compass' is rich indeed, featuring a glorious fusion of Vernian steampunk ideals framed by the kind of city and landscapes we come to expect in grand fantasy. I love the concept of our souls made physical in the form of daemons, animal companions which are basically the next step up the evolutionary ladder from Jiminy Cricket - they were beautifully realized and added a great way for characters to outwardly express their inner monologues without resorting to the hoary old 'looking in the mirror and talking aloud' device

Need a Star Warsy reason to go see the film? Other than it being operatic fantasy? Our very own Count Dooku pops up yet again, in a brief, but perfectly menacing scene, and Vic Armstrong was 2nd unit director (it's good to see our Indy hero enjoying success behind the camera too!!)

BTW - did I mention polar bears? No? Well I should.
There's a bunch of polar bears in it.

Now, no recommendation of 'Compass' is complete without touching on the controversy surrounding it.

Problem is this is a Star Wars forum - and I firmly believe politics and religion have absolutely no place here - and I usually don't express my views as I have no desire to upset any of my blogging friends.

However, I do find it ironic that the same organization that has condemned this film, and is urging people to boycott it, claims to be doing so "to protect the children".
This is the same organization that, at the highest levels, vigorously protected its own trusted employees as they systematically raped and molested children...
Go figure.

At the end of the day - the theme of 'Compass' is the fight for free will - and I would urge you to exercise a little free will of your own - ingore the naysayers, and go and enjoy a grand adventure!!