As one who has read the books I agree with the reviewers who said that the film strays too far from the roots of the books, thus detatching itself too much. My opinion however is that as far as PG rated family/fantasy/adventure films go, its bang on!
Sure it's slightly predictable and yes it has its flaws, but what PG film isnt like that!
If you're a fan of the Narnia films and are looking for a film in the same genre then look no further.

what a shame. I was so disapointed, this was the first film where I'd read the books before watching the movie so I was really looking forward to it... but it didn't deliver. Not the actors or the theme of the film but more the fact that it seemed to rush through the book without explaining items. For example, the film didn't finish on the same page as the book so things didn't make sense and also there was no reason to watch the next film (read the next book ). I only wish they will make the other two plus slow it down & bring in the religious undertones...if it's good enough for the book then it's good enough for the film, after all the kids are actually reading the books right now & they love it. JUST TELL THE STORY

What a boring film. As a fan of these popular books i expected the makers of the film to handle it with much more care considering the huge following behind the novels. Not only was the action out of sink and rather dull, the acting; and mainly of Dakota Blue Richards who played Lyra was uninspiring and i found the lass made the irrepressible Lyra unlikable, annoying and irritating. The only enjoyable scene was the polar bear fight, though it defies me why Iorek Byrnison would want to defend such a pretentious little brat.
Another criticism is the almost absence of the themes of religion and power, which are key to the book and its ideals. I understand it isnt in the directors interest to release an anti-religion film in these politically correct times but a bit of living on the edge never hurt anyone. If your going to make a film from a book the main ideals have to be maintained.
Not being a child or having a child i dont know how the target audience enjoyed it but id like to think those who had read the book would be disappointed.

Worst Film ever - this is not an overstatement
Acting - Awful
Casting - pathetic
True to the book - not at all
Another reviwer had this pegged when he said, "they say what there going to do, then they do it, followed by a montage.
The is no one word that describes how bad this film really is!

Went to go and see very Boring so boring no much of plot not much of a Film 0%

Steer clear of this one, book fan or not. Overall the movie was boring and dragged out, they tried to focus on storyline but it was all wrong anyway!! I was waiting until i had read the book until i watched this film and there are a lot of noticeable differences in the film - i.e. the way they change the order of the story all together! Poor action, poor acting and a disgrace to his dark materials.

i really recommend the buk as its the best fing since harry potter and unlike some films this buk is is exactly like the film. I'd read the buk first and if u dont like it dont botha watchin dis!

This plays more like highlights from the book; plenty of set pieces, but no real narrative to string them all together. In attempting to adapt the book they've crammed in all the characters and more interesting sections, but without any clear story to link them. Anyone who's not read the book will find this a complete mess and give up before the end. However, as a companion piece it's well made, but don't expect it to make much sense if you're unfamiliar with the storyline.

What makes this film is Mrs Coulter's cool sophisticated and yet obviously a nasty piece of work! Nicole Kidman at her sexy bestest.! (see the sene when she walks through the Great Hall in the golden dress!) But beware that nasty monkey demon of hers; its evil!!! Add in the brilliant special effects, the London skyline is superb, the fighting bears are fatastic and the world is just a bit too close for comfort; its like the Spanish Inquisition and the Jesuits rule the world under a despotic Pope! D B Richards is an excellent little actor and should go far but I did not like Mr Craigs Beard!

Wow! I'm actually amazed how many people hated this film. I've read all the books several times and to me it felt like the characters were just picked out of my head. I thought the actors involved were spot on and it stuck to the storyline of the book well, considering some book to movie films don't stick to the story very well. Also I was seriously impressed with the acting of the 12 year old Dakota Blue Richards, she is a very impressive actor for her age. I'm also looking at other reviews and alot of people seem to be comparing this childrens book movie to lord of the rings, which is stupid. In conclusion, I felt this was a really well done adaptation and I just hope they make the other two movies. Brilliant!