Review: Golden Compass
I just saw the Golden Compass tonight.
Here is my review:
Special Effects: Very Good
Acting: Good
Plot: Ok
Themes: Very Good
I would not place it on the top of my list of movies, but it was worthwhile seeing it. I would not recommend it for young children, due to the violence. (Although less than some movies)
The theme of open inquiry vs. oppression is very clear within the movie. While one could draw parallels with the Catholic Church, if one tried, it is only because the fact that the Catholic League is boycotting the movie, do I find the Catholic Church far too close to the Magisterium. Any group that attempts to suppress a movie whose main theme is the freedom for us to have open inquiry into the nature of reality is scary. Further, if a religion truly can stand on its own, it should have no fear of words in a book or on a screen. So the fact that they don't wish people to see this movie, in and of itself shows a fear of its content. This is sad.
There may be good reasons to not take young children to see the movie: primarily the violence (I remember being young, and crying during the violence in Bambi! :-) But to attempt to censor it because of its theme is wrong. And I recommend that every free thinker, and person who believes in freedom of inquiry, whether non-religious or religious should support this movie, on those grounds alone.
Here is my review:
Special Effects: Very Good
Acting: Good
Plot: Ok
Themes: Very Good
I would not place it on the top of my list of movies, but it was worthwhile seeing it. I would not recommend it for young children, due to the violence. (Although less than some movies)
The theme of open inquiry vs. oppression is very clear within the movie. While one could draw parallels with the Catholic Church, if one tried, it is only because the fact that the Catholic League is boycotting the movie, do I find the Catholic Church far too close to the Magisterium. Any group that attempts to suppress a movie whose main theme is the freedom for us to have open inquiry into the nature of reality is scary. Further, if a religion truly can stand on its own, it should have no fear of words in a book or on a screen. So the fact that they don't wish people to see this movie, in and of itself shows a fear of its content. This is sad.
There may be good reasons to not take young children to see the movie: primarily the violence (I remember being young, and crying during the violence in Bambi! :-) But to attempt to censor it because of its theme is wrong. And I recommend that every free thinker, and person who believes in freedom of inquiry, whether non-religious or religious should support this movie, on those grounds alone.