By Ryan Parsons | Image property of New Line Cinema.
The Golden Compass
I actually have two updates coming your way for The Golden Compass. Both of which were expected.
Golden Compass Rated
Last night I was watching one of the recent TV spots for The Golden Compass and thought I caught an MPAA rating at the end of it. While working diligently on CanMag I waited to see if another would come and, to my disappointment, none did. What I did remember is that the TV spots are definitely suggesting a PG-13 rating with their visuals and surprising amount of violence. I had hoped for this rating considering that the book even throws in ample amounts of gore.
'Bradley' contacted me today claiming that he saw a TV spot as well and did catch that New Line had stamped on the PG-13 rating. I went to the official site and there isn't anything there yet, but why don't we just stick with it. PG-13 sounds like the correct choice and, if it were any lower, I would not be able to hold back on my disappointment.
So, what's the second update? Well, it turns out that the religous groups out there are doing exactly what New Line had hoped -- they are boycotting the film. All publicity around a tentpole project is good publicity; unless of course it's bad reviews. These same boycotts helped The Chronicles of Narnia earns boatloads of money and should do the same for The Golden Compass.
While Pullman doesn't remove the idea of a higher power, he does blast religion in the books. Though its never stated, one can't help but feel that the Catholic Church is at the end of his barrel. Chris Weitz openly admits that he removed most of the religious elements and replaced it with another institution. I only worry
that the book's incredible twist involving the Bible gets left in.
Ask yourself: What is dust?
The Golden Compass opens to theaters on December 7th.
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