Ok, it's a PREQUEL and it's a kids movie. Nicole Kidman delivers a fine performance as the evil "mother".
It's a compelling story, a bit like a dream. I believe the last half is shot mostly at night to simplify and improve the special effects, since the result is rather tiresome. I think the book would be a better deal since the movie lacks detail.
trailer http://www.goldencompassmovie.com/
Internet movie database http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0385752/
Steve
