Unstirring epic fantasy, set in a parallel universe where people's souls walk beside them in the form of talking animals, called "daemons." In addition, there's a whole glossary of made-up proper nouns, an obligatory oppressive, thought-policing Ruling Power, and a young girl singled out by destiny to be the Savior, aided by a good witch, a gypsy band, a dirigible-flying cowboy, a CG armored polar bear (cousin of the Coca-Cola polars), and the truth-telling gizmo of the title. A four-pronged last-minute rescue settles nothing, for this is but Part One of Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" trilogy. With Dakota Blue Richards, Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Eva Green, and Sam Elliott; directed by Chris Weitz. (2007) — Duncan Shepherd
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