Welcome to Reel People. It’s a place where, you guessed it, real people like yourselves spout off on new movie releases. It works best if you - yes, we mean you - jump into the forum link below and tell us what you think of the movie, too.

This week, we’re watching The Golden Compass.

What I Liked: The movie adaptation of a Philip Pullman novel draws you in with epic visuals and astounding effects. While the story is adequete, the design of the landscapes and its creatures is breath-taking. It’s something not seen since the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy.

What I Disliked: Too much story and not enough of an ending. With a concede that it’s the first of a series of movies, “Compass” wraps up quickly with a epilogue of what to expect in the coming films. Couple that with the amount of exposition you need to absorb (especially if you have never read the books) and the movie feels a bit rushed.

Would I Recommend?: I would definitely recommend the film with a warning to parents that scenes may be too intense for younger children, including some sudden scares and violence against animals.

Score: 8 out of 10

- Don Smith

What I Liked: The way you feel about the main character, Lyra. It reminds us all to never underestimate the mind of a child. Their innate innocence mixed with the power to not let fears overcome them is truly extraordinary to view. Myra has a gift, she knows it, and she isn’t afraid to use it-even on creatures 30 times her size. This is quite advanced thinking for such a young girl. 

Also, the ice bear fight scene made most of the audience lay still in their seats. Dolby Surround Sound at its best!

What I Disliked: The story moves along so quickly to the point where main characters are in and out of a scene before you try to figure out which Bond film you saw them in. Don’t sneeze or budge in the beginning, you might miss what the whole premise of the film is about. In essense, it is too rushed which makes a lot of the story feel hoaxy and thrown together haphazardly. Bring on the three hour blockbuster fantasy, we have learned to love them after Lord of the Rings.

Would I Recommend?: Yes, especially if you have children. Even though the film did seem inexcusably rushed, you walk out wishing you had a daemon animal to call your own.

Score: 7 out of 10

- Michelle Schenck

What I Liked: It told a good story. I wasn’t really looking forward to seeing this movie as it reminded me of Narnia and Tarabithia.  However,I was actually very much taken in and enjoyed all the while.  The portrayal, characters and costumes were good. It was a great tale of the triumph of good over evil. Though I don’t know of the novel, it was easy to follow and understand the plot.

What I Disliked: Not much on cgi and special effects and the fight scenes weren’t very graphic either.

Would I Recommend?: Yes, I would recommend it. It isn’t actually a children’s movie but with some explaination, I think anyone can enjoy.

Score: 7 out of 10

- Tanisha Speight