In a 19th century that features dirigibles, other exotic means of transport and mystical creatures, everyone is governed by an Orwellian overlord known as the Magisterium. “Golden Compass” takes place in an alternate reality Britain and Europe, where the time period appears to be late Charles Dickens and early Jules Verne. It’s an imagination overload, yet the film maintains a steady course through the FX mire with a strong story line and viable characters at every turn.
Adapted and directed by Chris Weitz, “Golden Compass” possesses its own movie wizardry, ranging from terrific stunts and CG critters to otherworldly sets and all sorts of 2-D and 3-D visual effects.