Ice queens rule but earnest, clever, British children prevail in two recent fantasy films: The Golden Compass (2007) and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005).
Both movies feature impressive special effects -- including lifelike computer-animated animals -- and while the plots do differ, there are a number of striking similarities in overall setting. Here’s a look at how Compass and Narnia fare in comparison -- lions and witches and polar bears, oh my!
The Golden Compass (2007)
Based on the book Northern Lights by Philip Pullman (1995)
Controversial because the book was written by an atheist
Access to other world: Alethiometer (or Golden Compass)
Girl who discovers access: Lyra Belacqua (supposed orphan)
Other world climate: Frozen north
Other world villainess: Mrs. Marisa Coulter
Animal interaction: Animal soul mates
Polar bears wear battle armour and talk
Children and animals battle to free those taken by the Gobblers
Big battle scene: Yes!
Worldwide box office*: $150,384,574 (as of Dec. 30, 2007)
Sequel: Set-up for sequel at end of film as Lyra seeks her father, Lord Asriel
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
Based on the book The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis (1950)
Controversial because the book was written by a Christian
Access to other world: Wardrobe
Girl who discovers access: Lucy Pevensie (temporary war orphan)
Other world climate: Eternal winter
Other world villainess: The White Witch
Animal interaction: Talking animal compatriots, including a Lion Saviour
Polar bears pull the Witch’s chariot
Children and animals battle to free the inhabitants if Narnia
Big battle scene: Yes!
Worldwide box office*: $744,783,957
Sequel: Confirmed sequel: The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008)
*Box office figures from BoxOfficeMojo.com
Both films look great; however, Narnia wraps the story neatly at the end, while Compass offers a blatant cliff-hanger that leaves the fate of Lyra’s father unresolved. As to which franchise will spawn sequel after sequel, Harry Potter style, Narnia is the evident front-runner with its upcoming film adaptations of Prince Caspian (2008) and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010).
Both movies feature impressive special effects -- including lifelike computer-animated animals -- and while the plots do differ, there are a number of striking similarities in overall setting. Here’s a look at how Compass and Narnia fare in comparison -- lions and witches and polar bears, oh my!
The Golden Compass (2007)
Based on the book Northern Lights by Philip Pullman (1995)
Controversial because the book was written by an atheist
Access to other world: Alethiometer (or Golden Compass)
Girl who discovers access: Lyra Belacqua (supposed orphan)
Other world climate: Frozen north
Other world villainess: Mrs. Marisa Coulter
Animal interaction: Animal soul mates
Polar bears wear battle armour and talk
Children and animals battle to free those taken by the Gobblers
Big battle scene: Yes!
Worldwide box office*: $150,384,574 (as of Dec. 30, 2007)
Sequel: Set-up for sequel at end of film as Lyra seeks her father, Lord Asriel
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
Based on the book The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis (1950)
Controversial because the book was written by a Christian
Access to other world: Wardrobe
Girl who discovers access: Lucy Pevensie (temporary war orphan)
Other world climate: Eternal winter
Other world villainess: The White Witch
Animal interaction: Talking animal compatriots, including a Lion Saviour
Polar bears pull the Witch’s chariot
Children and animals battle to free the inhabitants if Narnia
Big battle scene: Yes!
Worldwide box office*: $744,783,957
Sequel: Confirmed sequel: The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008)
*Box office figures from BoxOfficeMojo.com
Both films look great; however, Narnia wraps the story neatly at the end, while Compass offers a blatant cliff-hanger that leaves the fate of Lyra’s father unresolved. As to which franchise will spawn sequel after sequel, Harry Potter style, Narnia is the evident front-runner with its upcoming film adaptations of Prince Caspian (2008) and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010).
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