I miss out on hearing about these things because I (we) generally don’t go to see very many movies. I like the occasional movie, but Irene has many reasons not to: they are too loud, the screen is too big, you have to sit too close, and so on. That, coupled with my general stationary inertia, means that we don’t get out much.

I’ll have to see if I can drag Irene to see Golden Compass, though.

And of course now, there are the various religious fundy’s protesting that the movie is anti religious and the authour is an Atheist.

Of course, even if true… neither of those things are a reason in themselves not to see a movie, anymore than a pro religious movie by a devout person is a reason to see it. The question that matters is, “is the movie well done and enjoyable to watch?”

My Mother has read the books ( which, like you, also completely slipped passed my radar,) and she said they were very good. The trailers look good ( of course they always do ) and I like the fantasy genre… more than enough reason for me to go and see the film. The fact I haven’t read the books is probably a bonus, as I have no expectations that won’t be met.