• Hollywood blockbusters put box office in line for record takings

Reader views (37)

 Add your view

Wow. Can you people hear what you sound like? So now citizens of the US need to have everything they do, see, read, or think approved by the Catholic Church? Censorship and fascism, anyone?

- Peter, NJ, 17/12/2009 19:03
Report abuse

This is Great news! The hope that I have for the future (its not in Wash. dc) is that I see more and more Christians standing up in all areas of every day life and tell the media, hollywood, washington, science... we have hae ENOUGH! we tolerated too much and you continue to attact our faith! What scares these people are the numbers of people that are pushing back. Keep it up. where ever you see injustice being done to Jesus, speak up. write a quick note, say a prayer, do one Christian act that will please our Lord in Heaven and watch satan continue to backtrack.

- Tony R, Michigan USA, 17/12/2009 13:22
Report abuse

This strikes me as weird, because when has Hollywood ever listened to the Catholic Church about anything? I find this story hard to believe.

- Tjf, Michigan, USA, 17/12/2009 05:40
Report abuse

Really? Because I'm betting the studio ruined their own plans for two more movies by making the first movie suck. The book was pretty damn good; it had very well done moral ambiguities, an interesting and coherent plot, a complex villain, and most important of all, a kicking ending. The movie somehow managed to torpedo all of that.

And the books get way less subtle and way more didactic in their criticisms of the Catholic Church as the series goes on, so I'm betting the producers realized that they've already ruined their chances by making an awful movie out of the best book in the series.

- Chris, United States, 17/12/2009 04:04
Report abuse

Stange, isn't it, that they are boasting about how much money this movie made, yet when the Passion of Christ was out,no one even acknowledged the millions brought in by that movie, which had more substance than a derogatory story line like the Golden Compass has.Movies should hav an educational element(in a good sense) as well as entertaining qualities. The bottom line is that they should not be used to hurt or defame anyone in any way.

- Anita, Florida,USA, 17/12/2009 02:52
Report abuse

To all the athiests out there - let's ask you again when you are on your deathbed facing what lies ahead. Frank in Home Counties, thank you so much for calling us ignorant, shall I call you arrogant? John from Brentwood, boo hoo hoo, the cash cow is dead.

- Lorraine K., PA, USA, 16/12/2009 23:51
Report abuse

Here we go again! ENOUGH ALREADY!!! Stop trying to justify some STUPID, MINDLESS movie that most Christians, let alone Catholics, would care to spend their hard earned money to watch. Catholics have had enough of this nonsense. Most of us are tired of being used as a WHIPPING POST and are fighting back.

- Nancy, Louisville, USA, 16/12/2009 23:03
Report abuse

$85 million dollars is NOT a blockbuster. Even Get Smart-a comedy, which often doesn't break the box office did better than that in the United States. So, since it didn't get the numbers up, the Producers won't make any more.
Like a man with ED instead of blaming it on his inability to get more bang out of his "buck" he is blaming his failure on the Church.

What a loser.

- Trimelda C. Mcdaniels, Idaho Falls, ID USA, 16/12/2009 21:04
Report abuse

If this were an anti-Jewish movie would Sam freaking Elliott be all for it? Would he expect Jews not to protest it?

Don't make me laugh. It's all good to slander and malign Catholics, but it's illegal in many countries to say a word against Jews. I am SICK of this double-standard!

How could you NOT expect people to protest a movie that bashes them - and in such a subliminal way...to children, no less!?

- Trotter, Fairfield USA, 16/12/2009 20:33
Report abuse

I am so glad I started reading comments. Every time I read how some people cannot stand the Catholic Church for standing up for God, I thank Him for my being born a Catholic. I feel sorry for those who do not have my good fortune. Thank you all you Catholic bashers and be assured you are always in my prayers. That helps me to tolerate you more than I otherwise would. As far as the movies, I stopped going a long time ago and don't really know anyone who cares about them anymore.

- Vin, ilion/usa, 16/12/2009 19:24
Report abuse

Sammy knows the movie was a box office bomb in the U.S.--this is main country where profits are decided. He should shut his yapper and go back to making "The Omen--Part 15."

- Paul, omaha usa, 16/12/2009 17:19
Report abuse

Yes, in the name of religion individuals have been hurt, but the Church is still the largest provider of health care in the world and every day clergy and laity give their lives in defense of the innocent. But, we don't care about the saints of this world do we?

It is far easier to hate and destroy than love. After all, those great secular humanists Joseph Stalin, Adolph Hitler and Mao Zedong have all shown us that the path to peace is only possible through atheism. Let's be honest. There are good men and women of faith and of a lack of faith. However, from what I've seen from many of these posts, attacking one another with vitriolic prejudice while focusing only on the evil committed by some people rather than ever acknowleging the good appears to be part of the human condition - both for believers and non-believers. Personally, I'll throw in my lot with those of faith. As hard as it probably is for some to understand, I'll also support those who feel differently.

As for any group being able to stop a film, Christians may have had issues with an author who is avowedly anti-Christian, but this film flopped on its own merits or lack thereof. I no more believe the Church affected attendance than I expect Elvis to be the next pope.

I find the attitude of many without faith interesting. "We hate you Christians because all you Christian demonstrate is hate." What an unfortunate double standard. Especially given all the good in this world.

- Ben, Washington, D.C. USA, 16/12/2009 16:12
Report abuse

Though the movie did well in Europe, it was abomb in the US, see quote from Entertainment Weekly magazine below.

Charging the Catholic Church with exerting it's malevolent behind the scenes influence is absurd, and an obvious attempt to whip up interest and support.

"It was supposed to be New Line's next great franchise — a lavish spectacle on par with the studio's Lord of the Rings series. But last weekend The Golden Compass, an adaptation of the first book in Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy, opened to a wan $25.8 million. And like that, it went from potentially middle-earth-shattering to potentially embarrassing. "

- Tom B, Houston, US, 16/12/2009 15:33
Report abuse

There is a tendency now to attack the Catholic Church, It is done out of ignorance and anger by secular humanist who have adopted paganism and atheism because they have no real relationship with the practice of faith. They live in a darkness of truth and lash out at anything which hints of God. Hollywood is filled with these types . Their god is money and thier stomach. It is not complicated but sad and tragic in the eternal aspect of salvation.

- Charle, ny,ny usa, 16/12/2009 14:34
Report abuse

The Catholic Church has always been the favorite whipping boy of the liberals around the world. Are you people that big of fools to think that the Church has this kind of influence? I frankly wonder who is dumber you people who think this is true or the kool aid drinking environmentalists that think mankind is to blame for every hurricane and heat wave that comes along.

- Tim, Washington, DC,US, 16/12/2009 14:20
Report abuse

If only we Catholics had that much influence. LOL. I am soooo glad this movie was canned. We have just as much right to protest stupid deceitful movies as they do to produce their trash.
Long Live Jesus Christ. Now and Forever.
Merry Christmas, everyone.

- Sue, New York, United States, 16/12/2009 14:00
Report abuse

Wise up! The film industry could care less about what the Catholic Church says. The real story is about not finding funds for a sequel to a "B" movie . Then Sam Elliot puts his anti-religious spin on it and you have a story. The Church has protested other movies in a bigger way and has been ignored. (See Dan Brown's works)

- Matt, chicago usa, 16/12/2009 13:46
Report abuse

They sound scared. I wonder why...

- Alex Sterling, Akron, Ohio, 15/12/2009 14:42
Report abuse

I fail to see what pressure tha Catholic church could possibly bring to bear that would make anyone change their minds about anything. Unless they were Catholic themselves of course.Then anything is possible (See Ireland).

- Jim, Bideford, England, 15/12/2009 14:15
Report abuse

As a fan of this first movie (I have yet to see it, but I will be buying a copy for my DVD library as I feel that this is a significant movie). I am VERY disappointed!!!

All I can say, if it's true that a certain religious group can influence the continuation of what amounts to an excellent story line, then we have really entered a new dark age (1950's McCarthyism anybody?, how about Hitler's third Reich? (they were Christian by the way)).

Do you realize that atheists now represent 16% of the US population and what about Europe where the figure is much higher? You have thrown away a huge market share...

This first movie looks like it made a lot of money, perhaps the producers should look for a new movie studio to complete such a movie series....funny, you corporate history pages show a dynamic "NEW" film production company.....perhaps you should update said web page?
Yours Truly,
G. Salter

- Gary Salter, North Vancouver canada, 15/12/2009 10:17
Report abuse

My son played the part of Roger in this fantasy Film.
I think that it is appalling that the true fans are being deprived of the sequels of the Phillip Pullman novels which have sold Millions of copies and received Awards of recognition just because of pressure from a few small minded individuals. The Director Chris Weitz who is a very good wanted the film to be as true to the books as possible and the length of the film should not have been cut. It is very sad that a few small minded people who campaigned against the film have forced the Hollywood producers to abandon this film. This is a fantasy story, my god get a life. This film took $85 million dollars in the states alone, with rentals of the film $11 million dollars in the states I think this says it all. I have seen figures branded around that the film internationally took $700 million Dollars and in my mind I think this is a success as it only cost $180 million Dollars to make. All the Americans I have spoken to whilst on holiday every year have said they loved the film and don’t understand why Bill Donohue apposed this film and there are many more news films worse than this. The Japanese and China loved it. I think the producers should not be dictated to and put two fingers up the two small minded gents and fulfill your promise to the fans before Roger and Lyra get to old. Ben is very disappointed that this decision has been made and asks the Producers to reconsider their positon

- John, Brentwood Essex, 15/12/2009 09:13
Report abuse

Name one film that was cancelled or barred because the Catholic church exerted its power? Every year many films come out that are anti-Church, anti-faith, anti-Christian but the church knows that if it kicks up a stink it will only give free publicity. I suspect there were other reasons for production being shelved. The Church factor is a convenient foil.

- C.D., Qld, Australia, 15/12/2009 02:47
Report abuse

What a load of rubbish. Everyone knows that when the Catholic Church stands up against a film, movie producers rub their hands in glee... free PR! All of you who think the Church wields power in this area are seriously misinformed. The producers are using this as an excuse. Name a film that the Catholic Church has 'stopped'! Come on now.... oh, and it continues to sadden me that anytime the Church is mentioned out come the frothing, foaming Church-haters. My question to you is: If atheism is the new "Gospel of Hope", how is it going to give your children hope to face the future? My experience is that atheists are a lazy lot... arm chair philosophers and grumblers... get out there and convince the young people of England that you have a mental, emotional and spiritual framework that will make sense of their depressing circumstances. I watch and wait with anticipation.

- C.D., Queensland Australia, 14/12/2009 22:16
Report abuse

Damned religious types always feel they have the right to interfere. Well damnit, they don't. May they all end up burning in the very place they threaten to send reasonable people. I'll watch what I want and damned if they will stop me. Don't care if it is the Catholics, the Baptists, or any other group.

- Handcarttohell, DeBary, FL, 14/12/2009 22:12
Report abuse

I think it's disgusting that one religion (in this case anyway) is allowed to dictate what the people of the World should see, no matter what their religion! As others have said isn't it time that Catholic Church took a more active interest in what their Priests are up to with the children they're entrusted to take care of! Personally I am sick of religious fanatics feeling that they can dictate to me what I read and see, especially when I am not of their religion! I sincerely hope that in the future another film company picks up the rights to these films and tells the Catholic Church where to shove it.

- Toni, Loose, Kent, 14/12/2009 21:13
Report abuse

Sam Elliott is wrong. The Catholics also boycotted the Da Vinci Code and that didn't hurt it at all. The fact is The Golden Compass cost a fortune and seriously underperformed, especially in America. 85 million there is a disaster for a film on that scale - the Harry Potter films make 300 million in the States. The sequels wee cancelled after the studio went bust and got taken over by Warner Bros, and the bosses decided they were a bad investment.

- Kevin T, Beckenham, Kent, 14/12/2009 12:34
Report abuse

I loved the trilogy and was very excited when I heard the movie was being made, but as dismayed as I was by the reaction of religious people and the Catholic in particular, I have a feeling that the fact that the movie was just bad and would only make sense to people who actually read the book did more damage to it's continuation than kooky Jesus fans. Sorry, Sam, it wasn't the Catholics that ruin it, it was the director.

- Tom, Pawtucket, RI, USA, 14/12/2009 12:01
Report abuse

Contrary to my usual leanings, I tend to agree with Escobar; I have read the trilogy twice now, finding it more interesting the second time when I had the patience to enjoy the details.
The film was a disappointment because it cut out HUGE explanatory chunks! If this was so as 'not to offend the religious' then it was a criminal act.
Perhaps we should start to demand that the religious stop offending us with their attacks on our literature!

- Gsw, Kingston, Surrey, 14/12/2009 11:19
Report abuse

Another example of how religion brings out the very worst in people and clearly shows their ignorance and intolerance. And yet another reason why I am an atheist and a humanist.

- Cally G, Essex, UK, 14/12/2009 10:36
Report abuse

Or it could be down to the fact that it simply wasn't a very good film, partially due to the studio's interference because they were scared of the subject matter.

- Bob, Cheam, 14/12/2009 10:36
Report abuse

I loved the Golden Compass, and I especially liked the comparison with Catholicism, since in my view that was the purpose! Aren't 90% of Hollywood producers Jewish? Why would they care about the Vatican.

- William B, London, 14/12/2009 10:27
Report abuse

Kev, if you are going to use uppercase for emphasis, please at least use the correct word.

This has got nothing to do with Catholics complaining. Contrary to the box office figures, The Golden Compass was an awful, awful adaptation of a good novel. Going ahead with the remainder of the trilogy would have been equally painful.

The likes of Bill O'Reilly whining, and Bill Donoghue claiming victory, only shines a light on THEIR own delusions.

- Escobar A-Lop-Lop, Camden County, 14/12/2009 10:04
Report abuse

A cop out by this actor. If the first film had been a success then no power on earth would have stopped Hollywood from making sequels.

- Bea Kay, Melbourne, Australia, 14/12/2009 10:01
Report abuse

There is no such thing as 'Christian' children, just as there is no such thing as Jewish or Islamic children. All Children are just that, Children, until they make an informed decision about their views on religion. To have the religious views of their parents foisted upon them constitutes a kind of abuse, albeit well meaning in most cases.

- Mike, London, 14/12/2009 09:34
Report abuse

In light of the latest scandal in Ireland perhaps the catholic church would be better served protecting our children against their predatory clergymen rather than protesting against a film and a few books - which are excellent by the way.

- Veritas Noire, Purley, 14/12/2009 09:19
Report abuse

Are we to be subjected to the whims of religious believers and THERE idea of what we are allowed to view or read!This is out outrageous, from book burning Muslims,to dictates from the Catholic church.You believe what you like,but try to foster those beliefs on me and your looking for trouble.

- Kev, London uk, 14/12/2009 09:08
Report abuse

Just goes to show the levels of ignorance in the States. We know how the Catholic Church 'affects' children, just look to Ireland at the moment.

- Frank, Home Counties, England,, 14/12/2009 09:02
Report abuse

Add your comment