Nicole Kidman Joins "The Golden Compass"

Nicole Kidman joins the fantasy film "The Golden Compass" in the role of Mrs. Coulter. New Bond girl Eva Green will play the queen of witches. Kidman especially is perfect casting and the first choice of author Philip Pullman. I'm a huge fan of the books, a fantasy trilogy that ranks alongside CS Lewis's Narnia Chronicles and the Lord of the Rings in its epic scope and originality. They're a retelling of Milton's "Paradise Lost" and an almost shocking attack on organized religion that praises the beauty of sexuality. Think of it as "The Satanic Verses" for the young adult set. Chris Weitz of "In Good Company" is directing. There will be three films and they'll be huge events over the next few years. Do yourself a favor and read the books now. The first one is deceptively straightforward as a fantasy tale -- the real boldness doesn't kick in until the second one.