Movie review: ‘Compass’ is golden, a must-see Dec 30, 2007
Along the way, she and the Gyptians befriend an armored bear named Iorek Byrnison (voiced by Ian McKellen), a Texas aeronaut named Lee Scoresby (Sam Elliott) and a witch queen named Serafina Pekkela (Eva Green) ... Sam Elliott as Lee Scoresby was exactly as I imagined in the book both rough and elegant, both loyal and a survivor. (Lompoc Record, CA)
Capsule reviews of feature films Dec 30, 2007
Daniel Craig, Sam Elliott and Nicole Kidman are among the grownups in this fantastical world. 1 hr. 58 PG-13 (violence, children in jeopardy, adult themes) Steven Rea. (Seacoast New Hampshire)
The Holidays with Hollywood: What the Stars Are Doing This Year Dec 25, 2007
""I'm going to go to Oregon," says The Golden Compass' Sam Elliott. "I'm going to take my 92-year-old mother to see this movie and I'm going to keep the fire burning and spend time with my animals and my family. "Sam's co-star Eva Green expects to be "like everybody in my family, around the Christmas tree eating good food - foie-gras. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
No question about this season Dec 23, 2007
Of course, my No. 1 Christmas movie is "Prancer," mostly because of Sam Elliott. Few know the movie as well as the other "classic" Christmas films, but those who do not know it do not know what they are missing. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Cattlemen seek checkoff changes Dec 22, 2007
It's the program behind the popular "Beef, It's What's for Dinner" ads that feature the distinctive voice of actor Sam Elliott. At a dollar a head, the checkoff fee pools about 80 million annually for beef promotion, research and education, among other things. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Letters: More favorite character actors Dec 17, 2007
Sam Elliott in "Lifeguard": A young Elliott personifies the Los Angeles beach culture as an aging lifeguard who doesn't want to grow up and get a real job. Henry Travers in "It's a Wonderful Life": Travers' lines as Clarence the guardian angel have typical Capra irony. (San Francisco Chronicle)
MOVIE REVIEW: 'Golden Compass' leads to a film that falls short Dec 16, 2007
Additionally, the smorgasbord of A-list actors featured in the film (Kidman, McKellan, Daniel Craig, Freddie Highmore, Kathy Bates and Sam Elliott) make it enjoyable as well. On the whole, "The Golden Compass," with its overly fast pacing and muddiness of plot, could and should have been much better. (Fresno Bee -- Lifestyle)
Bond in tweed Dec 14, 2007
" There are nonetheless traces of Bond in the character and he notes how Pullman "strongly endorsed" additional action scenes featuring his adventurer's journey to the Arctic region that do not appear in the book. The film follows the adventures of Lyra (Richards), a precocious 12-year-old orphan whose curiosity and wilful nature open the door to mysteries upon which the fate of her world comes to rest. Ultimately Lyra is the only one who can ascertain the truths of the golden compass of the... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
'Compass' loses sight of original Pullman story Dec 14, 2007
Her little army consists of an ex-prince Polar Bear, a young orphan boy, a tribe of gypsy people and the Marlboro Man (Sam Elliott). If it had been explained why there was a random cowboy in the movie, maybe the entire experience would have been a little more fulfilling. (Daily Collegian, PA)
Movie Reviews 12-13-2007 Dec 14, 2007
Starring Nicole Kidman, Dakota Blue Richards, Daniel Craig, Sam Elliott, Eva Green. Synopsis: Lyra Belacqua (Dakota Blue Richards) is an orphan who lives happily in Jordan College, Oxford, playing with local boys and terrorizing the professors. (Plainview Daily Herald, TX)
Cowboy Icon Sam Elliott Abides in 'The Golden Compass' Dec 11, 2007
Sam Elliott: Oh, I don't know, a couple three months. Maybe to get it like this. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
'Golden' atheism? Dec 10, 2007
The film stars Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig (the latest James Bond), Sam Elliott and Eva Green (the latest Bond girl). The story is of Lyra (newcomer Dakota Blue Richards), an orphan living in an alternative universe. (Seacoast New Hampshire)
Review: 'Compass' makes you wonder Dec 9, 2007
Things settle a bit once we get to the frozen north, scene of several epic battles involving armies of gyptians (travelers), panzerbjorn (armored polar bears), Tartars, witches and even an aeronautical cowboy (Sam Elliott). OK, perhaps "settle" is pushing it, but who's complaining with all this to look at. (CNN -- Showbiz)
'The Golden Compass': Dusted, By Kurt Loder Dec 8, 2007
Then there's a drawling, Stetson-topped cowboy "aeronaut" named Scoresby (Sam Elliott even his rabbit demon has a cracker accent), and a sky full of fierce witches armed with bows and arrows. I'm leaving stuff out, believe me. (MTV.com)
Elliott is ultimate cowboy Dec 8, 2007
Even in sci-fi movies, Sam Elliott is the ultimate cowboy ... Even in sci-fi movies, Sam Elliott is the ultimate cowboy ... - Sam Elliott was born to star in Westerns. (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
'Golden Compass' could use a little more whimsy, humor Dec 8, 2007
Good thing for her that she runs into an old cowboy (Sam Elliott, simply perfect) ... Starring: Dakota Blue Richards, Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Derek Jacobi, Eva Green, Sam Elliott. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Review: 'Golden Compass' loses its way Dec 8, 2007
Sam Elliott shows up as a wily Texan who wants to help Lyra, and the characterization is tired. An obligatory battle scene takes place, with Alexandre Desplat's John Williams-like music pumped over the soundtrack, but the music sounds surer than the action. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Reviews: 'Atonement,' 'The Golden Compass' Dec 8, 2007
Sam Elliott and Eva Green co-star. Atonement' (R) Those ruby-red lips puffing away at a delicately hand-rolled cigarette, those shoulder blades jutting like weapons from a knockout of a backless, emerald-green gown -- Keira Knightley would seem to be starring in an elegant period drama, one that's predictably and self-consciously reserved. (Click2Houston, TX)
The Golden Compass dazzles with great special effects Dec 8, 2007
Along the way, Lyra befriends a chivalrous bear (voiced by Ian McKellen), an "aeronaut" (think cowboy, only in the sky) played by Sam Elliott and a flying witch named Serafina (Eva Green). All of them have a vested interest in making sure Lyra and her Alethiometer-a truth telling device also called a golden compass-remain safe. (Hillsdale Independent, NY)
* Rapid-fire salvation Dec 7, 2007
On the way she meets and befriends a bear, Iorek Byrnison, voiced in a rumbling baritone by Ian McKellen, who becomes her champion and an itinerant aviator Lee Scoresby, played by Sam Elliott. Needless to say, her efforts are successful. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
'Compass' gets lost in effects rather than fantasy Dec 7, 2007
It's a cold, cruel world: Dakota Blue Richards, with Sam Elliott, searches for kidnapped kids in an alternate universe. Conversation guidelines: USA TODAY welcomes your thoughts, stories and information related to this article. (USA Today -- Life)
Fantasy flick visually elaborate but cold to the touch Dec 7, 2007
Once she escapes the wicked Coulter's clutches, Lyra finds an eclectic mix of allies in a traveling band known as the Gyptians, Texas aviator Lee Scoresby (Sam Elliott, who could do this in his sleep), the good witch Serafina Pekkala (Eva Green) and, of course, McKellen's enormous and enormously misunderstood bear, Iorek Byrnison. Yes, it's all as complicated as it sounds. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Fantasy's intellectual terrain is worth navigating Dec 7, 2007
The Golden Compass gains momentum as Lyra travels over the snowy landscape, accumulating a team of allies, including a group of nomadic Gyptians, an aeronaut named Lee Scoresby (Sam Elliott) who pilots a flying ship, a beautiful 300-year-old witch queen Serafina Pekkala (Eva Green) and a fierce polar bear king, called Iorek Byrnison, voiced by Ian McKellen. Younger children may find some scenes a test: In the movie's most violent sequence, he has a death match against an ursine usurper to his... (Globe and Mail)
Watch the trailer Dec 7, 2007
The Golden Compass' stars an ensemble cast that includes Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Sam Elliott, and Ian McShane. What does it look like. (iAfrica.com)
Sam Elliott Slams 'Compass' Controversy Dec 7, 2007
New Line Cinema ImageSam Elliott in "The Golden Compass" ... Sam Elliott has a beef -- and for certain it's not the kind that's for dinner ... New Line ImageDakota Blue Richards and Sam Elliott on the set of "The Golden Compass". (Click2Houston, TX)
The weird adventure of 'Golden Compass' comes through in film adaptation Dec 6, 2007
Daniel Craig skitters down icebergs as Lyra's manly Uncle Asriel, and Sam Elliott thaws the film out as a drawling Texas balloonist with a jackrabbit for a daemon (voiced by Kathy Bates, no less) ... Starring: Dakota Blue Richards, Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Sam Elliott; featuring the voices of Freddie Highmore, Ian McKellen, and Kathy Bates. (Boston Globe)
'The Golden Compass' points to friends and foes Dec 6, 2007
Lee Scoresby / Played by Sam Elliott. A Texas cowboy and an aeronaut for hire who sails around the world in his Jules Verne-style hot-air ship, is handy with a pistol and is a loyal friend to Lyra and Iorek the polar bear. (USA Today -- Life)
'Golden Compass' struggles to find its way Dec 6, 2007
C+ "The Golden Compass" Starring: Dakota Blue Richards, Nicole Kidman, Sam Elliott, Daniel Craig Director: Chris Weitz Studio: New Line Cinema Rated: PG-13 (for sequences of fantasy violence) RT: 114 minutes ... Lyra makes her escape, joining with rogue bands of dissenters, an out-of-place cowboy (Sam Elliott) and finally a ferocious talking ice bear, who becomes her protector, on her mission to find the missing children and defy the constraints of the Magesterium ... Starring: Dakota Blue... (North County Times)
Win 'The Golden Compass' Movie Prizes Dec 6, 2007
"The Golden Compass" stars an ensemble cast that includes Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Sam Elliott ("Ghost Rider"), Eva Green ("Casino Royale") and the voices of Ian McKellen ("The Lord of the Rings"), Ian McShane ("Deadwood"), Freddie Highmore ("Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"), Kathy Bates ("Charlotte's Web"), and Kristin Scott Thomas ("Gosford Park"). The film is written and directed by Chris Weitz ("About A Boy," "Antz") and produced by Deborah Forte and Bill Carraro. (Click2Houston, TX)
'Golden' opportunity Dec 5, 2007
Sam Elliott, who portrays a cowboy-hatted air-balloon pilot, was mightily impressed with the rookie actress. "The kid just blew me away on every level," he drawled, "and the camera loves Dakota. When I saw the whole movie for the first time, what I liked even more than seeing the CGI stuff was watching this girl act." During production, Weitz consulted with the Oxford-educated Pullman whenever he considered changes to the source material. (Philadelphia Inquirer)
The Golden Compass shines brightly Dec 5, 2007
Her adventures soon include the participation of cowboy airman Lee Scoresby (Sam Elliott), witch Serafina Pekkala (Eva Green) and mighty warrior bear Iorek Byrnison (voiced by Sir Ian McKellen). The latter pledges himself to Lyras quest after she saves him from alcoholic servitude to the humans who tricked him out of his armor. (MSNBC -- Movies)
Dixie Chick Urges Donations to Defense Fund for Murderers Dec 4, 2007
" Sam Elliott and wife of 23 years (together for 28, thanks) Katherine Ross she of "Butch Cassidy" fame at the premiere last night of "The Golden Compass" at the Rainbow Room, welcoming pal (multiple) Oscar-nominee Joan Allen. The Elliotts gorgeous daughter, Chloe, 23, is considering a singing career. She has the looks, that s for sure, and the poise. Sam stars in "Compass" along side Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig. He s one of Hollywood s unsung heroes, a great guy, and a "real" cowboy who has... (Fox News)
Exclusive: The Golden Compass Concept Art Dec 3, 2007
Sam Elliott to host the Golden Compass trailer premiere. Five minutes of exclusive scenes. (IGN FilmForce)
The Golden Compass: What are Daemons? Dec 3, 2007
IGN: The Golden Compass: What are Daemons. The Golden Compass: What are Daemons. (IGN FilmForce)
A 'Golden' opportunity for Kidman Dec 3, 2007
It's a special-effects extravaganza starring Kidman, Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Sam Elliott and Ian McKellen, and was filmed mostly on a green screen ... For his part, Sam Elliott doesn't see "The Golden Compass" as a message film. (Chicago Sun-Times)
A High-Flying Part Dec 3, 2007
It also features Sam Elliott, Christopher Lee and the voices of Ian McKellen, Ian McShane and Kathy Bates. "This role is actually bigger in the film than in the book, because she's great and we wanted (Green) in the film as much as possible, and she becomes a very important player in the films to come," Weitz said by telephone from London in a separate interview. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
Daredevil Evel Knievel dies at 69 Dec 3, 2007
Knievel also dabbled in movies and TV, starring as himself in "Viva Knievel" and with Lindsay Wagner in an episode of the 1980s TV series "Bionic Woman." George Hamilton and Sam Elliott each played Knievel in movies about his life. Evel Knievel toys accounted for more than $300 million in sales for Ideal and other companies in the 1970s and '80s. (Variety)
London's 'Golden' glow Dec 3, 2007
LONDON - Fantasy descended on London Nov. 27 for the world preem of "The Golden Compass," as Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Sam Elliott, Freddie Highmore and newcomer Dakota Blue Richards navigated their way through the crowds of autograph seekers and overflowing press. "London knows how to throw a premiere like no one else," said the pic's helmer, Chris Weitz, who, in addition to thanking Nigel and Trevor Green, co-toppers at U.K. distrib Entertainment Films, also reserved special... (Variety)
Movie's controversial religious themes draw concern, praise Dec 2, 2007
Starring : Nicole Kidman, Dakota Blue Richards, Daniel Craig, Sam Elliott, Eva Green, Tom Courtenay. Synopsis: "The Golden Compass" is based on the award-winning and best-selling novel by Philip Pullman, the first in "His Dark Materials" trilogy. (Waterloo Courier, IO)
The PG's Holiday Movie Guide Dec 2, 2007
"The Golden Compass" -- Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Sam Elliott, Ian McShane and newcomer Dakota Blue Richards star in an adaptation of the best seller, first in Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" trilogy. "Joe Strummer: The Future Is Unwritten" -- Lots of famous people, from Bono to Johnny Depp, remember the front man for The Clash, who died in December 2002 at age 50. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
The golden ticket Dec 1, 2007
I think my favourite character is Sam Elliott's; he's one of the most humane people in the film, and I did love all the daemons, although you won't see mine until the second film ... SAM ELLIOTT (LEE SCORESBY). (Scotsman)
Director on Incredible Hulk Dec 1, 2007
com, Leterrier also spoke about the film's villains, Abomination (Tim Roth) and General "Thunderbolt" Ross (William Hurt, who replaces Sam Elliott in the role). "Obviously, General Ross is the villain, so he had to be in it," Leterrier explained. (IGN FilmForce)
Top daredevil Knievel dead Dec 1, 2007
John Herring's song "Evel Knievel" was a hit and both Sam Elliott and George Hamilton have played him in movies. In the 1970s and '80s, Evel Knievel toys had sales in the hundreds of millions for Ideal and other companies. (Modesto Bee, CA)
Upcoming movies Nov 30, 2007
Adapted from Philip Pullmans best-selling and award-winning His Dark Materials trilogy, this film stars Dakota Blue Richards, Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Ben Walker, Ian McKellen, Eva Green and Sam Elliott. Lyra ponders the power of the compass in The Golden Compass. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Nicole Kidman's 'Compass' Points to Success Nov 28, 2007
Aside from the people and the smaller talking animals, the other main characters in "The Golden Compass" are a large, armored polar bear, Sam Elliott as a cowboy and Simon McBurney as a scheming clergyman who initiates the film by trying to kill Craig s Lord Asriel, who Lyra thinks is her uncle. Lyra thwarts the clergyman s assassination attempt, thereby bringing his wrath. (Fox News)
Stars going to Compass premiere Nov 28, 2007
The film, which also stars Eva Green, Sam Elliott, Jack Shepherd and Freddie Highmore, will be released in the UK on 5 December. Bookmark with. (BBC News -- Entertainment)
The week's best films Nov 27, 2007
The story of 16-year-old Rocky Dennis, an Elephant Man transposed to present-day LA. Eric Stoltz plays the unfortunate lad, horribly disfigured by bone disease; Cher is his indomitable mum and Sam Elliott her deeply understanding biker bloke. Rides a fine line along the edge of mawkishness, but it's a genuinely moving tale. (Guardian Unlimited -- Film)
Get oriented to the daemons of 'Golden Compass' Nov 20, 2007
Soul mate: Lee Scoresby (Sam Elliott). Scoresby, who hails from Texas, is a brave and honorable cowboy, an aeronaut who rides hot-air balloons instead of horses. (USA Today -- Life)
Let the holiday movie season begin! Nov 18, 2007
"The Golden Compass": Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Sam Elliott and newcomer Dakota Blue Richards star in this mega-budget adaptation of the first novel in Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" fantasy trilogy, about a 12-year-old girl investigating a parallel universe where some nefarious deeds are spilling over into our world. "The Savages": Philip Seymour Hoffman and Laura Linney are the siblings who have to start getting along with each other again in order to care for their ailing father... (Seacoast New Hampshire)
Films need kick in year-end Nov 17, 2007
The ensemble cast includes Dakota Blue Richards, Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Sam Elliott and Eva Green. While Pullman's books take aim at the Catholic Church, the film adaptation steers clear of such specific references. (Variety)
'Golden Compass' Makers Take A New Direction, Save Ending For Expected Sequel Nov 15, 2007
Actor Sam Elliott, who plays Lee Scoresby in the film, said the new scenes are "about clarification." "These are really difficult books, I think, to adapt to the screen," he said. "I've done enough of these things that were adapted from really good literature that don't always work verbatim, so I can appreciate the thought of this as a cliffhanger.". (VHI.com -- Music News)
The cinematic stretch run is upon us Nov 9, 2007
Human souls become animals, even odder things happen in Chris Weitz's lavish treatment starring Sam Elliott, Tom Courtenay, Nicole Kidman, Dakota Blue Richards. Grace Is Gone (Dec. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
'Golden Compass' Film Angering Christian Groups -- Even With Its Religious Themes Watered Down Nov 3, 2007
"I found that to be one of the most provocative elements, the religious overtones, aspects, ramifications of the thing," said actor Sam Elliott, who plays Lee Scoresby in "The Golden Compass." "It's thought-provoking, is all. It's good material, good stuff. But why not deal with it? That's how I feel. It's provocative material, and deal with it as such.". "I really hope that they keep the religious subtext," said 16-year-old "His Dark Materials" fan Zoe Maltby. (VHI.com -- Music News)
An Up-Close Look at a High-Flying Hero: Cowboys & Indians Magazine Profiles 'Golden Compass' Star Sam Elliott Oct 18, 2007
An Up-Close Look at a High-Flying Hero: Cowboys ns Magazine Profiles 'Golden Compass' Star Sam Elliott ... An Up-Close Look at a High-Flying Hero: Cowboys ns Magazine Profiles 'Golden Compass' Star Sam Elliott ... "Golden Compass" star Sam Elliott on the December 2007 issue of Cowboys ns. (PR Newswire)
Today in History August 9 Aug 9, 2007
Actor Sam Elliott is 63. Singer Barbara Mason is 60. (MSNBC -- Race)
Spitting on Kyra Sedgwick Aug 9, 2007
Actor Sam Elliott is 63. Atlanta actress Amanda Bearse ( Married With Children ) is 49. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
SDCC 07: The Golden Compass Footage Jul 29, 2007
Fortunately, Sam Elliott is around to offer the girl advice. He tells her to hire an "armored bear," which is exactly what she does. (IGN FilmForce)
`Ghost Rider' slow, dull between stunts Jun 13, 2007
But, in spite of decent performances by Cage and Sam Elliott, the movie (which I previewed in the extended version) grows dull rather quickly, with lots of slow spots between the stunts. More satisfying are re-releases of two movies starring Northeast Ohio's own Paul Newman, The Hustler and The Verdict (each in a two-disc collector's edition for $19. (Akron Beacon Journal, OH -- Entertainment)
Pact with devil a fun ride Jun 13, 2007
It's definitely a candidate for your so-bad-it's-good list, with both Nicolas Cage and Bentley setting the scenery ablaze, aided by Peter Fonda (who plays a dapper devil), Sam Elliott (the cowboy Caretaker) and Eva Mendes (the until-hell-freezes sweetheart). Ghost Rider, based on a comic book first launched in the 1940s, which Stan Lee revived in the 1960s and again in the 1970s, is the saga of a man forced into a Faustian deal as Beelzebub's bounty hunter. (Toronto Star)
Spike TV Television Highlights - July 2007 Jun 5, 2007
Starring Patrick Swayze, Kelly Lynch and Sam Elliott. -- TODAY YOU DIE (2005, Action/Drama) Telecasts Tuesday, July 3 (3:00 - 5:00 PM, ET/PT). (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Cannes' Cause May 24, 2007
Another GC star, Sam Elliott, was there with his wife, the beautiful Katharine Ross. Ross is 67, has not had a drop of plastic surgery and is a testament to aging gracefully and elegantly. (Fox News)
'Golden Compass' Trailer Teases 'Lord Of The Rings' Parallels — And Non-Cuddly Animal Friends May 24, 2007
Before we can see the full havoc he's causing (though we have an idea, since people are stepping back in fear and those with guns have them at the ready), Sam Elliott (as Lee Scoresby) appears to be calming the bear down, asking him, "You joining us on this turkey shoot?" But it's actually Lyra (played by Dakota Blue Richards), the heroine of our tale, who's already accomplished that task, which Iorek acknowledges when he says, "I have a contract with the child." Her telling expression lets us... (VHI.com -- Music News)
Want to date a celebrity?" May 16, 2007
Sam Elliott or Tom Selleck - Retired NBA Star Michael Jordan. whooooooose these guy are totally handsome. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Sam Elliott, Steve McQueen inducted into Hall of Great Western Performers Apr 24, 2007
OKLAHOMA CITY -- Sam Elliott and the late Steve McQueen have been inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers. They were honored at the 46th annual Western Heritage Awards on Saturday. (KHOU.com, TX)
Stars honored at Western awards Apr 24, 2007
They were honored at the 46th annual Western Heritage Awards on Saturday. I'm glad to be included in this museum with all my heroes," Smith said.McQueen died in 1980 at the age of 50. He starred in Western films including The Magnificent Seven, Junior Bonner and Nevada Smith. He also starred as Josh Randall in the 1950s TV series Wanted: Dead or Alive.Truce, starring Buck Taylor and Michaela Lange, won the award for outstanding theatrical motion picture. Broken Trail won the award for... (The Morning Star)
