By Kofi Outlaw

Adapted from the first book in author Phillip Pullman’s HIS DARK MATERIALS trilogy, THE GOLDEN COMPASS is a story of a young girl’s journey to a parallel universe, where she is tasked with freeing her best friend and other children, who have been captured and experimented on by a mysterious organization.

The books won critical acclaim and enjoyed strong sales, due in large part to the fantastical worlds they created, full of perilous quests, epic battles and all else that fantasy fans have traditionally adored. As an official stamp of his success, certain religious groups have recently accosted Pullman (a confessed agnostic) for his alleged attempts to weave agnostic themes and philosophies into his narratives, with the sinister aim of turning impressionable children away from organized religion.

The film version of THE GOLDEN COMPASS will follow the book pretty closely, showcasing everything from high-flying witches, armored Polar bears doing battle, magic, wondrous machinery and some pretty cool looking special effects. In response to faith-based critics, both Pullman and the film’s makers have repeatedly stressed that many of the books’ religious allegories have been toned down for the film.

In advance of THE GOLDEN COMPASS’S Dec. 7 release, MTV.com offered an exclusive two-minute clip from the movie, which we are happy to provide here. Just cause we love you, dear reader. Take a look at the clip and rant back to us whether or not the film suits your tastes. And remember that when you answer, God may (or not) be watching.