I was aware before seeing the film that the religious side would be toned down (much to my annoyance, but the pathetic catholic church has to have their way) and i no that bits will have been missed out. Time, money etc. But i have to say that what annoyed me most was the beginning where Serafina told of Dust.
To me, a huge part of the magic of the book is that you only learn of things when Lyra learns them. You, in effect, see the world through her eyes. In having Serafina tell us at the beginning, the childlike wonder and curiosity is lost. The intimacy of the story no longer exists. Half of the book is wasted within the first 10 minutes.
Any readers of The Northern Lights agree?
Marysia: They so totally mdid. They didn't want to be demonised. It's not insane. They said Harry Potter 5 would darken anybodies soul who read it.

Look at the trouble with the DaVinci Code. You're TOTALLY INSANE for thinking it not possible.