GODEN COMPASS great animations and graphics but not what I expected

I just saw the Golden Compass. The graphics, animations and sceneries were spectacular, but I have to say, it was not what I expected....It certainly did not end like I thought it would. I was actually watching and waiting for another scene, and then the credits started rolling....I was a little confused at first. The beginning took of real slow and I was like, "Let's go, let's see some action or something!!!!!!!" It was a good movie, don't get me wrong, I was just a little disappointed...My husband told me something though, and I am unsure if i am paraphrasing correctly in regards to what he was saying/said....but that it (the movie)is based on a book.........and that there will be more movies to follow.....I suppose that is why it ended or rather, did not end, the way I thought it would/should, the story has only begun.....That being known, I can understand why things were as such..The problem, is that if you did not know or hear anything about The Golden Compass, you might be a little confused.....Not everyone in the world, knows about it or has heard of it...I think maybe, I am being too negative, but that is how I feel about the movie...What did you think.....aside from the visual presentation, do you feel it was an awesome movie in regards to plot, storyline and or acting? I am curious.....I now pass the Golden Compass to you, in hopes that you have the ability to read it, as I think I may be doing it wrong......lol