When you consider the low budget of this film, and how difficult it is to condense a book into a film, I thought overall this movie was great. It was fun and exciting even for those who have not read the book. Of course the book is better-they always are. I went on opening night with about 20 people who had read the book and there was lots of clapping, screaming, swooning, and energy in the theater. I went back for a matinee the next day (with a much quieter audience) with my husband and his parents (who had not read the books) and they enjoyed it too. My husband now actually wants to read the series! I look forward to the other films.