As for any book series turned movie- one who hasn't read any of the books, will not completely understand the great jokes & undertones of the movie but will get the overall picture. However, if you have read all the books (or at least the first one so far), you'll appreciate the effort put into the movie. Of course, for the latter, like myself, a lot has been skipped in order to attract the nonliterary. I'd recommend it for all, no matter what age. It's not a chick flick. My own boyfriend went on his own will and thoroughly enjoyed it! :)