i agree that you will enjoy this movie much more if you have read the book. the books are an easy read so read the book before you go to the movie. i went with four ladies who knew nothing about the series and i'm sure they did not enjoy the movie as much as i did. i do think they enjoyed it but there is no way that they could get all of it without having read the book. i thought the movie was a bit slow in the beginning - i think i was nervous after bringing these ladies' with me. tho' afterward i realized that we were being introduced to each character before the action started. I was just so excited for the real action to begin! . . . there is so much more story to come. . . as the next movies come out.