Since I read the book I cannot give an unbiased review on how the film stands on its own. This installment had less of the bombast of the previous films, which I appreciated. It did not feel rushed and the characters actually had dialogue, as opposed to having their lines only delineate the plot. It is not Melrose Place with owls, as one jughead "professional" critic opined. I thought the youth romance was handled deftly, without cynicism or treacle. I was looking forward to the moody desaturated cinematography as the same person worked on Amelie and A Very Long Engagement. I was not disappointed. I look forward to the next installment.