The movie itself was good. I enjoyed it. However, if you have not read the books you miss 3/4ths of the plot, which in my opinion is very important in this particular book. I have read the books and was disapointed that they didn't follow the orig. story line better. But i guess if they did, we would have an 8hr movie on our hands and would have to wait another 2 years to see it. I can't wait to see how the last movies play out to fill the gaps. READ THE BOOKS! YOU'LL THANK YOURSELF.