Overall the characters were depicted well in the movie and looked just like they did in the book. I found myself lost in a few parts wondering "what was the point of that? I also felt that there were a few parts that seemed a little to emotionally complex for little children who probably read the book. And even some parts that may be a little scary for them but I think it depends on the child. A few times the camera was jumping around in a few sceens that seemed distracting to what was really going on in the movie. I just kept wanting the movie to give more of a fantasy feel but was disappointed since the creatures seemed a little too human like with their emotions. But from a child's perspective they may look it differently.....