If you are a fan of the books this is a must see. If you haven't read the books, this movie is not for you. Very little time is spent on character development....that was all done in the book and seems to be assumed that you will know this in the movie. The movie does not portray the characters' motivations etc but it does follow the incidents in the book very closely. I almost think these movies are geared more for a mini-series on cable tv rather than the silver screen. but well worth at least the matinee price to see Jacob's riped bod larger than life!