I've read this book about six times and looked forward to the film. Unfortunately, I absolutely hated the movie. The fantasy sequences detracted from the film's message and plot so much that I turned to my date in the middle of it and said "I'm so sorry I took you to see this!" It wasn't at all what I expected, and I would not recommend it. The murder sequences were graphic and violent, and I had to turn my head away at more than one place. I was shocked to see middle school and elementary school kids in the audience. I would NOT recommend that you let kids see this until you see it yourself and make an informed decision. I was disappointed that this was the filmmaker's vision of one of my favorite books.