Let me just start by saying...it is not as good as the book. It would be impossible to cram all that detail into 2 1/2 hours, even with the last book being filmed in 2 parts. That said, the movie does a good job capturing the dark foreboding essence of the book. The scenes that are included are well done and faithful to the book. Overall, a good take and I look forward to seeing the movie again, when my niece comes to visit over Thanksgiving!