Of course, with all movies based on books, don't expect the entire book to be represented on the screen. That being said - this movie covered enough of the books most important parts to make it great and true to the story. The actors were perfect for the parts except for Woodie Harrelson didn't fit my concept of his character - he still did a good job. All the press prior to this movie coming out has made it out to be the next "harry potter" but I don't agree. It's not on that level, however, I would put it along the lines of Twilight. I saw clips prior to the movie of some gory parts with kids killing each other with graphic detail so I saw it without my son first. They cut all the parts I was worried about and it was not bad at all so I will be taking my almost 14 year old to see it soon without reservation.