When I first saw the trailer for this movie, I got excited. Normally if I get excited by a trailer there is a tad of disappointment when I get to see this movie. NOT THIS TIME! I loved it. The effects were great. Not over the top and yet great. I haven't read the book and if I had that might change my mind, but this time I don't think it would have changed it much. The colors and the visuals were fantastic. Not to many movies made me happy I spent the money when I leave, but this one was well worth the money and the line we stood in. I recommend you see it and you see it at the theater. The only thing I will do differant if I see it again is not to see it in 3D. I found 3D to be a bit distracting. 3 1/2 stars, but for sure a thumbs up.