The original material shackled this film and kept it from being good. Pacing is nearly nonexistent, characters are introduced and then ignored, and the disjointed result is occasionally difficult to watch. The violent scenes were included only for their "cool" factor, not to forward the plot or for development of characters. The sex scenes were appropriate, but then punctuated by juvenile jokes that lessened their impact. If you are unfamiliar with the graphic novel, stay home.
If you are a fan of either the radio show or the Showtime TV show, this live broadcast is a MUST SEE. Watching Ira Glass with his CD player and mixing board weaving his stories live on stage is an experience not to be missed.