I went to the movie not knowing anything about it. I had not even seen a preview. I was absorbed right from the beginning. I loved the ending that was a surprise. A little long but not too long...
I dragged my teenager with me who really didn't want to see it. We both walked out loving it! I was worried that it would be different from the book however the differences were minor and they worked.
I have seen the play 4 times and was really excited to see the movie. I enjoyed it although I found it "just okay". I feel that it didn't really work as a movie. The actors were great but not great singers (Streep and Brosnon).