Fortunately for this movie, it had the 3D, because without it, it would only be mediocre. There was so much more that could have been done with this movie, especially with todays special effects that are available. Many parts were left out, both of the original and from the book. An additional 15-20 minutes wouldn't have hurt this movie a bit, as there was enough action that I was surpised that the movie was over when it was.
Usually, sequals are rather sketchy at best. Even though this one by some accounts isn't really a sequal, I think it does a great job of continuing the story. The action scenes were incredible, graphic enough to catch an adults attention, yet not nearly so bad as to give tweens/young teens nightmare issues. The end left it obvious there was more to come, which I don't mind so much.