I was anticipating much more from this film after reading the book. The adaptations at the beginning of the film didn't work and did not set up the romantic interest between the doctor and symbologist. Too many long interludes of exposition and car chases were boring. Also, there was not enough story involving the commitment of the Illuminati bad guy, so the danger was not believable. I hoped for a thriller but got a dud... too bad.
I am a Burton fan so I was anxious to see this film in 3-D. The visuals are exceptional and the storyline disturbing. I was left with an uneasy feeling as I departed the theater that has not yet subsided the next morning. The 3-D effects are superb and I was especially taken with the stars in the night sky and the garden scenes. I found the burlesque scenes hilarious and the mouse circus one of the best I've ever seen. Don't take your young ones to this one, however. They won't sleep for a week.