I was really looking forward to seeing this movie with my 8 yr. old. We took a friend of his and went to a big screen, so it would be loud and in our face. It was the best time I have ever had at a movie. I was expecting a movie with no real plot and just a bunch of special effects that my son and his friend would like. I was soooo wrong. The movie had a great plot, was very true to the original series, AND had great special effects. My son and his friend were laughing and cheering and there was enough character developement that I was interested and even cheering during the last race. The casting was perfect and I wasn't annoyed at any of the cartoon/real people issues that usually bug me in movies like this. I even thought Sprindle and Chim Chim were well played. If you were a true fan of the original cartoon and are still able to enjoy the kind of movie that you go see just for the fun of it, this was a GREAT movie. This was the best live action movie based on a cartoon that I have seen hands down. Take your kids and enjoy! I will see it again and definately buy it when it comes out on DVD.