Enthralling - even if you haven't read the book

Rating: 7/10 (31 December 2001)

I found this film thoroughly enjoyable, and I am led to believe that it stays relatively faithful to the original novel. Its storyline is extremely well constructed and quite plausible, which in my opinion is a rare occurrence in fantasy movies.
The effects are excellent, and the acting is very good considering that a sizeable proportion of the cast are children. The two hours and thirty minutes flew, and enough but not too much background material is supplied. In my view, the entire family will enjoy this film.