Funny and surprising

Rating: 9/10 (27 July 2007)

I just saw this movie at an advance screening yesterday, and I loved it. Admittedly, I have not read the book upon which it's based, but I went with my best friend who is a die-hard Gaiman fan and had reread the book to prepare for seeing the movie. According to her, she had expected to hate the movie, and it is apparently quite different from the book, but she still walked out raving about it. It is sweet and often hilarious (Robert De Niro totally steals the show, but not in a way I've ever seen him do so before). The best parts are the constant surprises: though there are some formulaic and predictable moments, often a situation suddenly develops in a way you did not see coming. The beginning and end are perhaps a little rushed, and the special effects occasionally leave something to be desired, but other than that, I have no criticisms. Excellent performances by all and a really fun ride.