Odd adaptation of Gaiman's story

Rating: 4/10 (14 June 2009)

This picture couldn't seem to find the right bits to adapt from Neil Gaiman's original story. Gaiman's version is much more adult-oriented (showing the sex between two characters, for instance).
Overall the film is "family friendly" but it has some graphic elements and bad characterizations that I don't think are appropriate for kids.
The male lead is an Orlando Bloom stand-in but does an adequate job of playing the earnest and unlikely "hero on a quest." Claire Danes is, well, Claire Danes. Robert De Niro does the worst acting of his career in his completely unbelievable ship captain's role.
There are a few poignant moments in the picture but overall I found it oddly jumpy and unable to settle into a coherent storyline. Not one to see again.