Above average, but lacks the depth of the novel

Rating: 7/10 (21 May 2006)

No need to go on about the story line, as everyone probably knows it by heart now.
Now, these comments come from someone who has read the book, and found it better.
I just thought the film was pretty good, but focused on other things than I did when reading the book - way too many violins at the end if you get my point - and that Silas as a character has been hollowed out and made to be nothing more than a maniacal murderer. I understand it is difficult to elaborate on a character in a film where the storyline is already pretty complicated, but where as you may have had some sympathy for his actions as a result of the past, when reading the book, you would have none from seeing the film.
I didn't have very high expectations on Hanks as he was never one I'd have picked for the part and I wasn't positively surprised either. McKellen on the other hand was as good as ever, no surprises there. Although I pictured Reno as Fache when reading the book, I found he was given little to work with and I have seen him do better in other films, Leon is still a firm favorite there.
All in all, I'd recommend people to read the book and wait for the film to come on DVD unless you're a total film freak.....