Very good adaptation of the book

Rating: 8/10 (27 December 2006)

After all the criticism this movie received in the press I was pleasantly surprised with the effort. The casting, cinematography, locations, editing, music and acting were all very strong. If anything could be considered less than excellent perhaps it was the screenplay. The story's complex plot and controversial nature didn't easily lend itself to adaptation for the silver screen. There were times I found myself thinking that if a viewer hadn't read the book they might get lost in the movies plot. However, other times I found the movie exceeded the book in representing the story through the use of its excellent visuals.
The lukewarm response to the movie was predictable I suppose. The public simply expected too much after the books stupendous success. I also wonder if there wasn't a bit of snobbishness directed at Ron Howard by some film critics who refuse to see him as a top notch talent, undeserving of such an enviable opportunity.
I found the movie totally enjoyable and very accurate to the book.