Wow... What An Unexpected Ride

Rating: 9/10 (28 December 2012)

Having never read the book, I didn't know what to expect next. Having read so many reviews, I did't either. Lot's of reviews were down right negative, calling the movie boring and long. Others called it a masterpiece. After being exhausted leaving the theatre, I lean towards the latter.
If you find this movie boring, I think you need to go have your pulse checked. Either that, or you have just been desensitized from other things. It's extremely entertaining, full of action and even a bit scary quite a few times. There were a few parts - very few - that kind of dragged. But what movie doesn't. For most of the movie, it is edge-of-your-seat entertainment. There are great battle scenes, fantastic characters, seamless special effects and beautiful cinematography. The 3D depth is incredible and the best I've ever seen.
Yes -- There are a few points to the story that could have gone quicker, but they were necessary parts to the story. If they were cut out altogether, the story would not make sense and you would be in constant sensory overload from all the action. There is so much action, your brain literally will need to take a break. Don't let reviews that pound that fact keep you from going to see it. I almost did and I'm glad my wife steered me away from those people to form my own opinion. I hate sitting in a movie that is deathly slow and overly long for no reason. This isn't one of those.
As I said, I never read the book so I can't tell you if it followed exactly like the book. And, to be honest, I don't care if it did or not. Even if there wasn't a book, this is a brilliant, fun movie experience. I haven't been this entertained since Avatar.
I think if you have the means, pony up and pay for the big screen (IMAX, XD, etc.) and the 3D. This not just a film... It's an experience and the screen, sound, and 3D makes it so. I saw it in HFR (High Film Rate) and can't tell you if that made a difference because I'd have to see it again without it to tell you. But if you can, see it with that too. You might as well go for it all, right? I would absolutely go see it again. The characters' voices are a little hard to understand at times (and I think at important times) and would like to get more of the plot.
Bottom Line -- Go see it. It's not really for little kids, even though everyone says it's a 'Kids' Book.' It's quite scary. But most adults or teens would enjoy it. I went in with low expectations because of the user reviews I read here at IMDb, and was pleasantly surprised.