Not a perfect '10' movie, but...

Rating: 10/10 (20 December 2001)

do yourself a favor and quit reading these reviews. Just go see this film, you will not be disappointed.
A word to parents, the rating on this film is PG-13 for a reason. The only people who spoke (at all)or left during the film last night were a couple with their young (10 years old?) child, who got scared and had to leave.
If you are still reading this review and you haven't seen the film, I will tell you that the packed house last night sported people from all walks of life and there was genuine applause from everyone at the end. The film is three hours long, but seemed much quicker than that to me. The movie does not follow the book exactly, but what movie ever does.
Thankfully, we only have to wait one year for the second film.