Would have enjoyed more if I hadn't read the book

Rating: 7/10 (12 October 2014)

First off, I loved reading the entire book series and although, I know films are never as good as book; I was expecting this to be excellent.
The acting is terrible, except for the portrayals of Alby, Newt and Gally (Aml Ameen, Thomas Brodie-Sangster and Will Poulter respectively). Thomas, who is meant to be at least slightly likable is not; he comes off as stupid, condescending and arrogant through an awful performance from Dylan O'Brien. Kaya Scodelario also portrays Teresa quite badly; however Teresa plays barely a part in the film; so I didn't have much to judge her on.
The acting is not at all aided by the script; which is badly written and either too blunt or over-complicated.
Alby's characterization is well-off target; in the book he is tough-as-nails and very unwelcoming. Whereas in the film; he is very friendly towards Thomas and doesn't come off as a leader. Gally also changes moods too quickly, as he first is horrible to Thomas and then alright and then hates him; while in the book he hates Thomas throughout. Gally is also portrayed too sympathetically; in the book I'm rooting against Gally, but in the film I feel sorry for him and am rooting for him because he honestly makes more sense and seems more likable than Thomas.
Chuck is meant to be the sympathetic character and when he dies; it's meant to be like when Rue dies in the Hunger Games; but Chuck doesn't have a large enough part in the film to make that much of an impact.
The film is too cramped that it has to skip parts out and rushes other parts so much that half the film doesn't even make sense.
The film is marginally exciting with action-packed fights and well-used and not over-done CGI.