I just finished reading the book today and was so excited to see the movie adaptation. There were so many great scenes from the book that I couldn't wait to see and wondered how they would translate to the screen, and I get there must be challenges in doing that well, but it honestly felt like they didn't even try, or probably couldn't within the 2h20m duration allotted. And when I saw Spielberg's name at the end I couldn't believe it!

I really wish this had been created as a ten part series. With more time to play with than in a single movie I think the book could really have been done justice, but as it is they have cut huge chunks out and rearranged everything else into an unrecognisable and incoherent plot that it really disappointed me.

Yes, there are lots of reviews criticising the book vs movie comments - but I've not seen one positive review of the film from someone who has read the book. I can't say what my thoughts of the film are without basing it against the book as the book set my expectations so high, and the film didn't come close at all. I hope one day there is a more faithful remake of this one.