I have not read the book and came into this movie with minimal expectations, except that i usually love Spielberg movies (i love Jaws, Close Encounters, the 1st 3 indiana jones films, Hook, and ET). This movies falls into the category of entertaining Spielberg films such as Crystal Skull, War of the Worlds, and A.I. but still not one I would bother watching again. Visually fantastic but the story leaves something to be desired. I felt no connection with any of the characters.