I read the book long ago and loved it, and I had been prepared to hate the movie based on the previews, which made a big deal out of the CG elements. And I thought, "Man, if they're turning a coming-of-age story into a CGI fantasy, this movie is gonne SO SUCK." Amazing, not only was the movie good, but the music was beautifully epic -- tunes that tell you that within this harsh reality, there will be something beautiful. I also love the end vocal.

I must get this soundtrack. ^_~

Hmmm... I do want to see it. I am a bit skeptical, because to me it looked like a Harry Potter rip (not that I really care for the HP movies myself), but hopefully I'm wrong!

cheers,

-avatar!

Hehe, well, to be honest, as a "unique" film, it really isn't. As my b/f commented, there was almost nothing in the film that he didn't foresee.  The big thing the critics were making of it was that it was a very non-traditional Disney film in the characters and situations. But as an adaptation of a book, I thought it was excellent. Then again, considering the book is, hmm, 100 pages or so, there wasn't much they were forced to cut out. But the story itself is still very good, the acting was good, and the CGI elements weren't as overly used as I was afraid they would be.