I'm glad to hear that I wasn't the only one who was totally disappointed in this movie! I had only made it halfway through the book before I watched it (I normally want to finish the book before I see the movie, but I caved this time, lol), and I couldn't believe how far off it was from the very beginning! The special effects were great, but that's about it. Even my husband, who hasn't read any of the book, wasn't impressed.
Time for me to go finish the book now...
Yes please do! The best thing about the movie is that it has motivated me to read the book again.