I cant compare it to the book because I havent gotten around to reading it yet, though it is in the que on my shelf. . . but I enjoyed th movie. .. it could have had a little more depth to the plot, but I thought the acting was decent, the dragon was wonderfully done, and over all the potential is there, I am hoping subsequent movies made form the sequal books will surpass this first intallment, but I found it interesting and entertaining to watch. It was good for a snowy monday night movie.