I actually refrained from reading the Neil Gaiman's novella because I wanted to be happy with the movie. In my experience, books are usually much better than the movie and the trailer looked so fun that I didn't want to spoil it with - Why did they leave THAT out? ect.

And I'm very happy I did go in without expectations. The movie is charming and fun. I quite enjoyed it, though some plot twists I did see coming a mile away -- but then it *IS* a fairytale, so some devices are just like that.

The acting was fun, though Robert De Niro seems to stand out the most. I think it might be his American accent. Most of the other actors tried their hand at British'ing. Or, it could be the hilarious situations his character just endears himself to.

All the actors seem to have great fun with this movie. Michelle Pfeiffer truly kicks up the wickedness. I haven't had a chance to watch her in Hairspray yet, but if she has as much fun with that role as she did with this, then it will be a joyful bit of wickedness indeed.

I highly recommend you watch this movie. It's PG-13. Has a bit of action and some gruesome deaths plus a bit of naughtiness that is hinted at. It is really a fun afternoon romp for fans of fantasy, fairy tales, and magic.