i also suggest reading the book, it'll help you understand. Reading the other critics review , i can't help but feel he was making fun , which to that i can only recommend his reading the book so that his level of ignorance wont be so high where this movie is concerned. Matter of factly, i've read the entire series and i find that it's not only a good book but it makes sense, and for those people who believe it's anti-christian and everything, please keep in mind that it's only a movie, and only a book, it wont alter the world view on religion, just provide entertainment, so cool your heels and enjoy the show, there's really no need to make such a fuss, not to mention this is America, where, people seem to be forgetting, you can practice any belief you want to , regardless of whose feathers get ruffled, with that said, it's a good movie, a good book, and i recommend both. Though, if you're not intelligent in specific areas, you won't get the full enjoyment, which is why i suggest you read the book first.