I liked it quite a bit. I read the book when I was a kid but I don't remember it to well. The film was very good however.
I think it is wonderful that it is a kids movie. Why? Because the "Disney Channel" is not what real life is for a lot of kids, most kids I think. This film was not afraid to show a kid with some real feelings of anger and frustration. His desire/need to destroy was one of the key points I think. Most people think kids movies should be sugar coated, but in reality, nothing is sugar coated.
I didn't think it was as heart wrenching as a lot of people did, but I did find it good.
Bart