The film is hamstrung by the novel's structure, unsure whether to be a 12A-certificate family outing, or to luxuriate in morbid irony.

I'd heard reports that this film could reduce grown men to tears - but I'm guessing they were just yawning with boredom.

Tries to blend heartwarming moral observation with ill-fitting metaphysical contrivance.

As it stands, it's modestly good and mildly powerful but lacking the vitality of a more tactful director.