I never heard of the book, but I saw the movie and liked it.
It wasn\'t the greatest for me, but I enjoyed it. Carrey plays a freaky guy. It\'s a creepy performance from him with only hints of his goofiness.
I think it was John Cleese from Monty Python who also had a big role. Oddly, now that I think back, I think he played Uncle Monty and had a pet python.
Cool.
But yea, I actually thought it was more of a kids movie fantasy, but I liked it.
-Dan