The biggest problem for this film was the weight of the original which is one of the great films of its time and I'd frankly much rather see del Toro doing something truly original although I found some mild enjoyment in the way he had set this world (I would have loved if the film could have taken better use of the fascinating carnival setting). This was surprisingly "lame", meaning that it never really got off and I think I was throughout waiting for the film to finally begin. It's not exactly an atmospheric film either where the slow-burning wait would be the film itself. The cast is more than capable and I was delighted to see Richard Jenkins playing an asshole but there aren't many chances for the actors to shine either. Still, I can't see it as a bad film, just disappointingly mild.