> As a general rule, always read the book first. In this case, that holds true - there was too much in the book to cover completely in the movie.

That's normal, and precisely why my general rule is the opposite. Watch the movie first, and then if you like it the book expands on and deepens it. If you read the book first then when you watch the movie you'll just be annoyed at how much was left out or dumbed down.