As someone who had no sentimental attachment to the original (I've never watched it), this movie was phenomenal. Even without knowing anything about the original, this movie had me crying at one point because in approximately 2 hours of screen time, I became emotionally attached to the characters. I empathized so hard, I laughed, I tensed up at some parts and I cried. I didn't even WANT to go see the movie initially, but I'm very glad I did. I've seen it 3 times now, and would go again.