This really is a movie that any fantasy fan should see - it's a shame it's not seeing wider distribution. I'm not sure it wouldn't make money, either - I saw it on a weekday night, and the theater was absolutely packed.
In any case, the story, the way the fantasy meshes with reality, the locations, sets, effects, art design, acting - it all ranges from very good to excellent.
I don't recall ever seeing a movie with so many gushing reviews which I actually liked enough to feel they were justified, before... I think the difference here is that unlike many others similarly acclaimed films, the movie doesn't preach, and is free of any kind of pretentious "arthouse" sensibilities, while naturally also managing to entertain, albeit not in a light and casual way.