I watched the movie before the book, but the nice thing is that I waited so long to read the book I've forgotten the movie so there is little to compare it too. 
 Now, as the book goes it was an enjoyable fantasy tale with minor amounts of gore. Tristran and Yvaine's love story seems underdeveloped and something of a surprise when it finally comes around. 
 The characters in the story were enjoyable though not highly developed. Tristran strikes you as rather selfish when the adventure starts but you quickly discover his good nature as he continually concerns himself with the right thing to do and Yvaine's well being. 
 Yvaine on the other had is hilarious from the beginning but rather nasty at times, though can one blame this poor fallen star who is now a captive? 
 It does seem like the movie had more of an adventure in this fantasy world than the book protrays but the book was light and enjoyable. I have to admit, Gaiman's twisted up names gave me pause and in my head Tristran's name is Tristen.