In the world of bad sci-fi films (such as "Star Wars" The Phantom Menace", a poor excuse for a child's movie - or even an adult fan's movie, at that), it's simply astounding that no one has made this amazing book into the wonderful movie that it wants to be. Teenage romance, deep family and social dynamics, interesting characters, space travel, alien witches who can morph into beautiful creatures with crystal wings, the basic - and vital - interaction between good and evil, and even a brain on a pedestal as the "Bad Guy" - this book has EVERY element of a major box-office success. Combine these facts with the supreme brand recognition and fond memories of my generation (I'm 36, read this in grade school, and continually reread it into adulthood), and the fact that L'Engle even wrote sequels, and you have to wonder what the Hollywood set is thinking in ignoring this classic literary work.
If you have children, get this book for them. No, there are no supporting toy lines to buy, no merchandising nightmares to contend with, no Taco Bell "Camazotz" cups - just a great, compelling story. If you are grown up, get this book and remind yourself that good science fiction requires nothing more than a good idea and an expressive writer - and nothing less, either.
Mr. Lucas and Mr. Spielberg, if you REALLY want to make a good _children's_ movie (clearly, neither "Star Wars" or "Hook" accomplish this with any degree of success), then wake up and read "A Wrinkle in Time". Your next box office smash is waiting for you, no dinosaurs, gratuitous effects or lasers required!