I get so frustrated when movies are based on books I've read.  Little details that are changed really bug me...like the fact that they were in Wilmington, NC in the book..and Charleston, SC in the movie.  Or that Tim was Alan's dad..not his brother.  And yes...I hate the ending.  For me...it totally took away from what left a big impact on me in the book.  *shrugs*  That's just me.