The acting was just fine. The characters (except for maybe the Jack Black wannabe) were all likable, especially the main character Ellie. I also like the fact that there wasn't much time spent agonizing over morality. The characters knew what needed done and the did it. Will any of these people win awards? No. But that acting certainly was fine. Let's also not forget that this book was written in the early 90's when 'stock' characters were not necessarily as noticable.

They have a fantastic sense of place and the many, many scenes where the characters wax nostalgic about their lives before the war are often quite powerful. Also, John Marsden can write the heck out of an action scene.