Harry vs. Frodo vs. Anakin: The Fight Begins

Rating: Null/10 (13 December 2001)

First things first, I have a tendency to look for common themes and complaints it seems. Having looked at some of the reviews here, there are two common ones split between those who love this flick and those who loathe it. Those who love it seem ready to bash other flicks, especially The Phantom Menace, as being not as good, while those who are bashing it bemoan how it rips off too many scenes from the Star Wars films. In addition it seems that the followers of Tolkien (or geeks as many of us, myself included were referred to in high school) are beating up on Harry as the Lord of the Rings movie approaches.
Let's think about this first. All three series are different animals made by different filmmakers and appealing to different audiences. All three are awaited (and somewhat hindered) by legions of devoted fans who will not accept anything but the best. Thus the current complaints that Harry isn't the book, it isn't Lord of the Rings, etc seems more in line with the recent IMDB poll about which fanbase is more obsessive. (Thankfully all three lost to that overachiever of geekdom, Star Trek).
Harry Potter was a decent film made from a good book. I admit I have read all four books and enjoyed them. What I think is happening, especially with the Tolkien heads is that they are irritated with the fact that Harry has gotten all the attention and that, despite how good Fellowship of the Ring turns out, it will never equal Harry at the box office due to the fact that kids won't be turning out like they did with Potter.
Let's lighten up people. These are films, not matters of life and death. They are made to be enjoyed. Obviously these are not film school flicks made to be dissected like a David Lynch movie for hidden meanings. They are popcorn flicks through and through. And stop beating up on the other geeks.