Jackson's vision of Middle Earth comes to vivid realization

Rating: 10/10 (21 December 2001)

I have long been a fan of Tolkien's work and have thus far been somewhat disappointed by attempts to capture his literature in video format. The cartoons were dark and dull. I was at first skeptical that someone was attempting to recreate Middle Earth in a live action movie trilogy. The project seemed too daunting and massive to be plausible even with a large budget. I was pleasantly surprised on Wednesday when I saw the movie. Peter Jackson has accurately portrayed Tolkien's ideas in a streamlined and action-packed film which leaves me thirsting for the Two Towers. The astounding vistas of New Zealand served as the perfect backdrop for the adventures of Frodo and his companions. All the actors played their characters with amazing faithfulness further creating the audience's emersion into Tolkien's world. What astounded me most of all was that nearly every aspect of the film was exactly as I had pictured it in my head while reading the books, from the curly hobbit hair down to the stout and hairy dwarves. Jackson and his crew have created a beautiful tribute to Tolkien and have miraculously captured the astounding images of Middle Earth, despite the odds I had perceived against them. I pity the fool that doesn't see this movie in the theater very soon.