Was it supposed to end that way, or did the film break?

Rating: 6/10 (7 August 2002)

** spoilers ahead **
I'm not a huge fan of fantasy science fiction. I didn't read the trilogy of books, and went to see the movie with out too many expectations of what it was about.
The movie starts out with top notch special effects, great sets and beautiful scenes. The story is intriguing and I was intrested in the mystery surrounding the ring. But, when the quest starts I found the movie bogged down significantly. I became dis-interested in some of the little side stories from their quest. Knowing that there are two more movies to come, I didn't think the little hobbits were in too much danger on their quest. I sure could have used a fast forward button in the theater. I wouldn't have had any problem knocking 45 minutes out of the movie.
The ending left me felling cheated and betrayed. The film just ends, practically in mid-conversation. I thought maybe the film had broken. What is the point of a movie with no ending. I'm going to skip watching the second one. And if the 3rd one is any good... I might go and watch the second one later...