Opened my eyes to the wonderful world of Middle Earth

Rating: 10/10 (19 February 2002)

I, like so many others, have never read Tolkien's books. However, the movie was so incredible that I instantly rushed out to Barnes and Noble right away! Now, I'm not sure whether to read the books, or wait for the shock, awe, excitement, and utter captivation I can expect from the next two installements. Oh, what *tortue*! (I thank Peter Jackson whole-heartedly for it.) I won't try to explain the plot, for that's been done so many times in so many other reviews. However, I will state that "The Fellowship of the Ring" rose to number one on my list after my first viewing, surpassing such classics as "Forrest Gump," "The Godfather" and new wonders like "The Matrix" and "Moulin Rouge." LOTR embodies both, for lack of better terms, "movieness" and "realness." It is "Moviefull" because of the strategically placed and oh-so bloody and vicious battle scenes, which holds the viewer's attention (and this is a lady speaking!)The love element is also there, yet underplayed, making it not "in-your-face," and therefore appreciated and even wanted. The melodious background score captures the perfect emotion for each part of the film, ranging from terror to torture to triumph. The plot is explained, is understandable, and is riddled with foreshadowing, symbolism, and all those other literature tidbits that us Advanced-Placement English nerds adore (this is also a student speaking!). The movie is intriguing, understandable, captivating; the perfect begining for the next two installments. Peter Jackson did a wonderful job in making us, the huddled masses, feel the suspense and aniexty well enough to want- nay NEED- to return to theatures next Christmas. The movie is also "realfull," (for extreme lack of a better term) and by that, I mean I agree with the cast and crew when they say you can believe that this event actually happened. This is, of course, strictly a fantasy film. However, the animals do not speak. The characters do not fly. When wizard Gandalf (Ian Mckellen) does his magic, he does not wave a wand like Harry Potter, but manipulates nature and utters ancient words. While imaginary races(i.e. Hobbits, elves and dwarves) exist in the story, the plot is down-to-(Middle)earth, making it classic. The movie differes from the book, because while Tolkien alone slaved over his novels, countless crew and cast members devoted themselves to this work of art. My hats off the lead actor Elijah Wood (good job, buddy!) and Mckellen, Tyler, Weaving, and Holm. Fellow Hobbits Pippin and Merry are loveable, and tall, dark and handsome Strider rises as my favorite character. While Mckellen received an Oscar nod this year, I hope the Academy will not forget Elijah and Viggo next time around.
Aside from the respectable cast, the crew deserves a standing ovation! Oh god, those sets! Thos weapons! Those costumes! Those FEET! Every staue, tree, building and every little everything was unbelievably beautiful. Even the shots taken by the camera crew and the editing done are so right; there's nothing in this feature I can think to critise. Except, of course, the long wait between Christmasses. (Dammit, I want the next movie NOW!)