The film I've been waiting my whole life for.

Rating: 10/10 (20 December 2001)

At last someone has done it. Finally a real version of The Lord Of The Rings. Everything about this film is spectacular. From the script to the acting to the effects. It was probably the best movie going experience that I've ever had. The characters are just as I imagined they should be. Ian McKellan is the perfect Gandalf. It would be a crime if he doesn't get an Oscar for this film. Elijah Wood IS Frodo. I could not believe how well he handled such a difficult role. As far as the rest of the fellowship, my two favorites were Aragorn and Legolas. Viggo Mortensen really captured the spirit of the reluctant heir to the throne of Gondor. Aragorn is flawed but he fights for what he knows is right, Orlando Bloom was a huge surprise as Legolas. He was just such a real joy to watch. He was just one hell of a character. Probably the biggest surprise was Liv Tyler as Arwen. She handled the role exceptionally well. She didn't even sound like herself. Probably my favorite location was Moria. The gloomy atmosphere and the perils they faced, chiefly the cave troll and the Balrog, were excellent. It was also in Moria that we are teased with our first closeup of Gollum, just in the shadows. His eyes really freaked me out. I can't wait for the Two Towers so that I can see more of him. I only have two problems with the film. First, it was too short. Even at three hours I wanted more. I didn't want it to end. Second, I have to wait a year to see The Two Towers and another year after that to see The Return Of The King. What can I say, it's going to be a long year.