Spectacle. Hats off to Mr.Jackson

Rating: 9/10 (7 January 2005)

I feel sorry for people who didn't enjoy this film and found it boring. Where is your imagination? I am familiar with the books, I read them when I was young and was mesmerised by them, still am, and I've always wanted to see middle earth rather than just imagine it. It shocks me to read that people couldn't be bothered with the other two after watching this and then complain that it is unfinished. Thats like reading the first chapter of a book and then moaning that you don't find out what happens. The trilogy is one story, not three separate ones. Tolkien wrote it as one and was told after to split it into three parts as most people couldn't handle such an epic tale in one sitting.
I wouldn't put it up there with the best films of all time, but its easily the best fantasy tale ever told, if you ask me. I didn't mind bits being left out from the book as I can see why they were left out- staying immaculately true to the book would have resulted in a film that would take years to watch. what i really liked was the mood and atmosphere that was created- classic Tolkien and nearly spot on to my personal images of middle earth and its characters and scenery.
McKellen, Lee, Astin, Weaving and Blanchett nailed it and the wardrobe , effects and artwork were perfect. I have certain reservations about the script, it got a little corny in parts and I'm sorry but i don't like Elija Wood, they could have found someone miles better, his lines seem so forced, overacted and hes far too serious for what Frodo is supposed to be like, but he looks the part, ill give him that.
Peter Jackson, its a triumph mate. You deserve all the credit you get. Now all you've got to do is make the Hobbit. 8.8 out of 10.