An honest critique of The Fellowship of the Ring.

Rating: Null/10 (28 January 2014)

Some films lean towards entertainment and some can be said to be 'soul films'. The Lord of the Rings book by Tolkien was a true epic, it is a work of perfection, and its long, drawn out nature is what makes it truly soul satisfying.
Despite Jackson's commitment, even a 3 hour film will never be able to convey the magic of the Lord of the Rings, because the quality of 'epicness' comes from the step by step, expansive view of Middle-Earth and the slowly evolving relationships between the members of the Fellowship.
PROS: The visuals and imaginative detail of costumes and weaponry. I feel that the score by Howard Shore is of the highest quality. Unfortunately, scenes are cut so quickly that the film becomes more like a quick fire storyboard of shots, actions and speeches. It hurtles at 100 miles an hour meaning we don't get given any space or time to appreciate the work of the artists and the composers. The extra scenes in the Extended Version add a lot to the film!
The script can be painful and lifeless at times and it lacks the naturalness of Tolkien's book. The countless plot changes by Jackson make the story a lot less convincing (e.g Sam, Merry and Pippin KNOW the history and the terrible danger of the One Ring BEFORE setting out together from the Shire)
The inclusion of the Prologue sabotages the mystery of the One Ring! The genius is that we think this ring is of no consequence and so Gandalf's findings are an overwhelming surprise!
When the film came out in 2001, I was 11 and it very much satisfied me. But now, I see it's great as light entertainment, but it just doesn't connect deeply with me in any way.
I feel that a gross hype and popularity has built around these films and it can completely blur one's honest viewing of the film.
Perhaps it would have worked better as long running T.V series?