This is how you make an epic adaptation!

Rating: 10/10 (21 December 2001)

What can I say that hasn't been already said. Wow! Peter Jackson has managed to do what other directors have failed miserably in doing, ie. adapting a wonderful novel to the big screen (butt out next time Mrs Rowling). LOTR will rake in all of the Oscars having anything to do with cinematography, makeup, set design, etc - ALL of them. All of the actors cast in the movie are almost just as I'd imagined the characters when reading the book. Liv Tyler is astonishingly beautiful, sexy and literally luminous as Arwen. The horse chase scene where the wonderfully costumed Ringwraiths are pursuing her as she carries Frodo is literally breathtaking. I think I held my breath for the entire scene. Orlando Bloom as Legolas is dead on. Viggo Mortensen and Sean Bean as Strider and Boromir are also cast very well. And what can you do but heap praises on the casting of Ian Mckellan as Gandalf and Christopher Lee as Saruman - perfect. I do have one complaint, however. Hugo Weaving as Elrond??? Sorry, but that just didn't do it for me; all I kept thinking as I saw him onscreen was, "Goodbye, Mr. Anderson." Slight miscast aside, the movie was absolutely splendid despite the minor changes in the adaptation. 10/10!!!