Hype or no hype, brilliant film!

Rating: 10/10 (25 February 2002)

After these past few weeks almost everybody should have seen this film. Put simply, it's brilliant! Every aspect has been worked on to it's highest standard! Yet there are still those who give it terrible reviews!
To start with, most people complain about the length of FOTR. True if all you watch is that crap that Hollywood churns out, usually clocking in at just 1 1/2 hours (just enough time to finish your popcorn). For those used to watching more involving films this shouldn't be a problem- it sets it further apart from the usual Hollywood blockbusters. Another important thing to remember is that this is a fantasy film- and how many of them have come out recently? A lot of people aren't used to this kind of film and found themselves bored by the end of it- something to get used to then.
The directing is probably the best aspect of this film, as it looks and sounds superb! It truly has the feel of an epic and you can't help but be captivated by it- unless, of course, you walked out before you saw half of it.
I'm personally glad to see a film not overflowing with typical Hollywood money-making gimics- the film has remained faithful and has not 'dumbed it down' for the mass audience. For some there is too much talking and not enough action- they're watching the wrong film. This film is for those with open minds, and not those with preconceptions or expecting light entertainment. Or Star Wars.