WOW

Rating: 7/10 (30 December 2001)

I just sat there in awe during THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING - no matter how many special effects films I'd seen, I was still wowed by the amazing recreation of Tolkien's most popular and most acclaimed work. As a child, I read THE LORD OF THE RINGS at least three times, I loved fantasy novels and Tolkien was the king (I also can't wait for someone to make a film of Brooks' THE SWORD OF SHANNARA, and there's nine sequels and a prequel readymade), so I couldn't believe my eyes when the events I'd imagined were materialising right before my eyes. Of course, effects don't necessarily mean a great film, and this was perhaps slightly overlong and, between the gripping action scenes the lulls were perhaps a little too serene, but hey, this is the best that anyone could have done with Tolkien's novel and full plaudits to director Jackson. But PARENTS MUST BE IMPLORED, that for a child to see this film, that child MUST BE OLD ENOUGH TO (HAVE) READ THE BOOK!! It's intense, dark, and downright horrific at times - it's NOT a kids' film, so take 6- and 7-year-olds by all means, but expect to be up all night comforting them!! Rating: 8/10.