Close but not perfect

Rating: Null/10 (28 December 2001)

I knew from the beginning that LOTR really couldn't be put to film, but since it has been done, I am glad that Jackson and his crew have done it and not Spielburg and his hollywood cronies. Great costumes, make up, fight scenes and scenery, but the awesome element about the books is the epic feel of the tale and the length and scope of the story. It is amazing that Tolken created a whole new world. The problem with the movie is that there is too much to show and tell in too short a time period. But it is good and could have been a lot worse. I have a big problem with what they did with Bilbo. He was the best character in the books, but they ruined him in the film. The last scene where his eyes pop out and he scowls and grabs for the ring DOES NOT HAPPEN. They bastardized his character. The other problem is that o think they tried to put a moral in the theme. JRR states in his Prologue that this is simply a story and has no moral theme.
Anyway, i give it a 8/10