Even if you're not a fantasy buff--go see this movie!

Rating: 10/10 (22 January 2002)

I am afraid with all the kiddie-hype and marketing committed to "Harry Potter" last year and all the beautiful people (yes, I suppose they can act OK too, but do all mathematicians really look like Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly?) in "A Beautiful Mind," that this movie is now getting written off as another special effects fantasy film, and not getting the awards recognition it is due. And this movie should be one of the highest-grossing of all time, in the same club as the Star Wars and Indiana Jones movies, with a little touch of Titanic as well.
"The Fellowship of the Rings" has an extra measure of everything a movie should have--a great story, action, adventure, acting so good you don't realize it's acting, effects so good you don't know they're not real (unlike several cartoon-like sequences in Harry Potter), romance and beautiful cinematography. It is both exciting and funny as well as subtle and artistic. The only person who wouldn't enjoy this movie is one who has no imagination at all.
When the movie was over, a huge groan came from the sold-out audience I was part of--because we couldn't believe three hours had passed and we didn't want it to end.