And then Mr Jackson came and damn this film is good!

Rating: Null/10 (21 May 2004)

The Fellowship has done but one thing and that is kept the magic of Tolkien very much alive. This is the start of the trilogy, that in my eyes has brought back the type of cinematic experience that so long ago blasted on to our screens through Star Wars.
A fantasy, the fantasy of generations J.R.R Tolkien's Lord of the Ring has finally been given the big screen treatment that is so long deserved. As a film it had for so long seem destined not to be made, John Boorman tried, but due to budget problems he turned to Excalibur (in it's own right an excellent movie). Then there was Saul Zaenth's production of Ralph Bakshi's animation, it was bold and daring but an utter failure. Then came Peter Jackson, a giant among Hobbits.
Part One the Fellowship, news rolled in a production was coming, the script written and re-written a budget that would cover all three books, and a cast containing a lot of names that would make people say who? Viggo Mortenson, Orlando Bloom, Billy Boyd and Dominic Monaghan who are they and what have they been in? But wow what a casting. I don't know weather it was the sheer scale of the film(s) but all casting worked no body seemed miscasts with their characters. Ian McKellen gives a powerful portrayal on Gandolf, his amazing screen presents is much how I imagined Gandolf through every reading of the books. I could think of no better casting for Aragorn, Viggo Motenson or Boromir, Sean Bean, easily his best Performance to date other than the Sharp series. The Hobbits work well together and it was a welcome return to see Sean Astin back on the big screen. John Rhys-Davies was a shock an actor well over six foot acting at four foot and doing it so well. All performances are outstanding, from the relative newcomers such as Orlando Bloom to the old hands like Christopher Lee
As they boldly step forward, a magical experience unravels before your eyes. Cinematography, sfx, editing and a mastery of directing have brought and film that is truly one of the grates, the whole film is seamless. The effects blend unnoticeable agents the awe-inspiring landscape of New Zealand. You find your self in full belief that Middle Earth is real. Peter Jackson's has defined his craft over the years in producing entertaining and immensely enjoyable films, even if they are a bit on the disturbing side (Meet the Feebles anyone). But with Lord of the Rings there is nothing more we can do but bow are heads and grovel at his feet.