O.K. but could have been so much better.

Rating: 7/10 (23 December 2001)

I was disappointed with the film. Specifically, with the SCREENPLAY. There were just so many changes from the novels. And so many of them seemed not to serve any justifiable purpose; i.e. lack of time etc. One small irritating example is the gate of Moria scene. We all know how it goes. Gandalf Can't see the forest for all the trees' if you get my meaning, then realizes his mistake. Why change it? How is this way better? It would have taken the same amount of screen time to tell the story exactly as it was written. How was the scene improved by changing it?
Now, I'm not some anal-retentive Tolkien freak who is offended by even the smallest change. It's really quite amazing that the movies got made at all, what with the typical Hollywood politics and bureaucracy. It's just that there are certain lines and situations in the story that are pivotal and necessary to tell it correctly. Just as there are certain lines in Hamlet and Julius Caesar that are mandatory, so it is with The Lord of the Rings. So many times throughout the movie, I was ready for a particular line and it never comes. And don't even get me started on the whole Arwen situation. Her scenes with Frodo and Aragorn had a distinctly tacked-on feel, as if some focus group said `Hey, how about some stuff to keep the ladies interested?' I guess when there is this much money at stake people can't help but try and improve their chances of producing a blockbuster; to try and drag the story as close to the middle of the movie going audience as possible to insure the broadest appeal.
And that's really a shame in this movie because in my opinion EVERYTHING ELSE WAS DONE RIGHT. The sets were incredible, the actors were very good, and the costumes and special effects were simply marvelous to behold! The visual impact of Moria and the orcs surpassed all my highest expectations! The portrayal of Sauron before his loss of the Ring was absolutely fantastic! The Balrog was magnificently terrible! The armor and weapons... everyone involved did such a great job. Someone should get an Oscar. Really.
All in all, I was surprised at how let down I felt on the way to the car. Too many changes and added crap made for a movie that was at times quite boring to me. I've read other reviews that said that the movie was too hack-and-slash, but I honestly found myself wanting more of that. I suppose it was because when there was some action happening I felt like things were finally moving along at a decent clip.
To sum up Was it good? Yes and no. I suppose with time and more viewings I might grow to enjoy it more than I do now. Will I buy it? Probably so. I own all the other versions of Tolkien's work on film. Will I go to the next two movies? Of course. I have to. I hope that the next movie is written better, though.
If you have bothered to read this far, Thanks and I really appreciate your taking the time.
John Chavous