An incredible beginning to (in my opinion), the most epic fantasy film series!

Rating: 10/10 (15 November 2011)

First I must begin by telling you that I did not read the books of the same name that this movie is based on until this year actually, and I first saw this film shortly before the second entry came out in the theaters, so you shouldn't have any problem with watching this film, or any of the other two that showcase the next two books in the series (The Two Towers and The Return of the King), and will your enjoyment of the books after watching the films will diminish only slightly (if at all) because you already know the plot.
This film begins the tale of Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood), a young ''hobbit'' (creatures thought of originally by the books' sadly long- dead author, J.R.R Tolkien), whose caretaker Bilbo (Ian Holm) who took him in after his parents died, makes up his mind and leaves for a one- way trip to Rivendell, land of the elves which is ruled by Elrond (Hugo Weaving, and leaves to Frodo the ''One Ring'', creation of the Dark Lord Sauron before his demise. Frodo learns from the wizard Gandalf (played pitch-perfect by Ian Mckellen), that the Ring is evil, and is the reason why Bilbo has reached the age of 111, due to the ability of the Ring which gives you immortality. He also tells him that part of the malice of Sauron's spirit lived on in the Ring long after he died, giving the Ring a mind of his own and a desperate desire to return to the hand of his master. Bilbo found the ring when he fell into Gollum's (motion- capture genius Andy Serkis) cave, and took it from the ground. Gollum, who had possessed it for a very long time, was deformed and driven mad by the Ring. Gandalf gives Frodo the task of taking it to the village of Bree, and later on to Rivendell, where he forges a pact with Gandalf, Sam (his dear gardener, played by Sean Astin), Merry and Pippin, hobbits and old friends of Frodo (played by Dominic Monaghan and Billy Boyd, respectively), Aragorn and Boromir (both of the race of Men), Legolas the Elf, and the dwarf Gimli, to carry the Ring to Mount Doom in Mordor, Sauron's domain, to destroy the evil Ring, for the sake of Middle-Earth, (the setting of the books and films).
The acting here is top-notch, with special notice given to Ian Mckellen, Elijah Wood, and Sean Astin as Sam. (who gives it his all) Sam (as many other readers and movie buffs alike, moi included), is the true main character of the films and books(you'll see why in next installments).
The pacing is perfect, I never get bored while watching (and, believe me I have seen this film THOUSANDS OF TIMES!).
The music is one of the best around (composed, orchestrated, conducted, and produced by Howard Shore), and will keep you humming, excited or at the edge of your seat whenever the occasion warrants it.
However, the most incredible part of this film series is the ability for the film crew to bring to life the beautiful and exciting locales of the book series. Filmed in New Zealand, The Lord of the Rings is beautiful. Also among the chief reason for LOTR rabid fans to watch this is how they only strayed from the plot of the book in minor details (at least in this one), and stayed true to the core spirit and heart of the books. The most epic parts of the books are still here and are sometimes even better (for example, the sequence of The Bridge of Khazad Dúm is seriously the most epic thing I have ever seen in any film :P), while sometimes I feel they didn't unleash some parts' true potential (yes, I am imagining you, Lothlorien >.>).
If you haven't yet seen Peter Jackson's epic adaptation of The Lord of the Rings, and you are a fan of the books, please do yourself a favor and rent this right away (after you've seen the theatrical version, you might be interested in the EXTENDED edition of this, which is one of the rare cases in which the extended version is actually BETTER that the original). IF you haven't read the books and you are just looking for an epic fantasy or action film, then by all means, sink your teeth into this an enjoy! I guarantee you will thank me later ;)
*NOTE: I will be posting a review for The Two Towers and also another for The Return of the King shortly. Please, check back tomorrow or in the near future*