One of the Best Adaptations for Screen

Rating: 10/10 (8 February 2002)

This movie is nowhere near as good as the book. That said, it is absolutely one of the best adaptations of a novel ever to come to the screen. Like the Godfather, sure the book is better - but then, isn't it always? Fellowship of the Rings plays on the themes of the novel very effectively, and always keeps in mind the words of it's original creator, "It was made to entertain." Whether or not this is high art is debatable, but is most certainly a FANTASTIC movie. It has excitement, pathos, an entire world to play with, and manages to take itself seriously, with even less post-modern irony than the other great fantasy film of our time - Star Wars. Perhaps it's best compared to King Kong. It's primarily an adventure story, and it's primarily made for people to have a good time, but at the same time it carries a moral weight. It is an adventure story with a soul. It is a rare and precious thing.