Finally, a good epic movie for the masses!

Rating: Null/10 (29 December 2001)

After a year of bad movies, "The Fellowship of the Rings" is such a delightful and satisfying experience. Even at three hours long, I enjoyed this epic adventure immensely, and I believe that most any viewer will enjoy it too. Peter Jackson's interpretation of Tolkien's book has great entertainment content for both adults and children alike, and it also has taken appropriate creative latitude with the book in order to keep the boring parts out.
(Yes, call me blasphemous, but I thought Tolkien's book was boring. Despite its many rave reviews, the dragging narrative of that novel made me yawn repeatedly. Thankfully, Peter Jackson has converted that grievous Tolkien tome into a masterful and well-paced 175 minutes of epic adventure on-screen.)
Before I go into the highs and lows of this movie, I want to publically acknowledge director Peter Jackson, screenwriter Frances Walsh, and the WETA special effects team for bringing Tolkien's book to life in such a crafted and compelling way. Beautifully done, guys... I think that James Cameron (Titanic) is probably feeling threatened now because another film has just rivaled "Titanic" for all-time best epic adventure.
====================================> LOW POINTS OF "LORD OF THE RINGS":
1. They could have cut an extra 15 minutes out of the initial Shire narrative sequence (those darn Hobbits drinking was actually kind of boring).
2. There could been an extra 15 minutes of battle scenes for us adventure fans. (see point 1 above)
====================================> HIGH POINTS OF "LORD OF THE RINGS":
1. This film is so well-told, you don't need to read the book to enjoy it as a 3-hour epic adventure.
2. The battle scenes that were included were absolute fun! As a nice change from exaggerated Jet Li and John Woo combat, these sword fights and ball-and-chain melees are juicy entertainment. There are about five really memorable scenes, including the opening sequence and final sequence, where every guy in the theater is riveted by the action.
3. The battle scenes, although graphic, were tastefully done. Unlike "Braveheart", the gore is really toned down without diminishing the anxiety and tension. This makes "Fellowship" friendly enough to take the kids to.
4. Sir Ian McKellen is absolutely perfect as Gandalf the Wise.
5. Elijah Wood plays a pretty convincing Hobbit.
6. The special effects outdo Titanic and Aliens. The Hobbits are cleverly "shrunken" on-screen to appear as small men, the sweeping landscapes and panoramic New Zealand sets are breathtaking, and the Orcs and Trolls are convincingly nasty.
7. The underground mine scene alone is worth the price of admission. Splendid action and SFX!
8. Liv Tyler's Uriel character was a nice creative touch by Peter Jackson. 'Girl Power' was something the original book lacked, so it is thankfully added to the movie interpretation in the form of butt-kicking Elfen Uriel.
9. The Ring Wraiths and horse scenes are unparalleled. Big points to the stunt riders who staged those scenes.
10. The ending will leave you craving for more... and will drive you to the store to buy the second book to satiate your craving.
==============================> Thank you, Peter Jackson, for renewing my faith in Hollywood. I spent $12.50 to see your movie in the big-screen IMAX theater here in Edmonton, and I got my money's worth.
I look forward to seeing the sequel.

Five stars out of five.