I beg to differ, sir

Rating: 6/10 (26 April 2003)

Okay, I was sceptical about this 'masterpiece' before I even saw it, so no surprise that I am not jumping on the bandwagon. This is not a fantastic movie, in film-making terms. It is, however, a fantastic cult for those obsessed fans to indulge & immerse themselves in.
I may be a hypocrite because I am a huge Star Wars fan, but whereas SW was, in its time, quite in its own league, with LOTR I see many different influences, such as Excalibur (the Arthurian legend) and most of course many biblical similarities. It presents in an overblown way a very tired genre & very tired themes which are no longer exciting or unique.
The special effects in LOTR are, admittedly, spectacular, as was also the cinematography. But these elements alone cannot make for a great, landmark film, as so many people suggest. My comments may be wasted as I am absolutely in the minority - those people, like me, who know that LOTR is not for them usually don't bother to see the movie, let alone vote for it, which is why this film has such a ridiculously high rating.
LOTR is certainly not as good as SW, let alone better. Consider also the 30 years which have elapsed in cinematic progress & advances in technology. What's more, LOTR drags on needlessly & ends abruptly in an obvious promotional ploy to get viewers to see the next film. The cast-list may look impressive, but I found some of the acting (most notably from Lee & Holm) to be rather too much overacting and, as others have said, almost in the comic-book league. Credit though to Viggo Mortensen who, well, provided the film's only backbone & something to make you keep watching.
I perhaps would not be so critical, was it not such an overhyped film which seems to ensnare its victims like flies. Once somebody considers themself a fan, as I have so found out, it is frankly impossible to make them look at it objectively & regain their common-sense. In my opinion, it is a fairly likeable & almost exciting adventure film, 6/10 at the most.