Refreshingly charming, but frustrating (spoilers)

Rating: Null/10 (28 December 2001)

Peter Jackson's _LOTR:TFOTR_ is mystifying, charming, and engaging, yet frustratingly lacking in character development, in establishment of setting, and in passage of time as the film progresses. As a film fan, but not a Tolkien fan, I recommend it for the sheer scope and magic of the film, but definitely do not expect it to be the best movie ever made. You will be taken to a different world and believe you are there, but you will also be left wondering what the heck is really going on with the characters. Luckily the themes of good versus evil, and how one should handle power are not lost among the jumpy plot and poor pacing.
The good: Art direction. I found myself blown away by the fusion of New Zealand landscapes and CGI work. The mines of Moria were incredibly "realistic", and I felt so drawn into the movie in parts like Lothlorien that I forgot that I was in a theater. The sound is excellent throughout, and every establishing shot is like a painting. The acting is great and believable.
The bad: Pacing. The first half of the movie drags and spends too much time with setting up things. The Ringwraith chases seemed disjointed and somewhat pointless. More of that time should have been spent exposing the real threat of the Ring's power. Suddenly, we're in Rivendell, and voila! the fellowship is formed. No backstory for Legolas, Gimli, or even Boromir, and as soon as the fellowship is formed, it seems to break up, weakening the drama.
Still, this film is without a doubt the best of 2001, and may quite possibly be the best fantasy film ever made. For comparison, it beats _The Phantom Menace_ in overall storytelling, and ultimately, the LOTR trilogy shows promise that it may surpass SW Episode's 1-3 in overall quality.