Not perfect certainly, but better than I expected...

Rating: 8/10 (7 January 2002)

I first read these books in the early 70's over a weekend. I remember being unable to put them down. Soon after that I hoped they would make a movie of it, and sure enough they did but it was a ridiculous animated film. I knew this film would not be perfect but like most hard core Rings fans was happy that it made at all.
I am rather surprised at the choice of Director but the results are better than expected. Obviously considerable effort was made and it shows. Bilbo and Gandalf are played well and I really enjoyed the first half hour. Some people complained that the movie was too long, well, I could watch a nine hour movie of The Fellowship of the Ring.
Some of my complaints:
1. Musical score - Very uninspired, does not compliment scenery (which was excellent). Listen to the opening music of Shrek (the piece without vocals), and imagine that music in LOTR. 2. Action scenes - Too many angles, too much darting about, looked like a video game. 3. Dramatic tension - Not enough, we are rushed from one scene to another. Perhaps you could not fit it within 3 hours. 4. Dialogue - Good, but a little more of the poetry of the book could have been conveyed.
I look forward to The Two Towers and the Return of the King and feel that they will be better than the first film.