I preferred it to the book!

Rating: 10/10 (6 January 2002)

Perhaps I'm not in a position to pass judgment on this movie and say that it is better than the book because I have only read it once. And I sped-read it at that! But I wanted to have at least a bit of an idea of what was going on before I saw the movie. It was a bit of a struggle to get through it. I found Tolkein's language quite dry and exhaustive. But the movie takes that language and gives it color and dynamic zing. I preferred it to the book, no question. And I find no problem with the alterations that Peter Jackson made to Tolkein's story such as enlarging the role of Arwen and dropping Tom Bombadil completely. I think that Arwen's strong character, bravery and courage in the scene outrunning the Black Riders would only illustrate why Arathorn loves her so much. Her willingness to endanger herself to help the forces of right echo his own principles.
I went into this movie with an open mind because I didn't have any expectations and that served me well. I was receptive to whatever Peter Jackson wanted to tell and, yes, I was suckered right into it. I haven't ever seen such a movie that captured my imagination and wouldn't let me go for 3 solid hours. I wanted to go right back into the theater and see it again (but, alas, it was sold out!) All the actors appeared to be channeling the roles. They were completely and utterly believable. The standouts in the cast were Ian McKellan and Elijah Wood, but in truth everyone did a phenomenal job. Cate Blanchett's voice, haunting and aristocratic, sends shivers up and down my spine. And Orlando Bloom's archery work was quite notable. That such an epic film should sit on everyone's shoulders so well and so naturally speaks volumes about their dedication and Jackson's ability to hold it all together.
Although I'll read the other 2 volumes in time before the other movies are released, it is just to have an idea of what is going on. But reading them will be made easier by having in my mind the breathtaking visuals, scenery, sounds, and crackling performances already supplied by Jackson in this first movie. The DVD can't get here fast enough!!!! And neither can the next 2 Christmases!