A Very Unexpected Hit

Rating: 8/10 (7 October 2006)

When I first heard of the release of this first instalment of the LOTR trilogy, I was optimistic. I was expecting a fun movie, but not a huge hit like it was.
Firstly, the casting choice was wonderful. As always, Sir Ian McKellen and Christopher Lee gave 110% in their performances. Elijah Wood surprised me, with a wonderful job as Frodo, along with the rest of the characters, but if there was an award for best and most working actor in this film, it would defiantly be to Viggo Mortensen. As a last minute replacement, he really brought Aragorn to life.
I'm not a big reader, so I had no knowledge before i saw the film, of what the story was, but after 1st viewing, it is very easy to pick up what's happening, and leaves you gasping for more.
The special effects were superb, and some of the best I've seen on film. I totally agree with Peter Jackson to use miniatures (or 'bigatures' as they called them) instead of CGI. There are not many movies with CGI I've seen, which look astonishing real. The miniatures in LOTR were so well made, detailed and filmed, that they looked part of the built set.
The score was beautifully composed by Howard Shore. The music was welled placed into the film, which easily moved the story along. One wonderful example of this, is the 'Fellowship' theme, which appears once Frodo and Sam have left the shire, and gradually disappear after they lose Gandalf.
Even if you've read the books or not, it's very likely that you will enjoy the movie. After the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and the recent King Kong remake, it should be obvious that Peter Jackson is ready to be the new George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. Any film which he wishes to make, even if its another remake, should be approved straight away. Peter Jackson and his blockbuster defiantly deserves the awards given.