Great eye candy, however story lacks peaks and valleys

Rating: 7/10 (19 December 2001)

Just got home from seeing this movie. Let me start off by saying the cinematography is fantastic, and the special effects are awesome. But that's pretty much where it stopped impressing me.
With all the hype about this film, the storyline has all but been fully revealed, thus not leaving many surprises. The plot never really took me up very high and failed to drop me to any depths. I felt that it lacked any highs and lows, and rather continued on a flat journey. (visually, a very impressive journey - but as far as the storyline went, I wasn't all that impressed) What I'm trying to say is that I really didn't become very attached to any of the characters, and therefore couldn't really have sympathy for them during their losses and didn't feel very rewarded during their triumphs.
I do feel that the high ratings it has received is largely due to the spectacular special effects, very impressive computer animation, and breathtaking scenery. (which is why I gave it a 7/10) While it's certainly no Star Wars (New Hope, Empire, and Jedi all get 10/10 in my book) or Braveheart (another 10); VISUALLY it is an excellent film.
I will be anxious to see what they give us in the next two...
Just my $.02 so please keep the flames to a min. =)