glad it wasnt dumbed down

Rating: Null/10 (26 December 2001)

SPOILER alert

Let me say that i am extremely pleased how this movie turned out. i was very much concerned that it would end up being aimed primarily at those who had never read the book. As it stands though i am happy that the film didnt try to sit there and explain everything to the unwashed masses. Quite frankly if you havent read the book then this movie is no more important to you than another Star Wars or Rush Hour and i honestly dont care what you thought of it.
For those who have read the book the movie was perfect. bearing in mind that i do not perceive this movie as being intended as a seperate entity from the books but rather as a supplement.
If youve read the books your primary concern will be to finally be able to see the fantastic and dramatic moments and characters you have long imagined. if you have read the books you do NOT need to have things explained to you that you are already well aware of or listen to actors recite reams of character building dialouge.
The pacing and lack of character building and background information are the majorflaws in this film when viewed from a traditional viewpoint. But if you have already read the books then these things are not an issue. thus this is perhaps the best adaptation of LotR that we could have hoped for.
The one change that i found a little off putting was the fact that Aragorn knew before hand that Frodo was leaving and neither attempted to stop him or join him.
PS at the end when the credits came up i had forgotten that it was only the first movie of three and was disapointed beying beleief when i realised that i would have to wait a year for the next installment.