Two out of three ain't bad

Rating: 10/10 (23 December 2001)

Jackson captured the power and the glory of the Fellowship. Incredible work at the entrance to Rivendell, in the Mines of Moria, Isengard, and Mordor itself capture Tolkien's heavier themes. But too much of the "fun" is missing. Don't take it wrong, two out of three ought to be enough for a huge box office, Oscars galore and fantastic acclaim. This movie stands above the rest.
The fireworks at the Long Expected Party are some of the best fun in the movie. More of this would make this movie a cosmic success.
At the Prancing Pony, Frodo fails to recite his rendition of the Cow Jumps over the Moon before disappearing under the influence of the ring. The movie turns the Pony into a version of the Star Wars bar where Luke meets Han. The movie loses its chance to portray the innocence and joy that Tolkien sees in a species driven from paradise.
More of the same during the flight to the ford. Trolls can be spotted in the rock formations, if you are looking. Sam fails to notice and the audience misses his engaging rendition of "Troll sat Alone."
A few other lighthearted scenes leaven the show but without editorial emphasis. As Legolas walks lightly the others trudge through the snows of Caradhras. At the mouth of Moria, Frodo solves the riddle of the Friend. There are no songs, no epic poetry, no light to complement the courage of the fellowship.
Tolkien may be pleased but I feel the story is incomplete.