Can I move there?

Rating: 10/10 (21 December 2001)

This has to be the most amazing fantasy movie of all time. After spending the first 5 minutes trying to figure out how Jackson accomplished the special effects, I gave up convinced that Middle Earth truly exists and I want to live there.
The majesty of the cinematography coupled with the special effects make this movie, uh, er, experience, uh, epic, uh, okay I give up, escapist alternate reality three hour getaway. And, the acting was exceptional. The credits should have read "Gandalf as himself," "Bilbo Baggins as himself," "Frodo Baggins as himself." You get the drift. Poor Elijah (Don't call me Frodo) will forever be known as Frodo Underhill - much the way Leonard Nimoy was forever known as Spock.
*** WARNING ***
If you see this movie, you will never settle for the tripe Hollywood produces every year. How can anyone ever expect to compete with Tolkien's genius rendered impressively by the most impressive fantasy director of all time. Comparisons to Harry Potter are laughable and comparisons to Star Wars are humorous - don't forget Tolkien had completed The Hobbit and much of the Trilogy before Lucas was born.
*** SPOILER ***
When the credits start rolling, you'll wonder if you can simply take a potty break and come back to watch the next 3 hours of what will undeniably be known as the greatest movie trilogy of all time. That I must wait for nearly a year to see the Part II is my only complaint. (Can I buy my tickets now?)
If you can see only one movie this Christmas, see something else, because if you watch this, you will want to go back and see it over and over again - thus, blowing your budget entirely. I know, I'm going back tomorrow for my fourth viewing!