Oops, Sorry Mr. Tolkien

Rating: 2/10 (14 August 2002)

I'd first like to state that I've been a fan of the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy since 1978 when I first read the series. I've since re-read it an estimated 30 times because of the story's essence and the uniqueness and relationship of its characters. Unfortunately, this was lost with the making of this movie. Somehow, the writer(s) and director(s) missed the boat entirely. Where the movie went wrong: 1) Frodo keeps offering/showing the ring to everyone he meets, 2) Merry and Pippin are immature idiots, 3) Arwen saves Frodo?? 4) lame "stair-collapsing" scene that eats time, 5) lame "Wringwraith chasing Arwen on horses" scene also eats time, 6) lame orcs (climbing down from the ceiling??), 7) lame Elrond, Gimli, and elves, to name just a few. Good points of the movie: Digital movie graphics, excellent Balrog (unfortunately scene too short), and Legolas character.
I have littel doubt the Tolkien clan would agree that the true nature of the characters and their quest has been poorly portrayed. Granted, the movie can't be exactly like the book, however, the story is what makes "Lord of the Rings" a classic and, again, they completed missed it in this movie. I hope the second and third movies improve, but I wouldn't be surprised if Arwen ends up slaying all the fowl beasts that Frodo encounters. Perhaps I'll live long enough to see the remaking of the movie(s) that show the characters experiencing their quest(s) as J.R.R. Tolkien presented them in his books. P.S. Recommendation for the Director: At the battle of Minas Tirith when the Riders of Rohan enter the scene, show it in slow motion while playing Led Zepplin's "Battle of Evermore." If so, I might have a more positive comment about this effort.