NOT a fan of the genre liked it!

Rating: Null/10 (21 January 2003)

Here's a point of view from someone who is bored by the 'fantasy' (and 'sci fi') genre: I really can't stand all those wizard/princess/Star Trek/SciFi/actors-in-too-much make-up movies. So here's the bottom line: that *I* liked this movie makes it a triumphant success!

I read half of 'The Hobbit' literally decades ago, but stopped there; I never read the further LotR trilogy. Therefore, I cannot make an 'expert' (and nit-picky) review of what's been done to the story, as some have done here. But regarding adaptation to the screen: is ANY book ever completely (CAN any book be?) converted to the screen with 100% accuracy? I'm sure upon its release, the filmed version of 'Gone With The Wind' similarly had its complaints from purists. The opening narration of the storyline hooked me (maybe it was because of that milky/sultry woman's voice). The visuals
were spectacular, and even the obvious computer effects - which usually irritate me for their unnatural fluidity - didn't bother me too much. However, I did tend to roll my eyes somewhat at those ape-like Orcs (or goblins or whatever they were -- how stereotypically-acted, and that dumb make-up!). The art-direction was phenomenal (I even found it in my heart to excuse the at-times look of Thomas Kinkade paintings); the cinematography and the gorgeous New Zealand scenics all combined into a world that I enjoyed giving myself over to. (I never knew that New Zealand was *SO* beautiful!! What a great advertisement this film makes for the director's homeland!)
Before watching the movie (on DVD), I first watched all the behind the scenes 'extras.' While watching all that, I thought to myself, "Aren't hobbits supposed to be short?" (I saw actors of essentially the same height on the set.) Then I started the movie and was surprised to see that, indeed, the filmmakers somehow managed to make all those hobbits all squished-down looking (with cute chubby faces). Amazing. As far as acting goes, I really don't think any actor (the men of the Fellowship) was much challenged, so no one much impressed me EXCEPT Ian McKellan and Peter Cushing and Ian Holm (who also recently impressed me in "From Hell"). All three of these were fantastic; really, the only performances that I didn't think were "walked-thru."
Yes, the ending left me feeling as if suffering an interrupted interlude with my girlfriend (that is, unfinished) and wanting more. But I know that I'll see my girlfriend again (when the other two movies are released, and I'll finally claim my relief). I can excuse the abrupt ending because I went into this knowing that there are three films; aren't 'the movies' a business, after all? They have every right to want us to return for the rest of their product.
And a final note regarding director Peter Jackson: wotta guy! I was shocked to see (here on IMDb) that he's made so few movies. To be entrusted with such an undertaking as this really says something (either about him and/or the studio/producers). Maybe the studio executives, like myself, have been impressed with his abilities on those few movies he's made. Myself, I've liked this guy's style since seeing my first Peter Jackson flick: 'Heavenly Creatures.' I look forward to much more from him.