Phenomenal: one of the best movies ever

Rating: 10/10 (22 March 2002)

I haven't seen "Citizen Kane", IMDb's #1 movie, but I hardly believe it could be better than "Lord of the Rings." This movie was, well.... look in the dictionary: I couldn't find a suitable adjective - it's far too good for that. The first thing that strikes you is Peter Jackson's (the director) aesthetic sense... there isn't a single object in the movie, however small, that doesnt look absolutely perfect, from the stunning New Zealand locations to the weapons the Hobbits carry. Beautifully done. Then there's the cast: well chosen (although I was a bit skeptical of Wood at first), especially McKellen as Gandalf and Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn, who give great performances and look absolutely right. Liv Tyler seems to have been wasted in her little role, but I think she plays a bigger part in the subsequent movies, so all is well. Sean Bean, too, is impressive, as well as the actor who plays Legolas. Gimli, though.... I'd read the book a while before I saw the movie, and frankly, wasn't terribly impressed by it: it was just too tedious. The movie, however, manages to telescope the story perfectly, and makes it far more interesting, faster paced. The only complaint here may be that it is just a little too fast at times, with too many hideous creatures around every corner to be fully believable. But nevertheless, the movie is gripping, which, I guess is what a film should be. I hope the screenplay will be published - it would make far more interesting reading than the actual Tolkien novel. This movie, overall, is brilliantly made, expertly finished, with an eye for detail VERY few directors have ever shown (check out the statues at the gate to Gondor). Top class. My rating: 10/10