Not bad for fantasy.

Rating: 7/10 (21 August 2002)

As an admirer of sci-fi and fantasy as a young man, Tolkien did not come along until my late forties when I was on to other writings. I read him but did not get the close in feeling my son did. He was 19. Seeing this movies reminded me of the difficulties making movies of the imagination of someone else. Jackson should be commended for his efforts. The scenery (special effects) were very well done. The dialogue was a waste. Most of it was unintelligible. To anyone not familiar with the story would not be able to follow it. In fact, even familiar with it was the most disturbing distraction. The ending was a great disappointment. I see many saying it is the greatest picture ever made. Obviously they have not seen many of the really great films of the past. This is NOT one of them.