Visually Perfect!!!

Rating: 9/10 (13 February 2002)

Once again I find myself leaving a review for a film that has so many reviews that it is unlikely that many will see it. The reason I am leaving it is because this film is so good on so many levels. First let me begin by informing readers that I have been a fan of Tolkein and his Middle Earth since I was about 8 years old and saw the television version of THE HOBBIT. As a child I was drawn to the story line and fantasy world so much that while in grade school I read THE HOBBIT and while in junior high school read THE LORD OF THE RINGS. This was one of my first introductions into Fantasy based books. I am not a big fan of Fantasy based books and that's basically because it seems to me that most other authors have plots so similar to LOTR that I get bored and would rather read LOTR. Two exceptions would be the authors C.S. Lewis and Terry Brooks, although I think it's safe to say that Brooks's material borrows heavily from Tolkein.
One draw back to Tolkein is that I, especially when I was younger, found it hard not only to pronounce some of the names that he uses for people, places and things but I found it hard to follow the story line because I would become confused while reading. The film eliminates this problem. It is so much easier to follow the story line while hearing the proper names used effortlessly.
I think that this film gives the viewer an excellent depiction of what middle earth would look like. The scenery is beautiful. I found towns such as Hobbiton and the Shire more beautiful and real than I had imagined. I especially liked Rivendale(sp) the elvish town. I did enjoy the fight between Saruman and Gandalf. Seeing these two wizards duke it out with such power despite their frail appearances was a visual treat.
Of course the story has been altered and but not to the point where it detracts from the original story or alters the meaning or ending of the story. I read one review that indicated the movie left us hanging and should have bought some sort of conclusion to the ending so that if the viewers who are unable or choose not to see the following films would not be left hanging. If that reviewer had read LOTR he/she would know that the books don't bring an kind of conclusion until the end of RETURN OF THE KING. In fact I don't know how this movie could have had a clear cut ending without ruining the story line. What I like about this movie trilogy is that all 3 parts were made back to back unlike the original STAR WARS trilogy that spanned over 6 years. By filming it this way LOTR ensures that it's actors won't noticeable age or in case of some of the elder cast die before the series can be completed. Also, all 3 movies will be released within a 3 year time frame. Even though it may seem like a long time it's a lot better than waiting 3 years between sequels like SW.
Lastly, LOTR has just been nominated for many Oscars this year. I personally would love to see it get best picture and director. My guess is that the academy will give the director award to Ron Howard for A BEAUTIFUL MIND. I believe this will happen because he has been nominated several times before and the academy will figure he is due an award. However, given LOTR fan base, excellent box office receipts and almost universal praise from fans and critics I don't see how they can not give it to LOTR. If it should win Best Picture this would represent a win for director Jackson in case he is passed over for Best Director and it would honor and pay tribute to Tolkein the "father" of modern mythology and fantasy.