Not-great story, excellent direction

Rating: 1/10 (19 August 2002)

Every shot is a classic. Peter Jackson had the willingness to take infinite pains in order to make 'Lords...' just right. Tim Burton could have been a great candidate to direct it, but obviously he is already so successful and has achieved so much, that he doesn't need to prove anything. But Jackson does need to prove of himself. He took the -make it or break it- chance and did it. It couldn't have been made any better. The effects are beautifully integrated into the story, avoiding a Steven Sommers' fiasco. The only sad point is when the two wizards fight, we can clearly see the wires. They probably ran out of money at that point...
The story is something else altogether. Not the most intriguing one and certainly not very original (any more). It's just an alternative to English ancient history, since the English don't have an ancient history. The unfinished ending is something of a surprise to non-fantasy fans and it costed 'Lords' the Oscar.
If you expected this movie to win the best movie Oscar, you are at least naive. The Oscar for Best movie goes to movies that are complete; in 2 hours they should tell a story with a beginning and an end. Serials don't win Oscars.
But as I said this couldn't have been better, so well done Peter Jackson!
8/10