IN MY TOP 10 OF 2001

Rating: 8/10 (19 February 2002)

Although 2001 was a weak year for the movies, there were at least three films that managed to be very good (not great). Lord of the Rings is one of them (In the Bedroom and Mulholland Drive were the other two in case you were wondering). Peter Jackson does absolute justice to the first installment of the beloved trilogy, confidently choosing which passages to include and which to discard (otherwise we would have a ten hour film on our hands). The $109 million budget can be seen in every frame as the movie progresses and it actually becomes more impressive with each passing sequence. The actors do a credible job particularly Ian McKellen as Gandalf the Wizard. Many people are complaining about the non ending but they have to realize this IS a trilogy and the second one will pick up where the last one left off. Overall an entertaining and satisfying film going experience. I look forward to the next installment.
8/10