A great movie, but was it a 10?

Rating: 9/10 (20 December 2001)

Well, I finally saw LOTR:FOTR last night. A great movie, but was it a 10? I scored it a 9.
I think my experience started off poorly as we were in a small cinema. That was REALLY annoying -- the screen was not much bigger than my TV at home! I really must remember to check that next time. So, I guess I will just have to see it again, but make sure I am in the main cinema!
The movie was certainly darker than I thought it would be; this is definitely no kids movie. Regardless of what the ratings say, I probably wouldn't let my kids see it till they are 15 or so. But as a dark portrayal, it was very, very good.
The acting was great, the special effects were great and there were parts that made me laugh and smile and jump with fright. And the story line was well adapted I thought. All the important parts were there and there were a few bits and pieces there that should please the fans but were not dwelled on the movie (like the broaches given to the Fellowship by Galadriel). Not that important to the larger story line (except maybe in the next movie), but a nice to have for fans.
But to have to wait a year for the second movie and another year for the third! Sigh.
At least we were spared Hobbits frolicking naked in the barrows.....