Entertain - yes, masterpiece - decision pending

Rating: 1/10 (3 October 2006)

I saw this movie with an open mind, having read parts of the novel when much younger (most of which I didn't remember). My elder sister recommended it, she gave me a heads-up on what it was all about. The visuals are very nicely done, the initial part with the dwarf being obsessed with his "possession" caught my attention. But all in all - I simply felt I was watching one of many tales of my youth (so this movie is on par with : Narnia, Wizard of Oz, and a good many other classics). My only beef is with the utter/total fawning of many viewers (people here at work) and some reviewers (titles like : Best movie _Ever_). I've seen too many excellent movies that spoke to me, moved me, made me feel intense emotions that pertain/relate to my life - so that any movie that deals with fantasy/sci-fiction cannot rate as a 10/10 or best ever. My 0.02$ worth. To prove my point, would I be saying this at a viewing of this movie - I would be quickly stoned to death for having had the gall to criticize it. To each his own. So - it was entertaining, but still something that amuses the child in me - no great revelation.
Cheers,
JM.