Amazing Technical Achievement that Somehow Left me Cold

Rating: Null/10 (26 February 2003)

LOTR: FOTR is one of the most astonishing films ever made. A technical masterpiece with a blend of outstanding special effects, cinematography, direction, sound, and acting.
But as I sat in the theatre, amazed by what I was watching, I kept on asking myself "Why am I not enjoying this more?" While I was always engaged by the visuals on the screen, I found it so joyless and...dare I say...a tad boring. Admittedly, I haven't read the book. So I thought I should see it again because I surely missed something since people are so fanatical about it. But no. Even after the second viewing, I felt the same way.
From what I understand, the book contains nuances and social commentary, none of which comes through on the screen. What does come through seems more like a video game where the good guys face a set of challenges and puzzles, overcomes them with a big "boss" fight, and then advances on to the next round of fighting.
So do I recommend it? Absolutely. To miss it would be to miss perhaps the greatest visuals ever put on celluloid. But ask yourself honestly when it's over, "was I really entertained? Moved?" And trust your feelings. Because there's really not as much there on the screen as the visuals suggest.