Simply,the Film of the Book

Rating: 10/10 (19 February 2002)

I first read LOTR when I was 20 years old and crashed through all three parts in about as many hours,what an experience.Since then I have read the books(including all the peripherals)many times over.They are escapism and a thundering good read.After the earlier attempt at the movie(Which in all fairness was true to the book until money ran out) I was somewhat sceptical,well what a darn fool I felt when I saw this one.A marvelous experience for the soul and mind,a refreshing reminder that there are brilliant directors making movies.The film accomplishes what the book did,it greatly pleases.Of course there are missing bits,and bits changed a bit,and bits added,inevitable-but purveyed with such panache as to not seem noticeable.The casting and performances of ALL THE ACTORS is extremely well done,the special effects second to none.I especially liked the Troll(very cute-but as I had imagined). For twenty years I have been trying to get my Wife to read the books and now,at last She will-what better testament to the movie.The story flows very well and the techniques used by the screenplayers and director to explain those parts of the story which take up considerable print in the book are very clever.The good news is that the best is yet to come.