Superb... but not perfect.

Rating: 7/10 (21 December 2001)

I will refrain from commenting on all that is good about this film... I couldn't keep that below 1000 words. Well... okay. The one thing that struck me was the use of subtle effects (like the size differences between hobbits and men). Constantly used, and the Elves' makeup... ageless, but with centuries hidden undur the skin, was beautiful. The only negative I can think of was the use of Liv Tyler's character... did not flow with the storyline, and seemed to have too much intense emotion for characters that she had only just met (i.e. Frodo). In fact, the only times during the movie that I lost interest and wanted the scene to end was when she was on screen. Don't get me wrong... she's very attractive and looks right for her role, but the love story seemed to have been thrown in because... well, every hollywood movie needs a love story (to tell you the truth, it's been a decade since I read LOTR and I don't remember if she appears so early on). But everything else that has been said is true: This is truly a superb movie. Not worthy of a #1 ranking, but good. Don't worry... once normal audiences watch it, it will drop; do you think anyone who had tickets to the sold out wednesday and thursday showings would give it less than a 10?