An example of the effect that hype has on society.

Rating: 2/10 (27 December 2001)

I'll have to admit that I went into this movie with serious doubts, knowing that it had been voted the best movie of all time. But the fact is that this movie is mildly entertaining at best. My friends wouldn't even give it a 6, which is what I give it. It's obviously aimed at a younger audience, and/or the Star Wars crowd, of which I'm neither. It surprises me however to find so many well articulated reviews that were clearly written by older, more educated people. It's unusual that such people could love the movie so much. As someone who has not read the books, I found the movie to be corny in many areas. The things holding it up are the spectacular scenery and wonderful sound. It's also predictable, which is an inherent flaw of the book/story, not the adaptation of it in the movie. Still, my friend who watched it with me had read the book, and he mentioned several parts where it differed from the book, and unnecessarily. I would think that anybody who's seen a good share of movies would know what to expect, and it's those few that keep you guessing that are standouts. This is definitely not one of them. And how could people not find certain parts corny (such as the emotional moments between Frodo and the other hobbit guy)? Oh well, my piers here voted it #1 of all time. This site is usually pretty reliable on movies, but I hope people don't rely on the rating of this particular one.