The return of the cliffhanger

Rating: 10/10 (19 December 2001)

I've got good news and bad news. Bad news is: we have to wait another year. Good news is: we only have to wait another year.
It has been done. Combining some serious acting, great special effects, a beautiful setting even further enhanced by set decoration and computer and a vision created almost 50 years ago, said vision becomes reality.
This film is about one man braving seemingly unsurmountable odds to accomplish his mission. Yes, he is accompanied by a diverse fellowship of strong individuals, but I'm sure he must have felt the immense responsibility a whole world put on his shoulders.
The man is, of course, Peter Jackson. He embarked to do the undoable. And he succeeded. From the birthday party (which reminded me so much of Ireland) to the Nazgul, from Moira to Mordor to the Balrog's whip, everything simply felt right - dirty fingernails included.
Go see it. No, I mean, again. After all, this is the very first fantasy film in which the spectators aren't seen as kids. No Jar Jar, no human chess game. The hobbits could have been cute, playful - but they aren't. Tolkien is treated with respect. I, the thirtysomething year old moviegoer, am treated with respect. It's been a while.
Martin