Not Perfect, But Dang Close...

Rating: 10/10 (22 December 2002)

Fellowship is indeed phenomenal. Ian McKellan deserves all the praise he's received, but in many ways I feel Viggo Mortensen as Strider/Aragorn is the true anchor of this film. Sean Bean also gives a fine performance as Boromir.
There is an overuse of slow-motion (particularly with the Dark Riders), the chorale music gets old after awhile, and I generally want to line Frodo's Hobbit buddies up and slap them all at once for being so annoying.
But the power of this film in undeniable, from the incredible scenery of New Zealand to the awesome CG scenery and effects. The themes of friendship and the significance of the individual, no matter how insignificant they may be, are timeless. 9 out of 10.