Flawed, but great. Visually stunning, the first time.

Rating: 8/10 (27 December 2001)

It can be argued that this is the best movie of the year. I don't agree (Mulholland Drive is still my #1 pick), but I can see the arguemnt. But best movie ever? No.
This movie is a loud, grand, spectacular epic that *MUST* be seen in a good theater. Live next to a crappy theater with two speakers for sound? Go somewhere else where the screen is huge, the sound is loud and the audience is repsectful of movies. You will not be disappointed. From start to finish, I was engrossed by the feeling of the movie, espcecially the amazing battle scenes. Visually stunning. And McKellen as Gandalf abslolutely shines in his role as the wizard.
However, the movie is flawed. First, one is left thinking about some things. For example, why did the ring stayed so soundly in Bilbo's hands with no problems, how did Gandalf get his staff back? Perhaps these and other questions will be answered in the two sequels, but still, I felt the movie hurried at times with its explanations. The character development could be better for some and there are a couple scenes which seem wasted and one scene in particular which seemed a little too long to conclude (you'll know what I mean when you see it -- that or it's just me).
Bottom line, it's a film that must be seenin the theater. Don't wait for the DVD/video. It has a truly epic feel to it, hopefully the start of an epic trilogy (Star Wars?), but isn't perfect. 8/10.
PS. I would have given it a 9/10 but it lost a bit of its shine when I saw it the second time. Also note this review comes from a person who has *not* read the books.
-Mark