Absolutely Amazing

Rating: 10/10 (2 January 2002)

I'm only 30 minutes removed from the movie, so excuse the complete lack of objectivity. The movie was Amazing. In this case, it looks like the right material has met the right movie maker. From the sweeping beginning (the history lesson), to the Shire (which was dead-on the descriptions in the book) - this movie hit all the high notes.
Any movie that runs nearly three (3) hours would be expected to drag - but it didn't. That should be a credit to (1) great editing; (2) great screenplay; (3) crisp directing - the camera never lingers for too long - which a lot of directors in "big budger special effect movies" might be inclined to do; and (4) great material - I doubt you could get three (3) hours of material from "Skipping Christmas"!
It should be obvious that I'm a fan of the material - but at no point does this movie seem only for people who have read the book. It treats the audience as people watching a story - not observing a highlight reel. It doesn't take the preconceptions of the audience for granted.

I could go on and on about this movie - but I would only be echoing every other comment I've read. I will say this, this movie needs to be seen in the theater. Peter Jackson has gone to great lengths to make another world - don't look out a porthole when you can stand on deck.