Very effective adaptation of Tolkien's world

Rating: 10/10 (12 February 2002)

My perception is that the film is so much more than just the incredibly epic battle sequences, which are first-rate. I love the way the screenwriters cast Frodo, Gandalf, and the six other members of the fellowship. Ian Holm as Bilbo is masterful. Sean Bean really must have worked hard to bulk up in order to become Boromir, and he has a magnificent performance. Although I was a bit disappointed that there was no mention of Tom Bombadil, I realize that the film would have been about four hours with him in it. The re-creation of Hobbiton and Moria was a joy to watch on screen. What a perfect place New Zealand was to film. Yes, there are some differences from the book, such as Arwen making the river of stallions take out the Nazgul instead of Elrond and Gandalf, but this was just to enhance her character. Nothing too serious. I don't think that I could imagine a better cast, including Sean Astin in his best role since "Rudy." I cannot hardly wait for "The Two Towers," which I'm sure will be more of a historical account of Gollum and the Ring. But we'll see. Peter Jackson and Co. have definitely made this Tolkien fan a believer!