An epic start to an epic trilogy, the hype delivers

Rating: 10/10 (23 December 2001)

This summarizes my complaints of the entire movie. 1. Many characters of the fellowship don't have a very big part, especially Gimli. 2. The battle in Moria is WAY too shaky, although I've noticed special effects and the focus of movies is a million times clearer on video compared to blurry, light projected movie film. 3. The climax with Balrog marks a climatic ending, but the movie continues for another 40 minutes. Other than that, I have no complaints. Who cares if they cut out the scene with Tom Bombadil? Not me. Any person who owns a horse named Fatty Lumpkin deserves to be left out of the movie. Yes, I have read the book, and I read it thoroughly. I am very well aware of the Christian allegory written in the story, and I feel pretty certain I understand it much better than most of you do, being a Christian and all. The opening of the movie is symbolic of Satan's war against heaven, the elves are angels and the orcs are demons. Gandalf is the representation of Jesus, and Saruman is Lucifer, the angel that became Satan through betrayal. I saw the movie with three of my friends, two of them never read the book. All four of us left agreeing that it is the best movie we have seen in a long time if not ever. Some people may complain about lackluster special effects in some areas. I did notice them too. However, I thought the Mummy Returns had the worst special effects I've seen in a while, but when I bought the DVD, the effects looked much better than I remember. (However, nothing could fix the hideous Scorpion King). Once it is out on video (New Line cinema promised it by August) I'm sure the effects will look much better. I can't wait until next year, the Two Towers is probably going to be even better.