LOTR should not have been made into and Action film

Rating: 7/10 (14 January 2002)

Unfortunately, as good as the film is, and as 'accurately' as Middle Earth' has been portrayed, Peter Jackson has made an action film of Lord of the Rings. This is not the spirit of the book, nor Tolkein's intent, I am sure. The film has obviously been geared to teenage audiences to the detriment of the atmosphere and intent of the book, which is much more about fantasy, magic, history and depth of character than it is about sword fighting and kickboxing. I am afraid that the film has been over-hyped, due to it's visual splendor, but it is not Lord of the Rings.
I had a gut feeling, when I heard that Peter Jackson was hired to direct the film, that it was not going to be 'right'. He is simply too focused on blood, gore and snappy action. Fight sequences that should have had 10 orcs and been a simple scuffle had 100 orcs and lasted for 20 minutes, while important character development and story points in between were rushed so fast that you missed the moment.
I am sure the film is great for those who have either once-read, not read or have basic knowledge of LOTR, but if you have really read, re-read, researched and come to understand the Trilogy on all it's levels, the film will be a disappointment.