A landmark movie

Rating: 10/10 (14 January 2002)

I was hesitant to see this movie, due to the building hype. The trailers were so excellent, I almost *knew* I would be disappointed. I wasn't, however. I was enthralled... stapled to my seat... feeling my eyes dry out because I didn't want to blink.
I hate to sound like I'm gushing... normally, I'm very picky. However, this movie was over the top in so many ways that it was simply overwhelming. I've read the books, but I did not go to see the book. I went to see a movie based on the books. It did wonderfully in that. The changes/cuts made were immaterial in the end.
The movie itself was truly amazing. The visuals alone were enough to overwhelm the senses. In the face of every carefully chosen and tended location, one felt small, as if caught up in another reality. From the peace of Hobbiton to the peak of Mt. Doom, every scene was unearthly and supremely done.
The actors were well chosen. They carried their roles well enough to never really jar the senses... they maintained the crucial suspension of disbelief. One never thinks about their acting, and they were a good visual compliment to their attitudes. I expected some groaners, but they did suprisingly well. The only one that came close was Elrond, but just force yourself to forget The Matrix, and you'll find him a pleasingly plausible elf-king.
The plot? What can I say? It's Tolkien. It's nice to see a movie go back to good vs. evil for once. It's been a long time since we've been allowed to just sit and watch good guys and bad guys go at it, and not worry about who's who and why they do what they do. This is a movie, despite some moments of violent combat, that a reasonable child should be able to enjoy along with their family.
All in all, this movie is excellent. Fantastic. Wonderful. A bunch of other adjectives I'm not going to bother listing for now. I loved it, and will probably see it yet again before it leaves the theater. Go see it. If you're disappointed, it's because you want to be.