Good effects - doesn't live up to the hype

Rating: 4/10 (27 December 2001)

The special effects are stunning and completely believable. However, the plot is quite implausible and the 3 hours seemed to drag somewhat. If I didn't know that it was based on a literary classic (which, by the way, I have not yet read), I would have said that scenes were included so that more effects could be used. This first film in a trilogy does not end in the strict sense, and has succeeded in leaving me with enough curiosity to endure the next two.
This will impress fans, but those of you without an anorak should think twice about devoting 3 hours of your life to this film. Please don't take the children - this film should have a 12 (PG-13) rating at least.