Excellent movie, but have an open mind.

Rating: 10/10 (20 December 2001)

First of all, I have to say that this was an excellent movie. I have been waiting ever since I saw the first stills when they began principal photography and I was not disappointed. Peter Jackson makes the locations and the characters come to life. This is a movie that is definitely well worth the price of admission.
I want to post a small response to the people who are complaining that the movie "deviates from the book." I respect your opinion. However, of course the movie deviates from the book. If the book were to be filmed as written, each movie would be six hours long. I admit that there are some plot points that differ from the book for apparently no reason. However, you also have to realize that the filmmakers cannot appeal solely to the fans of the book. The average movie-goer (myself included,) has been fed a steady diet of action flicks that are rife with cliche's. All audiences must be catered to.
All I can say is, go see this movie! Sit back and enjoy it for what it is, which is a mostly faithful adaptation of one of the greatest, most respected literary treasures. Just because you enjoy the movie, doesn't mean you have to stop enjoying the book. If you are so upset that the movie differs from the book, read it again and let your imagination create all the places and events that are described, just like it did the first time you read it.