Beautiful scenery but....

Rating: 8/10 (16 May 2002)

"The Fellowship of the Ring" is a very good movie, but it pales in comparison to the brilliant writing of J.R.R. Tolkien. Directed by Peter Jackson, the scenery is awe-inspiring, the costumes and weaponry are fabulous, the acting is good for the most part (Ian
MacKellan is superb as Gandalf), but the screen play is not up to par with the rest of the production. Of course, I understand that when so much needs to be cut to make a novel into a book, it is difficult, but some bridges that they make for the sake of condensation made me shutter. When they are in Hobbiton pursued by the black riders, hiding under the roots of a tree, Merry saves the day by saying something like, "Quick the Buckleberry Ferry". Naturally they all run off and make the ferry leaving the black rider on the shore. They would know if they they were so close to the river and would have planned to catch it. It is insulting to me. I also dislike Arwen's part being less subtle, I was sad to see Farmer Maggot only get a quick mention as he chases the hobbits with a rake, and I was very sad to see Tom and Goldberry written out. But these last points I understand. It is almost impossible to keep them without a 5 hour movie! As long as Eowyn's character doesn't lose any of its luster in the final two movies, I will be satisfied.