Tolkein meets Jackson with incredible results.

Rating: Null/10 (22 July 2003)

The year 1937 brought the release of J.R.R. Tolkien's little adventure novel entitled "The Hobbit". It was a charming story about a hobbit(small folk)who is swept away from his quiet life by a wizard and twelve dwarves to slay a horrible dragon. It stood on its own as fascinating piece of literature, but it was just a prelude. It was a prelude to the greatest literary epic ever written. "The Lord of the Rings" is a one thousand page novel published in three volumes back in the 1950's. Tolkein's novel has gained a massive fanbase and was brought to the screen in the form of animated films in the late 70's and early 80's. In the 90's though a Kiwi director by the name of Peter Jackson was moved to bring the novel to the big screen. The world of cinema hasn't been the same since December 19, 2001.
Peter Jackson has done the impossible in bringing the the series to life. "The Fellowship of the Ring" is a powerful, sweeping epic filled with brilliant visuals and and a strong cast to back it up. Jackson and co-writers Fran Walsh and Phillipa Boyens have done a good job adapting the first volume. The decision to make the film Frodo-centric was a wise one. There were some liberties taken with events and timespans but they remained faithful to the spirit of Tolkien. The only complaint I have about the script is the additional content with the Arwen. Having reread the books just before I saw the movie. It seemed out of place having her bring Frodo to Rivendell. It was a bold gamble, but I don't really think it helped or hurt the movie too much to notice. The reason this movie is so good is because of the outstanding performances given by the ensemble cast. Elijah Wood seemed an odd choice for Frodo but he pulls it off without a hitch. Sam is played by Sean Astin, another unlikely choice, with sort of innocence and intensity. I really believed he was going to stick by Frodo if it was the last thing he ever did. The most notable performance of course was Sir Ian McKellan as Gandalf. He is the perfect Gandalf. He seems superby wise and unbelievably powerful. He deserved the nomination for best supporting actor. Viggo Mortenson fits the role of Aragorn to a tee and Sean Bean is wonderful as tormented soul Boromir. The two mischievous hobbits Merry and Pippin are brought to life with hilarious results by Billy Boyd and Dominic Monaghan. Rounding out the fellowship is Gimli played by John Rhys-Davies. He brought a smile to my face. I won't forget Ian Holm. He is perfect as Bilbo. It's too bad we don't see more of him in the books and movies as he's my favorite character. Holm is brilliant. The cast really drives this film. Oh yeah the special effects are good too(haha). In late 2002 an extended version was released and in my opinion it is greater than the theatrical cut. With roughly thirty minutes of new footage it is the version to own. I liked the fact the Ian Holm's part in the beginning was fleshed out. It is even closer to Tolkein.
***1/2 out of **** I give the Extended Edition **** out ****