As good a flick as the best of 'em!

Rating: Null/10 (8 May 2002)

This is rant - so don't expect too much.
You know, seeing all these reviews about Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship and all the people slamming those who were struck by it appears odd (Hey, snobbery is good and alive I guess). It appears that 50,000 plus people were affected by this movie enough to write about it. Oh I know, the masses are all wrong and I am enlightened because I can analyze plots, acting, direction, music score, lighting, etc.(Which always makes me wonder about who is enlightened about the enlightened people?)
I will quote one of my favorite professor's of poetry - Prof. Moon. It is not what a poem says that is important but how it makes you feel. I believe this applies to films too. Sure to many LOTR is over-rated. So is the Jabberwocky, but it makes me feel good. It is a great movie that takes you somewhere else. So this then, is a top notch film, and if it makes number one then so be it. (Actually, I enjoyed it more than The Godfather.)
Now the review of certain elements ;)
Ok, now that I have read the book again, I still love the movie. This is coming from a person that helped his brothers paint their room with a HOBBIT mural - all without permission from mom of course. My family, from my mother on down to the youngest of us were enraptured in 1974 with Tolkein and his works. Middle-earth has been a favorite character of ours - like a welcome neighbor that pops his head in every once in a while. And when Mr. Jackson decided to come out with a movie version with actual actors on a screen, I cringed. How can a movie match a child's imagination. (It does rather well, but you must remember that it is an adaptation!)
The story has a simple premise, good vs. evil. But how fearful the evil!! All creatures, small and great, tremble at the mention of MORDOR - think of a fallen angel and you'll have a good idea of his history. And the movie gives us many a good suggestion of his might. But the power of evil and Mordor lies in its focus - it wants one thing and it consumes all in its path. The world has changed and many powerful allies have disappeared. Good's former strength is diminished.
The story then is about how good regroups to form new leadership, alliances and powerbases while evil has no such problems. It is the story of the changing of the guard, from one age of wonder to a different and more pragmatic one. If this interests you then these three movies will grab you. If you read the book(s) though understand this: Mr. Jackson changed parts here and there.
Things that could have been changed:
I would have included the trip to the Lady Galadriel. Sorry Mr. Jackson but it would have given us an idea of what the world was like before Mordor stained and tired it.
The representation of the elves. To me they come across as cold and not that important. This story is their swan song. They are passing out of the world of magic into the world as we know it. I expected to see more warmth, wisdom and a sadness from having seen too much evil.
Things that I enjoyed:
The Shire - In the movie the Shire is well... the Shire!! The Hobbits are good people all around if you spend the time to get to know them.

Gandalf, Bilbo and Frodo Baggins - Okay, you know they did a good job when you read a book and you see Ian Mckellen there instead of the wizard you imagined before. IMO this is far far better than a silly Oscar.
Even though many lines are changed I still enjoyed the characterizations of Sam Gamgee, Merry and Pippin. They should be in their 50's as hobbits, but hey - it's Hollywood. Nevertheless, they really are Hobbits.
Arwen - She did not need to take Glorfindel's role to be introduced earlier on but it works and she is great. Really she plays a much more important role later in the trilogy.
The dark riders, Moria, the Balrog - Mr. Jackson understands how to communicate evil - brrrrr - it really is that good. The Balrog is primal and epic in stature!

I didn't write this to convince the naysayers but to interest those fans of Middle-earth that are standing on the lines. It is a great film, see it and if it is good - it will entertain you. It did me. You did notice that I did not say it was the best film of all time - I am reserving judgement until my eighties when I can snort at all you young whipper snappers out there and give authority to the phrase, "I remember when I was a young man..." (Or until they make a film with Marisa Tomei, Winona Ryder and...never mind 8-)