As a fan of the books I was prepared for disappointment, but, I was thrilled with the first movie.

Rating: 10/10 (18 January 2002)

I think that a lot of fans of Tolkien were skeptical about anyone's ability to take these incredible books, really the standard by which all other fantasy novels are measured, and create movies that would even come close to the world that Tolkien created. In scope and style, any director seems hopelessly out-matched by the novels from which this epic story must come. Having said all this, it is with even greater surprise, joy, relief, gratitude etc. that I admit that Peter Jackson has done this impossible task with an amazing style and craft that I could not have previously hoped for. It seems cruel now to have to wait a whole year for the next installment; even knowing what will happen in the next movie, I am still riddled with anticipation to see Jackson's rendition. If you have yet to see this movie, go and see it soon while it is still in theaters, because like the novels, the film is an epic in its own right and the big screen is necessary to properly overwhelm the viewer. You will be overwhelmed, whether or not you have read the books, you will leave the theater impressed and ticked off that you have to wait until next December for THE TWO TOWERS.