Great, Great Movie

Rating: Null/10 (22 December 2001)

Let's get one thing straight. This is a three hour and fifteen minutes long movie. They cannot fit everything from the book into a movie of this size, and to lengthen would make it cumbersome and completely alienate anyone who has not read the books. Someone unfamiliar with the story already would watch the Tom Bombadil sequence (FYI, this sequence is not in the movie), and wonder, "Why?" Sure, some things could have been done differently, but one has to feel the sweat forming on their brow when the always wonderful Ian Mackellen comes on screen as Gandalf. Seeing the character being embodied on the big screen. I have heard little gripes like, "Why not call him Gandalf the Grey?" Well, if you'll remember, in the books no one really refers to him as such except for the narrator and off and on some characters refer to him as such if they have no personal connection with him. Plus, how odd would it be if Frodo said, "It's safe, isn't it Gandalf the Grey?"***WARNING SPOLIERS AHEAD**** Or, when Gandalf falls into the pit at the Bridge of Kahzad-Dum, if they yelled out, "Nooooo, Gandalf the Grey!!" See my point.
You have to take this adaptation for what it is, and what it is is a good old swords and sorcery flick with excellent acting, great plot, great characters and awesome visuals. Not to mention a score that would rival John Willams' for Star Wars. Jackson has brought to life the world all Tolkien readers know and love. He has taken great care in having Hobbits run around barefoot, even including the gift of Mithril Chain Mail from Bilbo to Frodo. A story inclusion that could have been completely cut. But it wasn't. Scenes like these were meant for the fans. Did Frodo really have to wake up and go to the mirror with Galdriel? Of course not, Jackson could have left that on the editing room floor as well. But he didn't. I say count your blessings, because this is simply the most stunning visual representation one will ever see of Middle Earth and all it's inhabitants.
The only thing that I have to fault with the film is two things. A few things could have been included that weren't, and some of the Fellowship aren't quite as developed as one would like. But also think of this. This is only the first film of a TRILOGY! Think people, there will be around 7 more hours of film left to make Gimli, Legolas, and Merry and Pippin more interesting. (Side Note: After seeing what was done with this film, I cannot wait to see what they did for the battle for Gondor in Return of the King.) And the things that weren't included will probably be picked up off the cutting room table for the DVD coming out next year, so just calm your selves down. (Note: The DVD's may come in two versions, one as a regular set with the theatrical movie and special features and one as a two or three DVD set with both the theatrical AND a Director's cut. Again, this is just my guess, DON'T START SPREADING RUMORS!!!!)
But the movie that we have for now is virtually flawless. And the flaws you may find within are extremely exscusable. Forget the fact that the acting is brilliant, the special effects are mind-blowing, that the visual representation of the world will blow you away, and you have a awesome experience. Just the feeling a fan will get when seeing the opening scenes will be worth the price of admission, and a feeling he/she will never forget. Go see it. You'll love it. You may not like a few things they did, but you will forgive them in the long run and be singing praises for Jackson and his heroic team by the time the movie's credits roll.