*** out of ****

Rating: 7/10 (24 September 2002)

Jackson's adaptation of Tolkien's legendary work is of interest mostly as an entertaining three hour action movie. While the production values are stellar, the script doesn't offer anything insightful, and with the very notable exception of Ian McKellan, none of the performances really stand out. Towards the last hour or so, the movie begins to drag. Most of the movie's flaws are due to the difficulties of adapting a novel of such proportions, and the movie succeeds in some while failing in others. It would probably be best viewed in the context of all three movies, as the movie itself lacks in constructing a cohesive story due to the nature of the books. All in all a very worthwhile effort, but somewhat flawed.