Almost there...

Rating: 8/10 (29 March 2002)

I had hoped that such a well-known story would command strict adherence to the story line from the director. Any changes should have been justified and understandable. The conversation between Aragorn and Frodo at the end of the movie should have never happened. Arwen replacing Glorfindel in the ride for the ford, I can live with. Ignoring the development of the relationship between Gimli and Legolas is not acceptable. Do not be swept away with the grandeur of the cinematography -- brilliant as it is. And don't buy into the ridiculously expanded fight scenes -- like Saruman and Gandalf. Here's hoping the next two capture more of Tolkein's essence.