A strong introduction to the trilogy

Rating: 7/10 (28 December 2003)

The first time I saw this film, it was unfortunately on a smallish television, and I was so ambivalent about it that I was perfectly content to sit and preoccupy myself folding laundry while doing it. Even with these obstacles and the fact that I really don't care for the fantasy genre, I could recognize that it was a decent film. So when I actually viewed the film as it SHOULD have been seen from the start Â– on the big screen and in the theater, I found myself completely enchanted.
The Fellowship of the Ring is an excellent introduction to the trilogy in that it cleverly and comprehensively introduces the many characters and their missions/backgrounds without becoming too heavy, boring or banal. Admittedly, not having read the books, and not knowing the story I was dismayed by the sudden end of the film, but I would have been a lot more irritated had I seen the film when it was released in the theater initially, then had to wait another year to see the next chapter. I guess my ambivalence and natural aversion to hype worked in my favor this time.

From a non-Lord of the Rings Geek perspective, I can safely say that this is a film that has enough to offer just about anyone, even fantasy film haters like me. The direction is smooth, the action is steady and the story is intriguing enough to keep even jaded film lovers satisfied.
--Shelly