Could have been better, for people who didn't read the book

Rating: 6/10 (11 August 2002)

I felt that the movie was bogged down quite a bit by small scenes, such as the birthday party scene...too much emphasis is given on little details. The action was good, when it happened. But, character development was not as good as it could've been (perhaps this requires a lot of skill). The acting (other than Elijah Wood's) could've been better. The actor, who played Count Duku in Star Wars: Episode II, plays the villain in this film -- by which I was most dissappointed. I felt his acting was one-dimensional. Don't get me wrong. There are some good things in this movie. I LIKED the mystery surrounding the ring, and the foreshadowing. Special effects are great. Kate Blanchett does a great job with her role, as always. There is more action than drama, however....All said, those, expecting a great story, who have NOT read the book and/or those who have NOT liked fantasy movies before, will not enjoy this movie as much as those who have.