11 out of 10

Rating: 10/10 (17 December 2003)

Well worth the two-year wait. I have to admit I was a little scared that it wouldn't live up to the hype. But I'm glad to say that it did...and more. Peter Jackson and the entire crew deserve a big congratulations. I'm not an edge-of-my-seat kind of moviegoer, but Frodo, Sam and Gollum had me shaking, sweating and very distressed. No movie has had that effect on me before.
I'm tired of hearing complaining "purists." I understand their loyalty to Tolkien, but how many times does it have to be said? You cannot transfer a book directly to screen. Especially one as unique and intricate as The Lord Of The Rings. An exciting book won't necessarily become an exciting movie. The flow of action is completely different and the story must be adapted accordingly. I am an avid fan of the book, and I am also an avid fan of the movies. Peter Jackson, Philippa Boyens and Fran Walsh did a top-notch job in adapting the story in the spirit of Tolkien's vision. The changes are understandable, necessary and a marvelous example of genius screenwriting. Those that say different are just narrow-minded. Many of these "purists" who have nothing positive to say are using Tolkien negatively to put others down in an attempt to validate their own lack of understanding. Yes, the movies are different from the book. But the spirit is the same. The LOTR series is a welcome change to the high-budget, high-special effects, low-content garbage Hollywood has been churning out. The series was made with love and it shows. ROTK is by far the best movie I've ever seen.