A fantastic MOVIE, and we must all remember this...

Rating: 10/10 (28 November 2003)

This movie is so good. It gives me that feeling I used to get when I was a kid and a new Star Wars flick was coming down the pipe. All of the modern technological advances in moviemaking find raison d'etre in this saga without smothering the story in large production 'pomp and circumstance'.
Yeah yeah, we can all get p***y about how the story wasn't followed to the letter and how license was granted in the embellishment of certain characters but we have to see this work for what it is, a MOVIE. MOVIES are not BOOKS. Anyone who uses this argument to downplay their opinion of Jackson's (et al.) attempt needs to revisit my previous statement. You cannot compare the two works as if they were the same variety of fruit and one is lacking in bouquet or has artificial color or flavoring. This reasoning is inherently flawed. Let's all give credit where it is due. Tolkien is the master of his world. Jackson is obviously a maestro in his own arena. I am so stoked that he has accomplished this with such aplomb. If we want to get upset at modern movie adaptations of excellent stories, why not pick on the Grinch or Interview With The Vampire or the impending Alexander The Great movie(s) (I may be jumping the gun on this last one, but why anyone would highlight the sexual practices of the greatest, most accomplished leader of ALL time as if it meant something is moronic especially considering the common practices of the day (I urge Baz and Oliver to read some J.F.C. Fuller on Alexander, please!). I would venture to say that, in the distant future if movie-like entertainment exists, no one would make a big deal out of how our modern leaders conducted themselves outside of the diplomatic/political/militaristic arena.)
Hollywood misses the mark in so many ways. Why we would get so wrapped up in this silliness is beyond me. Three cheers for Jackson and Company!