A triumph and milestone...

Rating: 10/10 (22 December 2002)

Even with the minute failures of this movie, it still is well-deserving of a 10 rating. If there were a rating for "better than you can put a number to", I would vote that as well. This is an epic. From now on, I know that if I ever call a movie, "crappy", I will never have to question that assessment. I have seen what movies are supposed to be and what they should strive towards. This sets the bar. Apart from minor diversions from the book (which I don't mind), an average performance by Sean Astin (In all fairness, it's a difficult task when you're around such brilliant actors), brief moments of mediocre special effects, and some suspect dialogue choices, this movie is perfect. New Zealand is beautiful. And, this movie sets the new standard of visual and special effects. 90% of the special effects are inconceivably realistic compared to almost anything done before. I have to believe that anyone who has voted below an 8 on this movie has some prior vendetta they wish to settle with the story, fantasy epics, or people involved.