Another classic, but with some unnecessary liberties.

Rating: Null/10 (19 January 2003)

So where to start. I'll start with the conclusion; Loved it. That is not to say I have no nits to pick. I'll get to those, but I just wanted to get it out of the way up front that I loved this movie, and it is a classic that stands far above the vast majority of movies. Now to the details.
I thought "Fellowship of the Ring" was as good of a movie version of the as was possible. Every change that was made, every part that was left out, I could totally understand why it was done. I'm pretty sure I even agreed with all the changes. I can't say the same about "The Two Towers". It was a bit slow to get going, and the flow and pacing was not as good as it could have been. There were definitely far more liberties taken this time around than on "Fellowship". Again, I'm not against liberties in principle, and sometimes they're even necessary to make a story work in the film medium, but some of the changes from the book just seemed pointless and unnecessary. Never the less, I found it enthralling, and destined to be a classic. I'm sure I will go to at least a few more showings, and will buy the DVD on the day of it's release. I just hope Peter Jackson and company pull in the reigns a bit for the next movie and don't get quite so loose with it. I never questioned anything about the first movie, but this one did leave a few criticisms with me. Still highly recommended though. I wait eagerly for "Return of the King".