Superbly executed but somehow not quite right

Rating: 10/10 (26 January 2003)

This is an excellent film. Its very well shot, the acting is good all round and the effects are breath taking. I just cant help feeling something is lacking. I have read the book but understand a direct translation is impossible and unfeasable. I have no quarrels with added scenes or slightly changed scenarios to aid the flow of the movie. I just feel, and saying this on a 3 hour movie sounds mad, that this movie is rushed. I get the feeling that the characters arn't fully explored and the chop and changing from one story to the next is too abrupt. I have a theory that Peter Jackson made this version for 90% of the audience who wanted a good time, and is making the version he really wanted to release in the extended version we'll no doubt see later this year. All I can say is I look forward with great enthusiasm to the extended version on dvd. That will be the film the theatrical release should have been but couldnt.