Rating: Summary: The best.... oh yeah!!!! Review: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is by far the best movie ever made (in my opinion). It is excellently made and should have won the Golden Globe award for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Soundtrack, Best Song, and Best Cinematography. I am sad to admit that The Fellowship of the Ring didn't win any awards. It is still my favorite though. The acting was absolutely awesome. I think that Elijah Wood did the best acting job. He portrayed Frodo excellently. He looks exactly like how I picture Frodo Baggins. I think that these people portrayed their characters perfectly: Elijah Wood (Frodo), Ian McKellen (Gandalf), Sean Astin (Sam), Billy Boyd (Pippin), Dominic Monaghan (Merry), Ian Holm (Biblo), Christopher Lee (Saruman), Viggo Mortenson (Aragorn,Strider), Liv Tyler (Arwen), David Weatherly (Barliman Butterbur), Hugo Weaving (Elrond), Andy Serkis (voice of Gollum), Orlando Bloom (Legolas), John Rhys-Davies (Gimli), Sean Bean (Boromir), and Cate Blanchett (Galadriel). At first when I heard that they had made Arwen bigger, I was really disappointed, but now that I have seen it four times I think they did a good job. I did not like Peter Jackson's version of Haldir though. I looovvvveeed the Balrog and the Cave Troll at Moria. The fighting scenes were awesome! I loved Weathertop, Moria, and Amon Hen. It is a movie defintley worth seeing. Hurry up December 18, 2002!
Rating: Summary: One of the best movies I have ever seen. Review: (Age 28) I loved this movie and suggest it for those who have read the book and for those who haven't. Anyone who likes fantasy should love this movie. I consider it the best film of this genre that I have ever seen. I will be watching the next two and I can only hope that they will film the Hobbit in the future so that the film set is complete. Everyone put in your two cents for them to make the Hobbit so we can see Bilbo's adventure and how he found the ring and fought the dragon Smaug.
Rating: Summary: Could it be much better??? Review: So I was sitting there, expecting some good movie, thinking it would be OK, but I was very wrong! It was awesome. I was totally sucked into the movie! Totally! My friend tapped me on the shoulder during the movie and I jumped a foot into the air. They casted the actors VERY well. Good old Gandalf, old, wise, always knowing (or suspecting) more than he will tell. Frodo, the only word to describe him is HAUNTING! But he is awesome! Samwise Gamgee, the loyal friend. Merry and Pippin, the two disasters waiting to happen! Aragorn, rugged, brave and quiet, with a kind of leadership, like there is more to him than the eye can see. Legolas, emotionless (most of the time) brave, a true elf. Gimli, proud, gruff, everything you would expect from a dwarf. Boromir, very human. Everything was great!
Rating: Summary: The Best Movie EVER Created Review: I have already seen this movie three times, and I intend on seeing it many many many more times. Anyone who says this movie was not good must not have been watching the same movie. Amazing special effects and great storytelling, even the actors seemed like they were really living the story. Great Commendations to the director for preserving the storyline and not making too many changes. If you didn't like the movie, watch it again from a different perspective.
Rating: Summary: Totally Worth It! Review: When I first heard about this movie, I was reluctant to go. I thought the plot was boring and me, usually a chick-flick and comedy lovers, wasn't interested. But somehow I was convinced to go. Turns out this movie was very interesting. You must pay attention throughout the movie, at every detail or you may get confused later on in the movie. This plot is very complex, and I still notice things I never did the other times I've seen the movie (and I've seen it 8 times!)! Besides the adventure, there is some comical relief (mostly thanks to the character: Pippin), and there are some scenes that can make you very emotional (I have cried during some parts of this movie!). Now, the plot... For those who never read the books, I will start off by saying: pay attention to the movie! You can catch on. I personally haven't read the books (but the movie encouraged me, and I am currently reading LOTR: FOTR) and I still could pretty much understand what was going on. At the begining of the movie, there is around 15 minutes of background on how Bilbo Baggins got the "One Ring" that rules all the other magic rings (basically, it gives a brief background on Bilbo, in which was given in the book "The Hobbit"). I must admit when I was watching the narrative section of the movie, I was afraid it would be like this for the entire movie, thus making it a snore-fest. But don't let the begining fool you, it isn't told by a narrator throughout the movie. Eventually, Bilbo Baggins gives the One Ring to Frodo, his nephew (with the help of Gandalf the gray). All are oblivious at first, on what terrible things are impending. Orcs, Ring Wraiths (the Black Riders), and dark lords await them. Frodo must destroy the ring before Sauron gets hold of it or there will be Hell on Middle-Earth. If you have read the books, you'll find that the movie ends near the begining of the Two Towers book. I don't know why they do this, but I am in a way glad they did this, because they have the best battle scene (so far) now in FOTR! And I'm 1/3 the way done with my book and have noticed many differences, but I still believe they did a pretty good job with the movie. They had to rearrange some conversations or events into different parts of the movie, but they make it work together and give all the neccessary information to understand what is going on. I will say that some people may get bored with this, but probably most of them didn't pay attention, or else don't like movies that either make them think or has no romance. Well, there is maybe a 10-minute romance scene in the entire movie (which gives some valueable information)! If you are a female and totally hate fantasy adventure movies, but somehow get inside the theater to see LOTR, be sure to check out the hobbit, Frodo (played by Elijah Wood), and my personal favorite, Legolas (played by Orlando Bloom), the elf archer. And this goes for any age! I'm 14 and I "drool" over the hot elf, but how seen women in their 30s and 40s gawking over him! The two hotties can most likely help make the movie more tolerable! ;o) Now, I also like the character Pippin (played by Billy Boyd) who so far seems more stupid than in the book...but make no mistake, he's hilarious! Keep an eye out for him and his piffy comments! ;o) Overall, this movie is awesome, a must see! The only downside is the ending. Since this is part of a trilogy, they leave you with a cliffhanger, but the ending isn't exciting. It doesn't end with the Fellowship surrounded by Orcs or anything like that, but it still makes you crave for more. And I personally can not wait until December to see the next one!
Rating: Summary: I can't help but laugh Review: **Probably some spoilers here in case you haven't seen the movie yet!** The same thing that has plagued the books now plagues the movie. The elitists, the "literati", and the truly artsy citizens of the world have found a common enemy-- the masterpiece known as The Fellowship of the Ring. What are some of the common critiques, from people like Ebert, the Golden Globes (and undoubtedly Academy) Award selection committee, and some of our fellow reviewers on Amazon? 1. "The fight scenes are redundant; I feel like we go from one fight to another; there's too much violence." Let's count 'em-- in the three hours of this movie, there are 4 major fight scenes, 3 where someone actually dies. The first is in the prologue, which can hardly be compared to the following fights. The second is on Weathertop, where unfortunate Frodo takes the brunt of the Nazgul attack. The third is in the depths of Moria, against the orcs there, and the fourth is on Amon Hen near the end of the movie, against Saruman's Uruk-Hai. The ONLY similiarties between Moria and Amon Hen are that there are orcs, and they die (well, that and Legolas is a stud both times). How you can get tired of this stuff amazes me. It is filmed beautifully, and avoids the newest en vogue Hollywood fight cam that never really let's you see anything that's going on. At the same time, they are both so fast-paced that they're over practically as soon as they begin. The total time taken up by all of these scenes is a small, small fraction of the movie. 2. "3 hours was over-long; the movie loses rythm with such a long running time; this is a SLEEPER." Obviously this does not come from those critics who thought it too violent, since they were clutching at their armrests to keep from bursting into tears. However, to the point at hand. I think it's about time we get what we pay for at movies-- if I pay 7+ bucks to see a mvoie, I want quality and lots of it. Every scene in this movie is important for the story, drives ahead the plot, and shows the evil that we are facing here. The smallest interaction between Sam and Frodo becomes hugely important in determining the future of the Ring, the Quest, and the fate of Middle Earth. Those who could not follow it for 3 hours would indeed be better suited at a movie like A Beautiful Mind. There is a 2 hour movie that feels like 3 hours, and being as the main character is schizophrenic, you don't have to be overly attentive to appreciate the drama. Personally, I can't wait for the 4.5 hour director's cut of Fellowship! 3. "The dialogue is cheesy; the words are overblown and pretentious." This is the one that gets me the most, honestly. If there was ever a man who knew how to use language, it was Tolkien, as any reader of the books can attest to. When he wanted it of a higher form than we are used to in daily life, he was going to put it in there. And the great thing is, 90% of all the dialogue in the movie is right out of the books! Often it is in a different position, or used in a slightly different way, but most of it is Tolkien's original work. Those who would see Fellowship in modern english would ruin one of the most beautifully crafted parts of Tolkien's work. This was a man who was sad at the changes the english language was taking, and worked hard at preserving some of the meaning behind words, and because of this often used english that is somewhat unfamiliar-- but at the same time, amazingly lyrical. You want a critique of the movie? Not enough of Tolkien's songs! But I was glad to see the one that they did put in there. All in all, a masterpiece. Hats off to Peter Jackson & Co!
Rating: Summary: A CHILDREN'S CARTOON ON STEROIDS Review: In this Hollywood version of Lord of the Rings, Tolkien's story becomes a loud, cartoonish Hollywood action story, a cinematic heir of the Schwarzenneger and Stallone action films. The only difference is that instead of having muscular pumped-up action heros this movie has funny-looking people dressed up as elves and hobbits. All of these films are as subtle as an orc-axe to the head, and as loud as a lava explosion from Mount Doom. This is a film in which good and evil are helpfully color-coded: the good guys are white and appear in bright sunlight riding white steeds, and the bad guys are usually dark, ride black horses, wear ugly warrior uniforms, and appear in dark shadows. Much of the film feels like a copy of Star Wars, with Frodo taking the Luke Skywalker role and Gandolf taking the part of Obi-Wan Kenobi, the ring standing in for the Dark Side, and so on. But unlike Star Wars, Shrek, and many other great high-tech films, the Fellowship of the Ring doesn't understand that characterization has to precede special effects. As a result, this Lord of the Rings is empty spectacle that is little more than noisy eye candy. Lord of the Rings does not create a magical feeling -- too many things look like something you'd pass during a ride at Disneyworld. The special effects cannot measure up to the grand scale that the mind's eye can conjure when reading Tolkien's novels. There's not enough human interest to make us identify with the quest that is at the center of the film. And what's going on with that dwarf character, whose hackneyed Scottish looks (red beard, angry eyes, etc.) and accent (could he trill his Rs more without choking?) are like a bad Mike Myers "Fat Bastard" imitation? Even the score to this film is unoriginal, ranging from cliched pseudo-Irish pipe music during pastoral scenes to creepy sounding gothic music blatantly stolen from the Omen for the scenes involving marauding evil creatures. If you like your entertainment loud, cartoonish, visually assaultive, and full of mayhem, this is your movie. Otherwise, look elsewhere. By the way, this movie probably should have been rated R for its intense violence, so parents beware.
Rating: Summary: A Must See Review: I have seen this movie three times now, and still feel swept away by the experience. The movie encaptulates my own images of Tolkien's work, and it does a great service to the spirit of the trilogy. The interplay between characters and the careful development of the main players in the story make this an epic that touches the heart. Simply a fantastic experience, and one that I am looking forward to repeating again.
Rating: Summary: Go see the Lord of the Rings!!! Review: I have seen this video twice. It is the best video in the world. I highly recommend to go see this video. It is full of action and suspense. The characters are really great. This video will really keep you on your toes. I rate this video the ruler of them all! And I give it 5 whole stars and more! [....]
Rating: Summary: avid tolkien reader well-pleased Review: When I heard the official news that Tolkien's masterpiece was to be made into three films, I was both thrilled and apprehensive. I had always thought the trilogy would make wonderful films if done right, but I've seen other novels get butchered and hacked and finally only used for source material for the director's whims. So, with excitement and trepidation, I went to the opening night, and was completely enthralled. The opening is incredible, explaining the background for non-readers while not boring the faithful. Right away, one sees the scope and breadth of the setting, as well as the director's faithfullness to the source. The cinematography is top-notch, but since it was filmed in New Zealand, it couldn't help but be beautiful. The casting was truly inspired. Each actor chosen seemed born for the role he/she was chosen for. Special notice for Ian McKellan and Elijah Wood. They were sheer poetry. The special effects were award-winning quality, as there weren't many (if any) shots without effects in one way or another. The sets were top-notch, the script tight and well-thought out, and the direction was wonderful. Some parts of the book were, of course, left out, in order to move the story along better, but the film captures the spirit of the book in a way I haven't seen since Gone With The Wind. Some people have commented on how violent the film is, and how it shouldn't have been done that way. I say, read the book if you really want to see how violent it should be. Some scenes were toned down a bit, one or two others left out, while the rest stayed faithful to the same scenes in the book. Only with a strong sense of danger to the companies well-being can a veiwer feel any concern for them. If it was just a jolly holiday to Mt. Doom, what a dull story it would be! I've read the trilogy many times since high school; it's my very favorite book of all time. I was prepared to either love the movie or hate it as sacrilage. Turns out I love the film. I've recommended it to many friends since my first viewing, and I'm looking forward to the film's release on DVD, so I can return to Middle-Earth whenever I want to, which will be often. This truly was the best film of the year.
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