Rating: 
Summary: A deeply moving movie of friendship and good vs. evil
Review: Many people have already hit on the virtues of this movie, so I won't repeat them. Instead, I'll address the few critics who have posted here. The extreme minority that didn't like this film seemed to have three main complaints:1. The movie doesn't stand alone- Okay, granted. But it was never meant to. If this had been made for TV, it would have been a miniseries. For the first time, a director has taken the miniseries format to the big screen. After seeing the attempt to condense this tale into two movies during the late 70's, I can understand why he avoided going that route. 2. The movie is violent, and is just one battle after another- Sure, but so was Star Wars, Saving Private Ryan, and a host of other great films. The only possible reason I can think of that people have this reaction is that they had a different perception of the story before watching it. Many seemed to think this was a kids movie, apparently because they seemed to think that fantasy=kids. Let's be clear, this is a beautiful story of friendship and triumph, but it is not for young children. 3. "The characters were flat" or "there was no emotion"- This I can't explain, unless people who felt this way just simply couldn't relate to characters in a fantasy setting. I have seen this movie 3 times now, and every time the people I am with, and those all around us, are in tears by the end of the movie. How can you not be moved by Gandalf's love for the Shire and the Hobbits? Or Boromir's anquish over the fate awaiting his people in Gondor, or his courage at the end of the movie? Or Sam's unwavering loyalty and devotion to Frodo? Or Frodo's courage when he offers to take the ring to Mordor? Or Bilbo's breakdown when he realizes what Frodo must face because of him? Or Merry and Pippin's courage when they drew the Orcs away from Frodo? I could go on forever. The point is, there is more depth of character here than I have ever seen in a movie. The difficulty for some, I think, is understanding that just because the characters are wizards, hobbits, and elves...they are also all very human. My advice to anyone is: Go see the movie. At the worst, you are out 8 bucks and 3 hours. At the best, you will be treated to one of the most beautiful stories ever made.
Rating:
Summary: The Fellowship of the Ring
Review: Many people where skeptical about the Lord of the Rings hitting the big screen. Normally, a film can't do its novel counterpart justice. Is it possible to translate Tolkien's great epic into a film without losing any of its magnificence? Many fans of Tolkien's series believed that it was impossible. Director Peter Jackson has proved them wrong. Jackson was able to condense Tolkien's story into a script that was well paced and managed to stay true to the story as one could without making the movie unbearably long. Certain scenes were cut presumably because of time constraints and to keep those with short attention spans interested. The main difference between the film and the book is the roles of the hobbits have changed greatly. Less emphasis was placed on their importance in the film while in the book the hobbits were the ones who were the great heroes. Also the role of Arwen (Liv Tyler) was increased to add an element of romance to the plot; this was something that Tolkien never went into great detail about. However, these changes in the story weren't necessarily bad.
Jackson's portrayal of the story through various scenes was excellent, even those who aren't familiar with the story can appreciate Jackson's work. Any information that one would need is given in a brief voiceover prologue along with a small battle scene, showing a glimpse of what you can expect from the rest of the movie-suspense and great action scenes. Unlike many action films today this movie had a great plot to go along with the suspense and characters with interesting personalities. Although the movie owes its great plot to Tolkien, Jackson deserves credit for the way he portrays the characters.
The romantic sub-plot that Jackson added showed different elements of Aragorn's (Viggo Mortensen) character. When Aragorn is first seen he appears to have a dark aura about him-he's sitting alone in the shadows, quietly observing, and is described by the innkeeper as "one of them dangerous folks." This outward appearance is contrasted greatly with the side of Aragorn that is displayed when he is with Arwen-this romantic sub-plot showed Aragon's compassion and his emotional side. Outside of this sub-plot Aragorn is a rugged warrior-type person who has mastery over his emotions. Very rarely did Aragorn display fear for his own life.
In addition to great character portrayal Jackson also utilizes various special effects to add to the excellence of this movie. One scene that I thought was well done was when Gandalf (Ian McKellen) confronted the Balrog on the bridge of Khazad-dum. The way Jackson brought the Balrog to life on screen was spectacular. Everything was very detailed from its body engulfed in flames to its flaming whip and blade. The way the scene was filmed is exactly the way it was written in the book and I thought the way that it was brought to life on the screen was excellent. To me this scene is an example of the consideration and hard work that was placed in the recreation of this great story.
One complaint that I do have is about the way the movie ended. It didn't feel as complete as it should've felt but it left me eager to see the next one. Jackson has set high standards for himself with The Fellowship of the Ring; will he be able to give the audience what they expect in The Two Towers and The Return of the King?
Rating:
Summary: "A Visual Epic" is NOT an overstatement
Review: Many people will be turned of by the absolutely glowing reviews that this film has recieved, but don't be. It is all that they say, and more. Every actor is well chosen, the sets beautifully constructed, the music hauntingly sweet, the plot not tied to the novel, but not so loose that it loses it's way. None of the dialog is overdone, which is one of the problems sci-fi/fantasy has too often. It is quite simply the best film of the past 5-10 years.
Rating:
Summary: A remarkable fantasy!
Review: Many thought it could not be accomplished but on December 19 Peter Jackson and a massive cast and crew showed the world that it was possible to translate Tolkiens epic tale to the screen.The entire cast is stupendous, especially Ian Mckellan as Gandalf.The music is sweeping,the directing suberb, and the fantastic world is brought to life very much as I imagined it. I know some people with small imaginations did not enjoy this film but I encourage everyone to see it.
Rating: 
Summary: The Load of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Review: Maybe I just didn't know what to expect. I've never read any of Tolkien's work. I expected action and adventure. There was action and there was adventure, but in addition, there was an excruciatingly long and boring saga about little creatures with big hairy feet. I never developed any feeling for the characters nor did I feel any sympathy for their plight. I can't even remember their names. I was underwhelmed by the ending if you can call it that and saddened there is to be an obvious sequel. [...].Should have gone to see Snow Dogs.
Rating:
Summary: The Load of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Review: Maybe I just didn't know what to expect. The critics have just raved about this movie. I've never read any of Tolkien's work. I expected action and adventure. There were action and adventure to be sure, but in addition, there was an excruciatingly long and boring saga about little creatures with big hairy feet. I never developed any feeling for the characters nor did I feel any sympathy for their plight. I can't even remember their names. I was underwhelmed by the ending if you can call it that and saddened there is to be an obvious sequel. Only the fact that I paid $9 for the ticket kept me in my seat. Should have gone to see Snow Dogs.
Rating:
Summary: Just Fun!
Review: Maybe its an ageless classic just to us fans. Perhaps it is just incomprehensible to those who have never enjoyed the books or even just day dreamed a little. 9 characters and a landscape with personality does make for a LOOOOONG movie. However, the length gives you the feeling of the journey and of that special world invented so many decades ago. I absolutely enjoyed this set, the statues and all the extras in this set - lots and lots of extra material. Since I don't have cable or watch TV much, I'd never seen this stuff before (I guess some of it had been shown on TV before) and enjoyed crawling out of my neolithic cave to see all of it. The extended version is wonderful and, I think, more true to the original story. However, I am glad that this was not as it was shown in the theater - I was very happy to take a break at the first half after Mr. Elrond's board meeting (the slowest chapter in the book, too!). I went and got some tea and enjoyed part two after a nice intermission. The statues are going to be installed in my pond - right over the miniature waterfall (now if only I can get it to scale). Hmmm...should I make some little white boats?
Rating:
Summary: Lord have mercy
Review: Maybe the book is a literary classic but I suspect this movie left out everything except the violence. Worse, everything here is a rudimentary sword/sorcery cliche, the special effects are murky, and the characters only frown, growl, or sweat. The pointyeared archer is handsome and dashing, and there are a couple of impressive images, but overall you're better off playing with your Playstation instead.
Rating:
Summary: What an amazing film!
Review: Maybe, if you are one of those people that likes to read the book before the movie comes out, just maybe, you may be disappointed. But I couldn't be more happy, because I learned my lesson a long time ago.. ok... a month, and am not one of those people so, what do I think of the movie: Even if it came with the smells of the places it shows, it couldn't have been more "real". Peter Jackson and the special effects team that worked with him... Ok, EVERYONE!!!! They where all amazing. Trully magnificent. But, warning... The movie might be a little slow and may lack a some character development. But that always happens when fans make the movies. They already know them, so they don't notice when something is missing. If you feel like something's missing buy the book after the movie, read it, and go watch the movie again, and again, and again, and again.... Notice the scenary, simply breathtaking. Even the "ugly" places are fantastic. And the special effects... Well, if I start I'll never end. I think that only two or three times you can actually say you remember being at a movie theater or notice something doesn't look "real" enough. And that my friends its not easy to do in movies this days. Anyway, go watch the movie. You will not regret it. And remember it's a trilogy... that means there's more to come. I noticed some people at the theater saying, "That's it!?" Well, it's not. Although, I think there is no point in waiting a year to see the next one if it's already been made. Well, do not listen to the bad reviews. They might know what they're talking about, but Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is just too good a movie to miss. And believe me, if you wait 'til this movie gets to your favorite video store to see it, you will regret it. Theater vs. Video... IT WILL NEVER BE THE SAME!
Rating:
Summary: Finally Got It Right
Review: Miraculously, the 30 minutes of additional footage and editing in the extended edition elevates The Fellowship of the Ring from a flawed good movie to a nearly-perfect great movie. I really wasn't expecting much except a longer version of the theatrical release, but fortunately I got much more. This is like a brand-new film, fuller and far less disjointed than the original. It's not your typical director's cut where a few things are shuffled around randomly; every change is appropriate and unquestionably benefits the film. I hesitate to use the word "masterpiece" here (hey it is just a fantasy film after all), but this is about as close as the genre will ever get to it. It's so good that I don't believe anyone will feel the need to try to remake it ever again. What I like most about it is that it brings the hobbits back as the focal point, where I felt they got lost in the shuffle before. Here there is a much better sense of what hobbits are, a closer bond between Bilbo and Frodo, and we can finally tell that Merry and Pippen are actually along for the ride and even tell them apart if you pay attention. Nearly every other character also benefits from the changes, most notably Aragorn, Boromir, Gimli, Celeborn, Galadriel, and Saruman. To be fair, there are still a few awkward bits of dialogue and questionable editing choices, but that's nitpicking. The one thing that I really hoped would be fixed was the way-over-the-top "Dark Galadriel" scene (complete with demonic voice enhancement and an overapplied After Effects filter), which needed to be toned down but unfortunately was left as-is...oh well. Technically, it's also nearly-perfect. I'd rather it didn't require being split up onto two discs but it was unavoidable in order to maintain a high bit rate for the video, which again looks more than excellent. There is NO trace of any blemishes to distract, contrast and color are excellent in general, and grain is almost non-existent. My one complaint here is that the color (particularly fleshtones) did not match in some of the added scenes. Those scenes still look good, but they could have taken some more time to nail it. I'm happy to report that certain scenes where the dialogue went weak in 2-channel stereo mode in the theatrical release have been fixed and the film also sounds fantastic. The extras will simply boggle your mind. This is the most complete DVD I've ever seen and I suspect it still will be for a long time. New Line has to be praised for really going way above and beyond the call of duty. How Jackson and the rest of the crew found the time to do all this while working on the other two films all at the same time, I'll never know. Do they sleep? In short, this is the only version of the film that should ever be shown again. It completely obsoletes the one we saw in theaters, IMO. I think it would benefit people who have not read the books to see this version, as the it should make keeping the characters straight easier -- we finally get to see enough of them to know who they are. Those people should be aware, however, that the ending isn't meant to be final; there's no resolution here. It really only works in the context of the other two films yet to come. That shouldn't stop you from seeing it, just be aware of it. And what a great value this DVD is. I paid [price]for it, and it comes with a movie ticket coupon for The Two Towers, which is worth close to [price]in my neck of the woods. What more do you want? If you haven't bought this thing yet, do it now without hesitation. Lets hope the other two films and their DVDs live up to the bar they've set here.
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