Rating: 
Summary: Interesting.
Review: THE LORD OF THE RINGS : The Fellowship Of The Rings is another one of those movies that when I saw it in the theatre I thought it was too long and unimpressive. Yes it looked great and had great wide angled shot, but it was so visual that it didn't work for me in the theatre. Now, on the DVD, it was like Harry Potter - it works much better for the small screen. No I did not believe it was a 'best picture' material, and yes, I did read the original novels and enjoyed them tremendously.The story is relatively simple about a Hobbit who is given a ring to go on a quest to bring it where it belongs. The ring is evil and everyone is after it. Meeting, dwarfs, elves, humans and ogre alike they travel the grounds of Middle Earth in search for the goal. Directed by Peter Jackson (The Frighteners, Braindead ) , the film definitely has a mystical quality about it, but he takes very long and very drawn out shots and has very little dialogue in any one place most of the time. ... The DVD extras have some short snippets of the interviews with the cast as well as a lot of the production and production design of the movie. There is a DVD rom section that has some interesting insights to the production. Enya's music video is also included. And, a preview of the second movie. I like the DVD better then the feature in the theatre. You'll either love it or hate it. I really haven't spoken with anyone who said "so-so". Hopefully the next two will do better for me in the theatre. (9-15-02)
Rating: 
Summary: New Mellenium Classic
Review: While I was in training with the Green Berets at Ft. Bragg N.C. I was loaned the book The hobbit and then the trilogy The Lord of the Rings. I never heard of the book, but would have read anything to pass the down time from intensive training. Since I was at a Top Secret location and unable to leave books were a valuable commodity. I could not put the book down, this was in 1975. I kept reading right through the Trilogy and when finished, started over again from the beginning and read it over again. I read it again while a student At Penn State University.
It is unmistakeable that Tolkiens books were a template for every fantasy book or movie that followed through the decades.
I was tentative going to the theatre since several attempts have been made over the years to make a movie worthy of the book. There were several dismal failures. While living in Hollywood I would talk about Tolkien's Trilogy everytime I talked to writers, actors, directors, and producers I met over the years.
I was extremely pleased to watch the movie as it met my strict perfectionist standards and intimate knowledge of every detail of the books. I was more than pleased, I was blown away! It is extremely difficult to translate a book into a movie. Jackson has done it with superb and brilliant direction. This movie and the following ones will be the new Wizard of Oz for the next several generations of children. This trilogy of movies will be classics and collectors items for the next century. The Lord of The Rings is THE ORIGINAL, anything else is a cheap imitation.
If you liked The Fellowship of The Ring...you will be blown away by The Two Towers, the best of all four books. I believe the movie will be as good or better than the book. I cannot wait to see this movie on the Big Screen and collect the original releases on DVD. The collectors editions will be worth twice their price in only a few years and may be priceless to your grandchildren. Not to mention a movie to entertain you over the years which will NEVER bore or tire.
Rating:
Summary: *MASTERPIECE*
Review: This film has to be one of the best things to ever hit the silver screen since it's inception... Quite frankly anyone who does not like this movie and/or cannot appreciate it's perfection has the intelligence of a flea. The score is mesmerizing and beautiful to behold! The acting IS superb! The cinematography is breathtaking! And the story is classic! Peter Jackson's intelligent direction puts this movie in a class better than Star Wars in my humble opinion. The passion this man has for the movies is evident in viewing it. I have read the books 6 times and I feel it conveys the overall tone and feel of the books with perfection even though it may change some necessary things...
Rating:
Summary: Horror Writer
Review: It was so amazing! THere was never a dull moment! The only part I don't like is the characters who die! It's so sad!
The monsters were great! I don't like how Gandoff sacrificed (kind of) himself. Buy it or rent it soon!
Rating:
Summary: Great Movie! Poor DVD Extras.
Review: This movie is one of the best Sci-Fi/Fantasy films around. The characters are well developed along with the story. Although the movie is slightly different than the book (omissions of some characters) it still remains a solid adventure story. Please note that the 3 star rating is for the DVD, not the movie. The disappointing DVD released in August is a let down. It only includes theatrical trailers and some made for television specials as extras. The most aggravating of which was a promo for a better DVD version coming out in November. The extras seemed to be one big commercial for future products, not giving any real insight to the planning, producing, or character development. My advice, borrow the DVD from a friend who got snookered into buying the August version. Wait and buy the November edition which will include more sneaks of the up-coming film along with better commentary.
Rating: 
Summary: review from someone who isn't a fanatic
Review: I had never read Lord of the Rings before the DVD arrived on shelves, nor had I really thought much about going to check out the movie in theaters (but having a 2 year old and seeing a 3 hour movie doesn't really go together either). I received the DVD for free and checked it out. Since, I have read the trilogy and very much enjoyed it. I wouldn't place it on the top of my list of books, but it was a joy to read. Some look at the movie and complain about the removal of certain characters, the over-emphasis on others, and whatever else they want to point out as differing from the book. I look at it this way. What's the point of having a replica of the book? It's a different medium, and thus has different demands. I think that Peter Jackson and all involved did a fabulous job of making this movie true to the book and to the general movie audience. I never would have thought the director of movie like Dead Alive would be able to deliver on a film such as this, but he has gone beyond my expectations. Whether you've read the books or haven't, give it a chance as a film all on its own. Sure, feel free to compare, but is it necessary to attack the film because it doesn't live up to the picture in your head from the book. That's the wonderful thing about books. Everyone can have their own picture. Having a film that simply replicates every page destroys that opportunity for all those who will read the book in the future. Take some time to just enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent movie, worthy of still another review
Review: ... So I'll only add that the hobbits are most memorable in this movie, and other characters are well portrayed too. Ian McKellan certainly deserved the Oscar he was nominated for; too bad he didn't win. The scenery is most beautiful, especially at Rivendell and in the high mountain vistas. In the passage through the mines, the scenery is equally well done, though the drama building up to a boiling point dominates those scenes. This movie shows a need for amazon to provide more options for searching out a review, such as directly by date or by title or title keywords. One can find a review that one really likes for this movie, only to not be able to find it again among the overwhelming array of reviews>
Rating:
Summary: initially disappointed
Review: LOTR - Tolkein was a masterful writer ,leading me into a world I had only dreamed of as a youngster. He held me captive with his descriptions of Middle Earth.I was wary of seeing the film mainly because usually,films are nothing like the books.I was initially very disappointed with Jackson's rendition. All of the poetry and magic and courage that sum up the inhabitants of Middle Earth seemed to be forgotten as one important detail after another was left out and/or changed to suit the producer's whim. No Tom Bombadil,no Dark Forest,no mention of how the hobbits were close friends to begin with.Liv Tyler's character doe's not save Frodo,Glorifindel,the Elf lord doe's,as well as the hobbits. And the meeting to decide the fate of the ring was important, as they all came for reasons that made sense to the telling of the tale.I really missed the explanation of their stay at Lothlorien,because Jackson left out the gifts given to them all especially the box given to Sam. Well I know it sounds like I hated the film, but after I had watched it a second time I realized that to include all of these things,the film would have been enormously long. I was truly glad to see that Jackson maintained the integrity of the tale,his attention to other details was good. I was very glad to see that Legolas' character was maintained as he is my favorite. Bravo Orlando Bloom, you seem to be a splendid archer, and you carried the role very well.He was exactly what I pictured the Wood Elves to be. I also think that Frodo's character was well played and true to the tale. To those who think that he resorts to tears far too much,I can only say that they must read the books because he is fighting an inner battle as well as the power of the ring.I have bought the film and will probably buy the next two as well.Here's hoping that Jackson has stayed true in the TWO TOWERS,and RETURN OF THE KING.
Rating: 
Summary: Horrible!!!!!!
Review: I havent read the books, and this movie was totally confusing. I guess its only good for people who have read the books... IN my opinion, it stunk!! You could not get into the movie, like you could in Harry Potter. I personally think that they should have made a movie on the Hobbit (i read the Hobbit)instead of the Lord of The Rings, because it would have been much more easier to understand by people who havent read the books... This was a major disapointment, and a waste of 3 hours...
Rating:
Summary: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings
Review: Not being a big fan of the mid-evil/Dungeons and Dragons genre, I did not go to see Lord of the Rings in theaters (and certainly never read the books). But when I saw that it was coming on video, I decided to rent it at my local video store, not really expecting too much. But after about the first ten minutes, I knew I was wrong, This Movie is Amazing! Everything about this movie is great; the story, the acting, the cinematography, everything. The first thing that struck me about the movie was the wonderful character of Gandalf - or maybe it was the wonderful performance by (Sir) Ian McKellen - or maybe it was both. Either way the character of Gandalf the White was my favorite of the movie. The second thing that caught my eye was the excellent cinematography; from the shots of the opening battle in the 'prologue', to the beautiful colors of the Shire, the greens of the trees and grass, the browns of the dirt and mud.
And also how the Hobbits looked normal size when shot by them selves, only when they appear in a shot with a human or an elf do we see they're actual size. After Frodo set off on his Quest, and met new allies and adversaries, I was amazed to find that I liked every character in the movie, from the kind and truthful hobbits, to the short but mighty dwarfs. Every character seemed to perfectly into the action, every actor seemed to fit perfectly into his or her roll, especially the character of Sam, who for the most part stayed out of the lime light of the movie, but when he was in the spot light, showed that he was a brave, but knew when to speak up or shut up.
I would also like to mention Christopher Lee's performance as Saruman. While I liked it immensely, I thought Lee's portrayal as Count Dooku in the latest Star Wars installment, Attack of the Clones, was a little better. One of the best qualities of the film was how it never seemed - to me at least - to slow and/or become boring. Even when there wasn't any action, the great dialogue keeps you watching, and the end of the movie leaves you thinking: That was three hours! The only minuscule complaint that I had, is the 'to be continued' ending, which if its 2004 and you have the other two movies available to watch, is not that big of a problem, but when its still 2002, and you have to wait another year or two for the final installments, it's a bit aggravating. But what are you going to do; it's based on a book.
And authors don't usually take into consideration that they're story might be a movie someday. I suppose I should also mention the director; Peter Jackson.
To be perfectly honest, I had never heard of him before.
But if he makes other movies as well as he made this one, he is one of the best directors in Hollywood. After the movie was over, I sat there wishing I could watch the final two installments of the trilogy.
And I knew it was one of the best movies I had ever seen.
If it is not already, The Lord of the Rings trilogy will become a classic in the years to come.
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