Rating: Summary: "One Ring to rule them all . . ." Yeah!! Review: I can't describe its how amazing this film is, but this is one of the world's, or history's greatest films! Based on *J.R.R. Tolkien's* trilogy, *The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring* is a masterpiece, filled with a types of entertainment, and what's best, is that it's got all of 'em. It's got fantasy, action, drama, romance, and sweet humor, as it tells the tale of an evil Ring, the Fellowship which risked their lives trying to destory it, and the problems it causes over its bearer, Frodo. Yup, you can RARELY find a movies, like this, and rarely you can find a story like this. Peter Jackson has made a wonderful movie without making it boring, and you can enjoy this long movie, unless you're an impatient person, whom I won't recommend this film to. This movie is even better than Titanic, and it beats ... movies like A Beautiful (ugly) Mind. It's filled with a wonderful cast: cool Elijah Wood, Sean Austin, Billy Boyd, Dominic Monaghan, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Bean, Liv Tyler, Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving, and talented British actors like Ian McKellen and Christopher Lee. The story is one you all know, if you've read the book. Dark Lord Sauron is plotting to rule Middle Earth using one, powerful Ring, the Ring of Power. But he was defeated, and Prince Islidur, who killed him, decided to keep the Ring, after his heart got filled with the desire to use the Ring. But alas, the guy got killed and the Ring was lost for thousands of years, until Smeagol found the it, and he got corrupted by the "Precious" Ring. He became the hideous creature, Gollum. But the Ring abandond Gollum, and something happened that the Ring didn't expect. It was found by the most unlikely creature imaginable, a Hobbit (halfling): Bilbo Baggins of the Shire, and for years, the Ring was in his houses . . . until now. Now, his hier, Frodo, must destroy the Ring by casting it back into Mount Doom, the very place it was made, and there, it could be unmade. Together with the Fellowhsip of the Ring, Frodo must journey to Mordor, to the site of Mount Doom, or else Sauron, whose spirit is bound to the Ring, will return. But the journey won't be that easy. Nominated for 13 Academy Awards, and out of those Oscars, it won four, the Fellowship of the Ring is one you won't miss to watch! Though it should've won Best Picture, it's still a great movie, and here at Amazon.com, the film has 2778 reveiwers (the number might change). Out of the reviews, there are 130 1-star reviews! This is quiet a FEW number of negative reviews, mostly done by Tolkien "Experts" and easily bored people who probably never read the books. But it's pleasing to know that there are many 5-star reviews, and that'll probably make you want to watch it, again and again, 'till you're tired of it.Sincerely, A ...reviewer/student/fan
Rating: Summary: Great Movie Review: I can't even begin to tell how wonderful this movie was. Usually when I go into a movie thinking it is good, the movie never matches my expectations. Not this movie. This movie was fantastic. All the characters were entertaining to watch. I didn't feel like I was sitting through a 3 hour movie. The scenery was beautiful. I am going to have to see it mulitply times to be satisfied. The only thing that [bums me out] is the fact that I am going to have to wait a year to see the next istallment!
Rating: Summary: It won't play on my XBOX Review: I can't play this DVD using my XBOX playback. Microsoft has just added it to a secret list of DVD's that won't play on their XBOX DVD playback system along with Snowwhite & Star Wars Episode One. Now I guess I have to but a DVD player just to see the deleted stuff.
Rating: Summary: The ultimate edition of the film superior to theatrical vers Review: I can't pretend to have seen all the extras on this deluxe DVD edition of The Fellowship of the Ring. What I can comment on is the extended version of the movie. The original release was a brilliant diamond with minor flaws. The new, improved version is looks like the same diamond but on closer inspection the flaws aren't there. The extension of some scenes and addition of others makes Tolkien's rich fantasy allows for deeper character and plot developments. Additionally, some of the characters are given a richer back story that enables to understand their movitations better. The difference is like looking through a microscope adjusted for the first time to the proper focus; we were aware that something was there all along but now can distinguish what we're looking at. All of this adds to a richer understanding of this classic fantasy as a film. The transfer appears nearly flawless and is one of the sharpest I've seen (the only transfers I can think of that are comparable in clarity, color and sharpness are Toy Story 1 & 2, A Bug's Life and Lucas' Star Wars: Attack of the Clones). Peter Jackson's commentary is illuminating and interesting in all the right places. More importantly, their interesting even in the most mundane scene. His explanation doesn't demystifying the film. They actually underline the difficulty of his task in taking Tolkien's epic vision squeezing it into a well tailored suit that compliments the material. Enough has been said about the marvelous effects and acting (and it is a crime this film didn't win more Academy Awards but then that's nothing new). I can't really say anything any better than what has been stated before. I have stuck my big toe into the pool of extras and they are tremendous and interesting. Even if you don't watch the documentaries again (or for the first time), you'll be digging this version of the film out to enjoy again and again. The packaging is quite nice although a bit flimsy. I would have like to have seen more added to the booklet but most of what's important is on the discs. It's not noted anywhere (that I can recall) but the first editions of this boxed set include a free "ticket" to The Two Towers.
Rating: Summary: Best Movie I've Ever Seen Review: I can't rate the DVD, as it has not been released as of the writing of this review. Rather, this is a review of the movie itself. I canNOT recommend this film highly enough. If the rating scale went to 10 Stars, I'd give it the maximum and beyond. I have been to see "Fellowship" seven times in theaters, twice on its opening day alone. I have never seen a film so well executed, coming from such a beloved book with such a loyal fanbase. Yes, there are parts that are missing, but nothing that affects the plot or furtherance of the story. Everything that should be there IS there, wrapped in a sumptuous package of gorgeous scenery and brilliant special effects. The actors are all absolutely perfect for their roles, with special note going to Sir Ian McKellan as Gandalf (for which he received an Oscar nomination), Sean Astin as Samwise Gamgee, and Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn/Strider. Elijah Wood is a wonderful choice for everyman Frodo Baggins; his blue eyes are gloriously expressive. Sean Bean does an AMAZING job of portraying the struggling hero, Boromir; I've been a fan of his work for years, and fell even MORE head over heels in love with his acting abilities in this movie. Dominic Monaghan and Billy Boyd are sweet, adorable, hilarious, heartbreaking, and above all, BELIEVABLE as Merry and Pippin. If you don't love Scottish accents yet, just wait until you've seen this movie; Billy will make you a believer. John Rhys-Davies as Gimli is hardly recognizable, save for his voice, and like always, he melts into the role with his usual flair. Orlando Bloom plays Legolas Greenleaf, and if you have or know any teenage girls, you've probably seen his face plastered on their wall since the movie came out. Not only is he a feast for the eyes, but his portrayal of the heroic elven archer is truly amazing for one so new to the acting profession. He'll blow you away. Cate Blanchett and Liv Tyler (Galadriel and Arwen, respectively) bring grace and beauty to their roles. I have at least one friend who'd never read the LoTR series prior to seeing the movie, but wanted to learn Elvish and immerse herself in the world of fantasy because of Liv's performance. Perhaps the most underrated performance - or, more appropriately, the least reported - is that of Hugo Weaving as Elrond. After seven viewings of the film, I always walk out of the theater and say to myself, "He was the BEST of them all." And that is a very hard distinction to make. So by all means, buy this movie. Rent it first if you haven't seen it and still aren't sure. But this is truly a must-have for any DVD collection. Sure to be a classic of the genre, if it's not already. :D
Rating: Summary: Movie Magic! Review: I can't say enough good things about this movie. Firstly, if you are considering which version of this movie to purchase, I would recommend that you get the extended version. I know that Peter Jackson has to keep the theatrical release under 3 hours for the sake of the box office, but the additional material here is fantastic. It is seemlessly added to the film and upon watching it, you will feel like it was a more complete story than the original version. That being said, I don't think that I've seen a more impressive use of the cinematic form in many years. This is a story that utilizes everthing that makes the movies magical. From the sheer size of the story, to the makeup, to the special effects, to the cinematography, it practically single handedly restored my faith in the ability of Hollywood to produce a quality product that is not only entertaining but visionary. I think that it was great disservice to Peter Jackson that he was not given the best director Oscar last year. I'm sure that he will be denied that honor again this year, but I can truthfully say that I believe that his achievment with these first two movies is on par with what Coppola achieved with the first two Godfather movies. Obviously they are very different movies, but the mastery of the cinematic form is very obvious in both. The storytelling is magnificent and I am sure that when the trilogy is done, it will be remembered as one of the greatest achievements in film history. If you have ever read the books, then you know what a thankless task this was. There seemed to be no human way to convey what was on the written page. Peter Jackson has not only given us Toklkien's vision, but has turned it into pure magic on film. I hope that he eventually wins the Academy Award for the third film in this triology because it would be a shame for this kind of achievement to go unrewarded. Go out and buy it. You won't be dissapointed. If you have a widescreen TV and a good surround sound system, you will be treated to one of the best presentations that you have ever seen or heard. It's a real demo disc to show off any system. This really is as good as movie making gets.
Rating: Summary: The Fellowship of the Ring (Extended Edition) Review: I can't say enough great things about The Fellowship's Extended Edition DVD. Just when you thought the 1st chapter couldn't get any better, you thought wrong. With over 30 minutes of new and extended scenes, it makes for a more complete version of the film. You basically get more of everything. 3 hours and 28 minutes may seem long to many, but after you watch this version, I promise that you will understand it more and I know you will like it even more than the theatrical version. What are you waiting for, buy it right away!
Rating: Summary: Elves and Hobbits and Dwarves, Oh My!!! Review: I cannot begin to tell you how often I have seen this movie. It has become an endearing and lasting favorite of mine! I have read Professor T since I was a teenager, and have dreamed of this classic being made into a movie. I never in my wildest dreams thought that anyone would take the trouble to make it live-action, but Peter Jackson did and I am eternally grateful! Not only did he catch the very essence of the characters, but he showed us the truly beautiful world of Middle Earth through his eyes. My only complaint was that the movie was TOO SHORT! I would have loved to stay in that world forever, with its breathtaking mountains, pristine woodlands and ethereal settings. I would also have loved to see more in-depth interaction with all the characters...If you haven't seen it, GO NOW! It will be a treat for the eyes, ears and heart of anyone who loves this type of adventure... There is so much action going at a constant rate that you will feel that you have run the gambit with our heroes!
Rating: Summary: Give Me A Break! Review: I cannot believe how many people went so nuts about this movie. I think maybe that all they were looking at were the CGI effects, which really didn't look all that great. If that's all it takes to impress you, then you will love this movie. If you collect sword & sorcery merchandise and ate up every movie made in the past of the genre, than you will most likely like this picture. Bottom line: It just wasn't so great. It was given a grand treatment with big music (much like a typical Speilberg film)to make up for emotional short comings. The dialog was ridiculous and a lot of effort went in to make it sound profound. The actors were good, the scenery was beautiful, the sets were cool. There were far too many darkly lit scenes. I saw a lot of little kids in the audience and I think those parents are twits because this is not a family film.
Rating: Summary: I can't believe what I am reading Review: I cannot believe some of the reviews I am reading. No, I haven't seen the movie yet. So the 3 star rating I gave it is fairly neutral. However, I am blown away by what I am hearing about LOTR. I am one of those die-hard fans who have been waiting for years for technology to catch up to Tolkien's imagination, and more, our imaginations. There are those like myself who wish to see no change between the book and movie, and I hope that is so. However, I think I will be disappointed. No characters should be allowed extra screen time because of the actresses stardom, and the dialouge should be almost word for word. True, some things must be taken out, so I, personally, will be satisfied with some degree of dialouge editing in order to make the film understandable for those new to LOTR. My biggest hope is that people will NOT see this film and think they know LOTR. I hope this film will spur people to go and read the novels, and live life on Middle Earth themselves like so many of us have. I read a review that stated that issues could have been explored within the movie and that the film is racist, sexist, and so on. I disagree. This isn't a movie designed to explore social issues. These are films based on a series of novels, just as so many Steven King novels have been. The movie should, for the most part, follow the books. The directors of such films though are allowed some sort of poetic lisence. I just hope it is not used too much. I will return tomorrow after I see the movie, and give an updated review.....I hope I am not disappointed...
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