Rating: 
Summary: Over-hyped
Review: A bunch of shortarses walk a bit, fight a bit, hide a bit, do a bit of magic, fight a bit more, then walk down a hill...the end. I'm sorry but it just doesn't hack it as a standalone film. Pap, albeit well made pap
Rating: 
Summary: Overblown Epic?
Review: A cinematic milestone or overhyped rubbish? Fellowship of the Ring turns out to be a bit of both. An undoubted epic but i doubt if it will be remembered as a cinematic milestone in years to come. It's certainly a bold effort to bring Tolkiens saga to life but as to living up to the hype then i doubt if any movie could live up to the build up this movie received. So inevitably at the end of the film you're left with the impression of 'what was all the fuss about'. I haven't read Lord of the Rings for nigh on twenty years so i went into the theater with few preconceptions. the film is a fairly close adaption of Tolkiens narrative, straying from the book in a few places, omitting some characters. The plot peaks early and drags a little at other times. Anyone seeing the film should remember its the first part of a trilogy so at the end of the film there is a feeling of a lack of completeness which is only to be expected. Will parts 2 & 3 live up to part one? I doubt it, The Fellowship of the ring is the most exciting part of the trilogy anyway, parts 2 & 3 will inevitably follow the law of diminishing returns for movie sequels. Though maybe like The Empire Strikes Back, part two The Two Towers may well be appreciated for its own qualities.
Rating: 
Summary: Finally! A fantasy masterpiece for the cinema!
Review: A cinematic version of Tolkien's THE LORD OF THE RINGS ranks up with the hope that Lucas will indeed make another Star Wars Trilogy, and, I think I can safely say, this is one of the most anticipated films in the movie industry's long and checkered history. You would think it's movie paradise, considering Lucas has been in the midst of another Star Wars trilogy and LORD OF THE RINGS has finally got a cinema deal (live action!), but PHANTOM MENACE proved something of a disappointment (Mesa Jar Jar Binks!), and I think quite a few people will enter into the theatre with a certain amount of trepidation. There's a reason for that. Three animated Tolkien films have been released with very problematic results. The 1978 Bakshi release is just embarrassing; the film is both incoherent and confusing. Rankin & Bass's two movies are fine for little kids; those two films are Tolkien for Saturday Morning cartoons. They proved my introduction to Tolkien and for that I am thankful, but the movies still fail to capture the grandeur of Tolkien's imagination. There are two things to consider here about a work of literature. Although all good literature has a polarization effect on its readers, this work has a gigantic legion of followers which are extremely dedicated to Tolkien's vision (I count myself a member of this camp). The other camp cannot figure out what the big fuss is about and why they should care about the novel. Now, there's a reason why all this is relevant to the film: had Peter Jackson gone to far either way the film would have fallen apart. Appeal to much to the fan-base and you loose the general movie-goer. Appeal to much to the movie-goer, and you'll lose the fan-base. So when the fan base learned of Peter Jackson's decision to film all three films at once, an unprecedented move in movie history, most of us really wanted it to be good but were just simply afraid. We've already been burnt. Would it be so bad that it would alienate both fan base and those who are just looking for a good movie? Not only does Peter Jackson's film work, it's glorious, beautiful, has all the myth and grandeur of the book. Jackson, a Tolkien fanatic, could have gotten so involved with bringing out the extremely detailed world Tolkien gave us that the pacing would suffer or we'd lose patience with all these obscure details which would alienate the regular movie goer. Not only does he not alienate the general movie goer, but he entices the fan base so much they can't help but fall in love with his vision of Tolkien's world. The only real flaw is how rushed first section of the movie is. Although I can understand cutting the Old Forest and Tom Bombadil, the way they handled getting the hobbits out of the Shire was unacceptable. There is not that sense of camaraderie between the Hobbits that there is in the book, there is no "conspiracy," and Merry and Pippin just join without any questioning from Sam and Frodo. While Jackson does a good job at building the Hobbits' characters and establishing their personalities, I couldn't come up with a good reason why Frodo and Sam would just let Merry and Pippin join them. The Prancing Pony is worst. There is no questioning from the Hobbits about Aragorn proving himself, there is no scene about him asking them to trust him, and the whole sequence feels much too rushed. Sam only questions Aragorn while they're actually out of the inn and traveling. Thankfully, however, that is the only real flaw. The rest of the things the script changed (tightening Elrond's council, the expansion of Arwen, cutting Sam from the Galadriel mirror sequence, tempting Aragorn with the ring, etc) I can see why they did it for dramatic tension. I also liked the way they handled Elrond's council, because that could have ruined the movie like it did with Bakshi's. They had established and covered much of the material in that chapter elsewhere by means of voice-over prologue and actually showing the viewer what is happening (especially with the Isengard sequences), and as a result lessened the screentime of that scene and helping with the dramatics of it. As for the controversial expansion of Arwen, I tend to agree with the film makers in their decision to enlarge her role. By making her part of the Ford sequence it introduces the character and establishes her in the viewer's mind, and the relationship between Arwen and Aragorn is more fully explored. As for their romantic interlude in Rivendell, not only do I agree with that but think it should have been done in the book. Tolkien did not know who Strider was when he was first writing FELLOWSHIP, and did not go back and change the scenes to further explain the romance between Arwen and Aragorn, and by not including a scene in Rivendell to establish their love for one another lessens by far the impact of their union in Part III, and (for once) this romantic scene is actually an improvement on the book. As for her role in the Flight at the Ford, for the movie they made the right choice though the book is still preferable. In achieving the balance between fan base and the more causal fan, this film is a spectacular success. Making a movie out of a book the size of Fellowship, the fact is you will have to condense, tighten, rearrange, and make changes for dramatic tensions. The mediums are different, and you cannot have a direct translation from a book to a film. Despite of what they cut, the movie still clocks in at three hours, which is very generous. The real problem with this film, as others noted, is it's going to be a full two years before we finally get to watch THE RETURN OF THE KING. In the end, we get a movie that stays true to the SPIRIT of the book. This is what we Tolkien fans have long been waiting for. Thank you so much Peter Jackson and your cast and crew.
Rating:
Summary: Appealing even for non-fans
Review: A fantastic movie which hooks even "mundane" non-fans of the genre, LotR-FotR will be going down with the greats; Casablanca, Lawrence of Arabia, Ben Hur, et. al. The only two caveats one can give this top notch piece of cinema are: the Special Edition (due in November) will in all likelihood be even better, and that this is but one third of the epic. It stands alone well, but definitely leaves you wanting the sequels.
Rating:
Summary: Fellowship of the Rings - extended addition
Review: A few quick words; While the original theatrical release was highly entertaining, I whole-heartedly recommend the extended version. I would say this even if you weren't a fan of the books, but definitely if you are. The additional material, especially "concerning hobbits" is a treat. However, the original release did include some "making of" programs which were nice, and are not on the extended DVD. This extended release includes appendices about the story, design, characters, and locations. It also includes audio commentary by the cast, writers and directors, etc which was quite interesting to me. As far as the movie, even with all the hype I still was amazed when I saw this in the theater. I was completely drawn into the movie, and it was very entertaining. I thought some of the special effects may have even been a touch over the top, but that's just my opinion. To even be making a 3 part theatrical version of the books is just amazing. Shawn
Rating:
Summary: A Perfect Film Based on a Perfect Book!
Review: A film adaptation of this book is quick to come to mind, because it would easily be a visual spectacle and a cinematic feat. However, simply trying to conceive where to begin with such an immense tale--and with such a large and faithful fan base--is unfathomable to say the least. Regardless, Peter Jackson accomplished the impossible and did it well too--in fact, it was Tolkien's son that said it was impossible. But clearly for anyone to say from this point on that a book is unable to be adapted to the big screen, new hope lies with the success of this film--commercially and artistically. Usually the decree is that film adaptations stray too far from their source material. In this case, the filmmakers did everything possible to maintain the feel of the book, if not every individual scenario. And it works well because of that. Many have criticized the film adaptation of the first Harry Potter for too closely following the book. In the case of The Lord of the Rings, it follows it suitably, diverging where necessary, omitting where obligated, but maintaining everything about the narrative, the characters, and the settings that made the books the success that they continue to be. To dissect the individual aspects of the production, the film appears seamless. The performances are well done all around. There is a thin line that the actors must all walk, bordering between natural and over-the-top, to achieve the necessary degree of fantasy and solemnity. The actors succeed, and come across perfectly. The screenplay is well written and intelligently incorporates all facets of Tolkien's universe, regardless of its original presence in the main LotR text. It is obvious that everyone did their research, and it shows in the clever writing and subtle references to other aspects of MiddleEarth. To say all this is still to speak nothing of the special effects, which come out of nowhere and surpass even the most ambitious efforts from the 2001-year. In a year when it appeared that Industrial Light & Magic had finally been presented with an imagination that exceeded their capabilities (read: The Mummy Returns, Harry Potter), it comes as a godsend that the no-name special effects company Weta could surpass the competition and bring a nearly perfect visualization of all the creatures and worlds in LotR. The effects are not perfect, mind you, but intertwined with every aspect, as well as the ambitious nature of the project, makes you forget any--minute--shortcomings that might be apparent. But perhaps the most prominent star of this film has to be Jackson's direction, which some might find over-the-top, but which occurred to me as a necessary and exciting aspect to this film. One can literally see Jackson's enthusiasm as the camera moves around and about, but never ostentatiously or in a distracting way. It is very appropriate and does so much to incorporate the viewer into the movie. It might mean little to suggest, but it almost seems that some films find the subject matter too daunting to put the effort into creative filming. In the case of LotR, some of the shots are so complex and long and intense--and from the looks of it, impossible--that Jackson appears to love every minute of it...and thereby the audience does too. Indeed, some shots are like a roller coaster. Implemented correctly as they are, it is a truly enthralling excursion into this intense and fascinating world. And so the finished product of this massive cast and crew is one of the greatest films of the year and perhaps the greatest fantasy film ever. If there is one downside, it is that I've got two more years before I can see the conclusion. All around great efforts coupled with the ubiquitous passion for the text has helped to craft a perfect film and a spectacle for the big screen. Moreover, this is certainly not one to be missed on the big screen; rental or video can never capture the grandeur and the vision that have built the impossible book into a great movie.
Rating:
Summary: Good Fun (though a bit overrated)
Review: A fine film by any measure, though we really have to wait for the sequels for the interesting scenes. I saw this flick twice in the cinema and twice more on video (I own a copy). But I'd have to be honest: not much goes on in the first part of the Tolkien trilogy, and neither Jackson nor anybody else could have done anything about it. The computer graphics are a little crude by American standards, but what more can I expect from New Zealand? If Jackson had got them from Industrial Light & Magic, he would have gone way over the $270 million budget. Anyway, they are not too bad, as they are. I applaud Jackson for his efforts, and I look forward very much to his sequels. Having seen a long clip of The Two Towers in the Official LoTR Exhibition in Toronto - the only one in the whole world - I can tell you that this one looks pretty good - it really is better than the first installment. People who have seen this clip are not likely to be over-impressed by The Fellowship of the Ring. Purists among Tolkien's fans may not approve of any movies; after all, there's much you'd have to leave out in celluloid. But I guess Tolkien himself, had he seen the films, would have been rolling in his grave....in delight!
Rating:
Summary: Great film, holding close to the original storyline
Review: A gem for the millions of Tolkien fans world-wide, I highly doubt that any fan of Middle Earth could be disappointed with this film. I thought this movie was fantastic. The visual and audio effects were terrific, and I have to say that the casting was extraordinary. I thought they found the exact people to fit every role, from Gandalf the Grey to an elf extra, they all fit the book's description perfectly, giving you the appearance that you imagined when you first read the book. I also must say it is commendable that the movie held so true to the original storyline, with only minor changes mainly because of time restraints (although the entire film does end up being very close to the 3-hour mark) and to add some of the usual Hollywood-style action and suspense for the audience. Overall, this is the best movie I have seen at the theatre in a long time, and I can't wait for the home video release. I would definitely recommend it to any Tolkien fan.
Rating: 
Summary: HUGE Disappointment
Review: A huge cinematic disappointment. I can't tell you how much I was looking forward to this movie. I rallied people at my office, we took off early, and I wasted my time. The movie is entirely too long -- and the first 1.5 hours almost put me to sleep. There were way too many cheezy sentimatal moments that didn't advance the plot enough to warrant their inclusion. I can't believe that this film is getting so much hype (and multiple Golden Globe nominations), and moreover, that they have already filmed the next two. I've also noticed that most of the people who have reviewed the film thus far, were doing so based on the previews -- which I too, thought looked amazing. I still see previews for the film and think it should have been better. The movie, however, fails to deliver.
Rating:
Summary: Huge Disappointment
Review: A huge cinematic disappointment. The movie is entirely too long -- and the first 1.5 hours almost put me to sleep. There were way too many cheezy sentimatal moments that didn't advance the plot enough to warrant their inclusion. I can't believe that this film is getting so much hype (and some Golden Globe nominations), and moreover, that they have already filmed the next two. Whoever agreed to the $300 Million pricetag for all three movies should be fired.
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