Rating: 
Summary: How Dare You?????
Review: I read this book and the trilogy in the late sixties when I was nine or ten. I still can vividly remember how I imagined the charactors. I never thought anyone could make a movie which depicted the saga or "Epic" if you will. When the animated version came out, yes, I was disappointed, but also pleased that someone had any type of imagination to try to reproduce the intensity of this masterpiece. I have not yet seen this movie. I am taking my family to see it as a Christmas present. All of my children LOVED the animated version, and my 18 year old daughter has read the books at least three times. How dare anyone say that TLOR is silly. "1984" (George Orwell) came and went. A scary thought. "2001: A Space Oddessy" came and went. "Star Wars", "E.T.", "Never-ending Story", ETC., have all came and went. All of these are awesome classics in their own right. I am sure that there will be a couple of disappointments, but what an "awesome" undertaking; to attempt to indulge our imaginations. I will write again after seeing the movie, but, I for one, will enjoy entering into someone elses imagination for the "Adventure of a Lifetime". Never mind the "racist, sexist, childish, silly" comments. GO SEE IT. At the very least, it will entertain you and you might even enjoy it. I myself, CAN'T wait!
Rating:
Summary: The Rings...
Review: The Triliogy of the Rings were the first books I can remember reading that made me really think about what I was reading. They were the first books that made me feel something, they stirred something deep inside of me. To prepare to watch this movie I did everything in my power to isolate myself from the hype of the movie and refused to re-read the books before seeing it so I either "wouldn't be disappointed" or "wouldn't wind up mentally spouting dialog along the characters as I did with Harry Potter". I refused to watch trailers, I ignored comericals dealing with the movie, and even didn't read any of the reviews posted on other websites, blogs and journals. I can't even tell you how much it grossed on opening night. I wanted the experience to be new, and different. I wanted to be totaly "naive" going into the movie. What I didn't expect was to be moved like I was. The movie started off slowly, but you could tell the director was taking the time to pay attention to every detail. The Shire was incredibly well done, and as a result the acting was better than some of other parts of the movie where the characters were obviously trying to interact with CGI generated scenery. Disclaimer here...the characters interacted fine with the CGI animated characters, but not with the generated scenery there is a difference. Despite that I found the beginning of the movie to be slow and ponderous, but that may have been because I was trying to force myself to enjoy the movie. I wanted to enjoy it...but it seemed the harder I tried to enjoy it the further I distanced myself from the movie. Until the flight to the ford... Racing through the tree's Frodo clasped in the elf princesses arms on a white horse while the Shadow Wraiths chased them. That's when it hit me. The scene was exactly like I pictured it while I had been reading so many years ago. The panting of the horses breath, the frantic dodges, the sounds the texture, all of it. Only in the movie it was shorter. At that point I let myself go and enjoyed the show. Then came a scene that brought about some unexpected feeling, emotion that changed the movie from just a movie into something else. The Fellowship stands separated on a broken stairway, a stairway that is crumbling slowly tilting its way into the abyss that it spans. And suddenly the only thing I could think of was the WTC. I don't know why, and I don't know how, but for some reason the images of the twin towers collapsing leapt strongly into my mind. Of course the Frodo and Strider make the leap as the stairs finish their tumbling, and the Fellowship is rejoined. But I still couldn't shake that feeling, that odd emotion that welled up inside me. Just a few moments later it happened again. Gandolf stands at the edge of the broken bridge facing the demon and he says something along the lines of "It stops here, you will not pass. Return to the fires of evil that spawned you." And all I could think of were the passengers on United Flight 93, the plane upon which the passengers stood up to the terrorists. The plane that crashed in the Pennsylvania country side, and part of me wondered if their last moments were like that. Giving all they had in defense of themselves and their own. Knowing hope as they almost succeed in overpowering their captors completely only to feel the despair well up again as they feel the demonic claws drag them down into the abyss. The movie ends with a quote that I'm going to need to look up and see if its in the book or not. Frodo is standing alone on the beach preparing to strike out on his own, the "One Ring" clenched in his hand, and you hear him thinking (paraphrased) "I wish the ring had never come to me" and then you hear Gandolf say "Everyone born in times like this make that wish, but it is up to you to choose how you will live in these moments". I also feel compelled to make one warning before recommending this movie. It is as graphic and at times as scary as the books were. It doesn't shrink from showing death and destruction in all its cruelty (though it avoids gore) and as such you might want to think carefully before taking your nine-year old daughter I as did. Let me stress this point. This is not the action/adventure comic strip violence so common on tv and movies. This is bone chilling trample the gatekeeper behead the mayor in dark shadows violence. With that said, let me encourage each of you to go see this movie...and most importantly let yourself enjoy it.
Rating:
Summary: AS GOOD AS IT GETS
Review: The Fellowship of the Ring is as close as anyone will get to moving Tolkiens Ring saga from the written page onto the screen. The cinematography was lavish, the cast was excellent, and the film stayed very close to the original work, which is an unspeakable relief. After watching Frank Herberts "Dune" get butchered twice by idiotic directors who insisted on doing their own "interpretation" of Herberts book, it's nice to see that the director of this film (Jackson) actually read Tolkiens works, which is more than can probably be said about David Lynch and his alleged "version" of Dune. This film might not be everyones cup of tea, but be that as it may, watching it makes you understand why The Lord of the Rings was voted the most influential work of he 20th century.
Rating: 
Summary: If you read the book, don't waste your money.
Review: Not since Paul Verehoven raped Robert A. Heinlein's STARSHIP TROOPERS has there been so disappointing a movie. For those of us who still read and have an attention span longer than 3 minutes, Lord of the Rings is an excellent BOOK. Like an old friend we curl up in our favorite chair and read. We let out imagination take us to places we don't normally go except through the printed word. Peter Jackson, in his vain attempt at bringing this epic to life has failed miserably. Amid the scenic vistas of New Zeland, he has dragged a wonderful book through the mud. Arwen the Elf, (Liv Tyler) is disappointing as writers try unsuccessfully to write a part for her that just doesn't belong in the story while leaving out characters that are entirely necessary to the story. Oh where oh where is Tom Bombodil when you need him? The plot of the movie can be said to have similarities with the book only in an analogy that says humans and chimpanzies are similar because we both breathe air. Do you hear that sound? ...that whirring sound that grows louder every minute? That is J.R.R. Tolkein spinning in his grave. Stay home and buy the book. Don't give the studio your money for this tremendous flop.
Rating:
Summary: O Elbereth! Gilthoniel!
Review: This film was stellar and I am so thrilled to know that the makers were wise enough to do all three films at the same time because this cast and director, these incredible sets and locations are perfect! I've read the Trilogy three times ( a relative few times, I realize.) I have loved it for nearly four decades and I consider it the best book ever written and so I was worried that the film would not measure up. It did!
Any nitpicking about the plot changes and the development of the Lady Arwen's character are just that...nitpicking. This is an ADAPTATION and so editing it down to a convenient size without losing the power and flow of the story was a difficult task, I am sure. No, we do not see Old Man Willow or Tom Bombadil and Goldberry. If the Barrow Downs scene would have been included and done well it would have taken another 1/2 hour alone. We don't visit with Farmer Maggot either, but remember this is an adaptation and we cannot be literal minded if we hope to enjoy this film. What we are given is fabulous! The Lady Arwen is placed in the scene at the Ford of Bruinen rather than Glorfindel but it works as well and gives Arwen a much more rounded character that will later be important to our understanding of Aragorn and Elves in general. It works and her newly enlarged character is breath-taking and so beautifully played by Liv Tyler. The casting was, all in all, magnificent and the make-up and hair and costumes were brilliant. These characters meshed well with the perceptions I had in my head as a result of reading the books. My one fault with casting was in the character of Elrond played by Hugo Weaving. Weaving does a good job and his fine bone structure is very Elvish in appearance and the strength in his voice is appropriate, but unfortunately at least for this part, Weaving's previous role in "The Matrix" tainted him too much to make him acceptable. The vibration of malignancy from "The Matrix" role spilled over into this role and Elrond should not have a whiff of malignancy about him however faint. I am easily willing to accept that tiny flaw because of the excellence of all the rest of the cast. My favorites are Orlando Bloom as Legolas, Billy Boyd as Peregrin Took, Sean Astin as Samwise Gamgee. These three manage to stand out in a brilliant cast and their acting is just a dead-ringer for their literary counterparts. I thought I might object to the pointed ears that were given to the Elvish folk in this film because the books never describe Elves as having pointy ears, but it works well, actually, and gives just the right flavor of the Fey to these people without making them in the least like Santa's helpers as I had feared.
The Shire IS the Shire in this film. Isengard and the tower of Orthanc are right on and the depiction of Khazad-dum was deep and heavy with doom and magnificence. Satisfying.
This movie flowed swiftly and was totally engrossing at every moment. The characters drew you in and made you believe in them. The bits that were spoken in the Elvish tongue with subtitles added to the film rather than detracting as some subtitles can do. The film succeeded in being great in its own right and able to stand alone as a film even for people who have not read the books. I expect it will draw legions of new fans to the books.
I am thoroughly pleased with the results of all this movie magic and I bow to the creators of "Lord of the Rings". I offer them my sword. Let no one pass who would naysay their Majesties.
Rating:
Summary: Now I've Visited Middle Earth
Review: It was worth the day of leave I took to see this movie. I've been a long time fantasy fan and the world of Middle Earth has been at the top of my list for decades. Having been a past FRPG gamer that cut his teeth on Middle Earth and spent countless hours playing the PBM version of it too, all I can say is it was wonderful to see the world come alive in front of my eyes. When the Shire came into view it was like I had been there before, which I had in my many adventures of the imagination in Middle Earth. As the adventure unfolded, more and more places I was familar with popped onto the screen. It was just a wonderful film. Highly recommended even if you don't know what Sting is or where Bree is located.
Rating:
Summary: A Review From Someone who Didn't Read the Books
Review: I've never read the Lord of the Rings trilogy. I must confess, I've tried a couple of times to read The Fellowship of the Ring, but I just couldn't get into it. Going into the movie, I was worried that I'd be confused and unsure of the plot. This worry grew when the theatre did a trivia game before the movie--and everyone in the audience seemed to know EVERYTHING about the books. My worries were completely unfounded. The film opens with an outstanding introduction, a kind of prologue. (A friend told me that this discusses the details of "The Hobbit," the book that comes before The Fellowship of the Ring.) The prologue was wonderful--it told me everything I needed to know, but also took my breath away. In three minutes, I understood everything I needed to know to get into the story. The rest of the movie was unbelievably beautiful, sad, suspenseful, and action-packed. I couldn't believe how easily the film switched tones--one minute exciting, the next sad, and the next introspective. In fact, one aspect of the film that I wasn't expecting was the amount of suspense. I actually jumped a couple of times in my seat. The acting was awesome, something somewhat rare for a fantasy film. ("Willow", anyone?) And the special effects were seamless--it was hard to tell what was computer generated and what was real. The ending left me wanting more, even after 3 hours, and I can't wait for the next film. The last five minutes seemed so simple, yet they almost brought me to tears. I must congratulate Peter Jackson for creating such a vivid world in my mind. The scenery, the characters, the story, they have all come to life for me much more than they could on paper. NOT the best movie of all time, and possibly not even the best movie of the year, but still a 10 out of 10. Highly recommended (for ages 13 and up due to the frightening scenes).
Rating:
Summary: Finally, something to test the senses
Review: The book has been around for over 40 years, and yet not one person has successfully put out a movie depicting the great trilogy. Now that has all changed! For booklovers, you'll find this movie left out some elements that we all liked from the book, but they have done a great job describing in great detail the key elements of the Followship of the Ring. Tolkien's seemly random stories (and songs) might have been left out, but the detail remains. Each character is described, and acts, just like I always imagined they would. If you've read it, then you know the ending :) For those seeing this for the first time, you'll be learning about the greatest fantasy story of all time! And in the end... All I can say is, it makes you wish it was Dec. 2002! Simply put, go see this movie. If there is one movie you will see this year, make it The Lord of The Rings. If there are two movies you'll see this year... see it twice!
Rating:
Summary: Perfect adaption of J.R.R. Tolkien`s Fantasy Epic!
Review: Well,to begin this review I will tell my expectations.
When I first heard that the former sick comedy director Peter Jackson would direct a live-action version of J.R.R.Tolkien`s Lord of the Rings trilogy,I was quite worried. First,I thought he would be kicked because of sick humour ideas and replaced by a quality director like Spielberg or someone.
Then,I was also worried because of it`s 250 million dollar budget - more expensive than Titanic itself!If this movie would be a flop,not just Peter Jackson would loose a lot of money - the entire company of New Line Cinema (and may be also Warner Bros.)would have to go in concourse. And the animated LOTR movie of 1978 became a huge flop,which made it even more unbelievable that this one would succeed at the box office - I and many other love the books and I don`t want them to be destroyed.
And there was also not many well-known actors in this film,which made me even more doubtfull about it.
Well,when I came into the theatre in the opening day,I forgot all of that stuff.
It was definitly NO humour à la Monty Python or bad acting here.
This movie runs on for almost three hours,but it is never getting boring or anything like that. In fact,it is so magic and well done that you want it to never stop!
The dramatic landscapes of New Zealand fits perfectly to Tolkien`s description of the environment in the books.
Something which probably makes the movie soo good is that they have planned all in detail,and the detail is almost as big as in the book. All cultures are planned. When watching this movie,it is not just a fairytail world. Everything is so cast that you can believe this world really exists,although there are orchs,ringwraiths and wizards!
Some of my favorite sequences are the introduction when the history of the ring is told,the battle with Balrog,one of my favorite LOTR villains from the book,and the mountain wandering,which looks so beautifull that I got inspired every second of that moment.
And the sad moments of the film really has a feel - I shall not tell you what happens,but when it happend,my eyes were almost filled with tears!
In fact,it is just good that it does not have many well-known actors. It is nice to let Orlando Bloom and Sean Astin become mega stars instead of Keanu Reeves or Danny DeVito for example.
Ian McKellen looks exactly like Gandalf from the books. Elijah Wood is perfect as the little hobbit Frodo,who is the hero of the story,and Viggo Mortensen plays Aragorn as no other man can!
It is also nice to see the horror veteran Christopher Lee as Saruman,the evil wizard who pretends he`s Gandalfs friend.
One more noteworthy thing is the sound quality - all the sounds could be heard very clearly,and the music was enormously powerfull at several moments.
Everything about LOTR was enormous - they worked on it for seven years!Here are some unnecessary stuff about it but it`s may be fun to know: 90,000 still photographs were taken,the recording theme consisted of 2400 people,100 locations were used,274 days of recording,20602 background actors were in the movie,and 180 persons created the effects!And a lot more were done as well!
All three films were recorded at the same time,so there would not be the problem of the older one,which was never finished!
Well,let's hope it succeeds at the box office. Now I have told my thoughts,and to end this review,I`m gonna say that the moment when I watched this movie december 19th will be the last cinema visit I`ll ever forget!
If it does not get an Academy Award (at least for best sound),I will be surprised!
Rating:
Summary: lord of the rings
Review: although long this movie proves itself to be an extremly good and well filmed movie.
the sceenes and costumes are well made and creates the idea that the Shire is a real place. the charicters are well choosen and actors/actresses play their roles well.
the comedy is well balaced with the tradgedy and sorrow, but the language does prove to be more for older teens and adults rather than young children and they will proberly get tierd and bored very soon although the effect will intrest them. this is a deinate must see and words cannot decribe the talant and wonder in this movie.
| 
