Rating: 
Summary: The Greatest Epic Film of all Time?
Review: Answer to the question? Probably not. But one of the greatest and certainly one of the most entertaining? Definitely. This film and its upcoming sequels knock the faltering "Star Wars" from its twenty-five year old perch as greatest good-old adventure films. Filmed as J.R.R. Tolkien's books were written - in one continuous experience, "The Lord Of The Rings" sets the standard for how modern filmmakers should treat their audiences, and how to make a throroughly satisfying and mentally engrossing modern epic. "Phantom Menace" take note.The story is long and twisted, but at its core is a ring - a ring of power, forged by the evil lord Sauron in an attempt to subjucate Middle-Earth, the mysterious land in which the film is set. The ring was cut from his finger in a tremendous battle, but rather than being destroyed as it should have been, it was taken by Isildur, the proud human king of the great land of Gondor at the time. He, however, was killed and the ring was lost for centuries until found by an evil creature called Gollum, who lost it in turn to a short furry-footed hobbit named Bilbo Baggins, who passed it to his adopted son Frodo. The ring corrupts all who possess it to do evil, while seeming to be a ring of invisiblity. And when a group of mysterious riders begin searching Frodo's peaceful village of The Shire for it, Frodo must flee with his frend Sam Gamgee, searching for his friend and mentor Gandalf the Grey, a wizard, who has mysteriously not arrived as promised to help them... The film remains surprisingly constant to Tolkien's books, keeping an epic and sweeping style in the same manner as the books and the epic poems and old Anglo-Nordic legends they were based on. The acting is almost consistantly top-notch. Elijiah Wood as Frodo does a great job with a difficult character, although I expect to see more hardship in the next movies and less shots of wide-eyed fear. The real standout of the movie is the phenominal Sir Ian McKellen, who brilliantly plays the wise wizard and mentor Gandalf as if he were himself an inhabitant of Middle-Earth. The supporting cast that make up the 'Fellowship' that is sent to destroy the Dark Lord's evil Ring of Power does a wonderful job as well - notable is Viggo Mortensten as the exiled young king of Gondor, Aragorn; Orlando Bloom as the determined and refined Legolas; and Sean Bean as the prideful but honorable Boromir. The only member of the cast who seems to do poorly is Cate Blanchett as Galadriel, the elf-queen whom the Fellowship meets late in the film, though the script at this point certainly does her no favors, Peter Jackson confesses to having difficulty with it. Christopher Lee is majestically imposing as the traitor wizard Saruman, who seeks to hinder the Fellowship and claim the ring himself, though the film does not make this quite as clear as it was in the books. The dialogue follows Tolkien for the most part, names of chapters are slipped into conversations as a treat for the faithful, and the locations are exactly as they were in the books and Tolkien's sketches. The scenes where Tolkien's dialogue flows through and time seems to stop are the most eloquent and riveting - Gandalf and Frodo talking in the Mines of Moria - and the heartbreaking climax of the Moria sequence, which brought me to tears even though I knew full well what was coming. Some complain of the film ending suddenly, which is exactly how the book ended (actually even more abruptly than the film) - the film ends this way because it is not really a seperate film with a set beginning and end, it is one film divided into three parts, as the book was one epic released in three sections. The other major complaint most have is with the expanded role of Arwen (Liv Tyler), Aragorn's elven lover. Nothing new is added to her part - she merely absorbs the actions of character of her brother, and it detracts nothing from the overall film. In conclusion, this was one of the best movies of 2001, and one of the greatest adventures of all time. And while George Lucas may have one more Star Wars to go, he will be hard-pressed to recall the glorious fun and excitement of "The Empire Strkes Back" or "Raiders Of The Lost Ark" as this movie does. The only recommendation I have - read the damn books first! Don't complain or say anything about that kid named Harry if you haven't read them - they're astounding, the cornerstone of all fantasy. Then see this, an instant classic of a film, with the promise of more to come.
Rating:
Summary: This is the Version All Should See
Review: Any future releases of this movie should be released in its extended format. The extra scenes and dialogue add so much to the movie and bring it closer to Tolkein's epic. The movie is beautifully shot, casted, and directed - a masterpiece and much worthy of the Oscar nomination. Every scene is a work of cinematic art. With the added scenes the forshadowing of things to come in the following movies (and in fantasy, forshadowing is so important) becomes much clearer. Even if you originally saw this in the theaters, I would encourage you to view the extended DVD.
Rating: 
Summary: Ignore the staff rater here. Peter Jackson is a hack.
Review: Anyone who has actually read this literary masterpiece as a novel and not as a possible screenplay knows that Peter Jackson corrupted nearly every literary aspect Tolkien imbued into this wonderful story. The motivations of nearly all of the major characters have been severely modifed to be contrary to Tolkien's explicit designs, and major scenes have been totally rewritten, again contrary to Tolkien's explicit intents, in order to introduce more "Hollywoodesque" scenes and plot devices, such as an active love story, which is completely absent among the main characters as a plot device. Contrary to the main editorial reviewer, this is not a compression, it is an alteration, and a severe one at that. We see precious minutes spent on dalliances which add nothing to the underlying story, such as Merry and Pippin trying to steal fireworks. Which leads us to the complete farcification of those two characters, into slapstick comedy of the worst "B" movie variety. All main characters are perverted into weak-willed people who are constantly searching for reasons to succeed. We see Aragorn, the strong archetypal main character turned into a weakling fleeing from his responsibilities, to be called back and reminded of them by others. Frodo, the main character, has been turned from the simple yet amazingly indominable typical Hobbit into yet another weak character who needs support at every opportunity. Key scenes demonstrating his ability to withstand the compulsion of corruption beyond what even the Wise would dream possible are removed, to make way for the development of a non-existent love storyline between Arwen and Aragorn. If you've read the novels, you know that Arwen is completely non-relevant in the action of the story. Frodo's stand at the Fjord of Brunen, completely cut by Jackson from the story, is one of the most important scenes in the entire first novel, indeed in the entire series. Frodo demonstrates his willpower in resisting the power of the ring, even while wounded severely and facing all nine wraiths at once. This sets a very important theme which is called on repeatedly. Instead in Jackson's (per)version, we see a helpless Frodo being carried along, unconscious and completely incapable of taking the slightest action. We then hear later, in another completely unnecessary and non-existent dialog which takes time from Tolkien's brilliance, that Frodo is amazingly strong to live so long. Wow, great writing and direction Peter. How do you do it. If you want to see a truly faithful redition, which does not compromise Tolkien's literary creation in the literary aspects, which are what is important, not an action plotline filled in with drama here and there in Hollywood style, then rent the animated versions. In literally every respect they faithfully transfer Tolkien's brilliant writing and character creation to the screen.
Rating:
Summary: Simply amazing.
Review: Anyone who liked the movie when it came out in the theatre should buy this disc set -- while I understand that Peter Jackson did not want to make the movie any longer than it already was, the 30 or 40 minutes of extra footage added to this version of the movie, plus almost seven hours of documentary footage on the making of the movie is well worth the higher than usual price. Almost every chapter on the DVD contains new footage, and there are about four or five completely new scenes not in the theatrical version. One of these is the gift-giving scene in Lothlorien, which was one of the scenes people seemed to miss the most from the movie when it was first released. If you have never seen the movie, well...I can only say that this is one of the best movies I have ever seen -- and in its own way, I think it is at least as good or better than the book itself, something you cannot often say about a movie based on a book. Almost everything about this movie is good -- the cast, the direction, the dialogue, the special effects, the story, the score...there are points in the movie where I am moved to tears. Maybe that makes me sappy, but I challenge anyone to watch the movie and not be moved by the scenes in Moria or the scenes at Amon Hen. I have no regrets about buying this DVD, and I don't know anyone else who enjoyed the movie who didn't like this version even more.
Rating:
Summary: Wow!!!
Review: Apparently Middle Earth does exist, because it's been brilliantly captured in The Fellowship of the Rings, the first chapter of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Plenty of other reviews and sources will tell you the details of the story here, so I'll be brief. Frodo Baggins, a hobbit, comes into control of a magical ring that is desired by the powerful warlord who created it. To save Middle Earth, Frodo and many friends including wizards and warriors begin a fateful journey to destroy the ring (which can only be done in the fires of Mount Doom, smack in the middle of the warlord's stronghold). A note -- this is a trilogy, so this is only the beginning of Frodo's journey. I have a friend who was upset by the "ending" of this movie, not understanding that the story really didn't end, only the first chapter -- the remaining chapters are still in production. There's been a lot of debate by fans of Tolkein's book as to whether this story should have ever been told. All I can say in response is that the producers of this film show in every detail that they love and respect Tolkein's vision, and although some elements had to be adjusted to make the story fit the movie limits (to keep this chapter limited to 2 1/2 hours rather than three days, mostly), every effort was made to remain as faithful to Tolkein as possible. This isn't the usual thrown-together Hollywood garbage. It's a loving attempt at telling the story, a serious attempt to do it right. This DVD also comes packaged with tons of behind-the-scenes goodies, all of which are recommended viewing. I especially recommend anyone who thinks that this movie should have never been made watch these making of specials to get a better idea of just how much respect the director has for Tolkein's work. And by the way, there are still two more chapters to come.
Rating:
Summary: Elegantly Moving
Review: As a (almost) lifelong Tolkien fan, I have been anticipating this film for about 2 years. I went to see it the day it was released, and to be honest, I have virtually nothing to complain about. I don't want to sound like one of those people who loves everything; because believe me, I can be picky. But Peter Jackson did such a good job on 'The Lord of the Rings' that I am completely satisfied. First of all, there definitely were a lot of changes made that didn't correspond with the books. Whole chapters were left out (Old Man Willow and Tom Bombadil to name a couple), different things were put in, and yet the movie seemed to flow perfectly. Rabid Tolkien fanatics will always find something to gripe about, but the rest of us will most likely appreciate a movie well done. I think that the changes that were made were done with great care, and after a day or two of thinking about it, I can understand why Peter Jackson did what he did. It's better to think of the movie as a companion piece to the book, rather than an actual carbon copy of the book put on screen. I see the book as Tolkien's work, and the movie as Peter Jackson's vision and interpretation of the book. Two completely separate things. And then there is the acting. I thought it was done superbly, especially Gandalf. If someone had told me during the movie that an actor was actually portraying Gandalf, I wouldn't have believed them. Ian McKellen could not have done better. I also appreciated how Galadriel is depicted as beautiful yet dangerous and frightening at the same time. Boromir was done extremely well, as was Aragorn. The scenery was breathtaking; New Zealand is a beautiful place, and perfect for 'The Lord of the Rings.' The mountains, valleys, forests and rivers really brought Middle Earth to life. I would recommend this film to anyone, young or old, Tolkien fan or not. However, if you are one of those 'Tolkien purists', then be prepared for disappointment, because there are a lot of changes. But in my opinion, they were all for the good. (Except for the fact that Frodo didn't sing in Bree, but that's trivial.) Go see 'The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,' you won't regret it.
Rating:
Summary: A Legend
Review: As a 12-year-old of Windsor Ontario, I think that The Lord of The Rings is agreat Movie. The book, Fellowship of the Ring, was great but I had troyble understanding alot of the concepts. The movie however, cleared up my visions and now I understand the whole trilogy from the Shire to Mordor. Peter Jackson did an excellent job in produncing a movie from a fantasy novel. The cast (Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, Orlando Bloo, John Rhys-Davies, Billy Boyd, Dominic Monaghen, etc) did a great job with their charaters and did an excellent job considering they were the first actors to attempt to shoot the Lord of the Rings triolgy. Even though there were only 2 female actresses, the movie turned out great. A job well done to the Fellowship of the Ring!
Rating:
Summary: Superb
Review: As a devoted fan of the Trilogy, I shuddered to hear that there would be a cinematic adaptation of Tolkein's fantastic Middle Earth. Readers need not fear, for the film illustrates every nuance of the story. From the masterful Gandalf, to our gallant protector Aragorn, each character is a rich tapestry of wonder. Every scene is artfully composed around sets filled to the brim with quirky details. Though a bit long, viewers will not feel the fatigue usually associated with a three hour film. The story moves quickly enough, with enough force and action to rival the best of the blockbuster shoot 'em up flicks. One effect of a tour through Middle Earth is that it leaves the viewer with a sense that we are somehow bettered for having seen the film. That is a rare and true quality found only when the right combination of character, plot and setting sing together in perfect harmony. Lord of the Rings does just that.
Rating:
Summary: As Close as it gets
Review: As a fan of LOTR for 25 years, I was very skeptical of how they could make a movie, and was also pre-skeptical. I have the books just about memorized. Never have I been so pleased. All the imagination I had about what middle earth was matched very closely to the movie. I just can't wait until THE TWO TOWERS comes out. That was the only drawback to the movie. I already knew what was going to happen. Another huge surprise was that they followed the book almost exactly. My Precious
Rating:
Summary: Honestly, this is the greatest movie I have ever seen!
Review: As a fan of Tolkein's works, I must say I was nervous about this film. I'm realistic enough to know that, while I would love to see every word of the books in the movie, it is hardly possible. Nor is it the best way to adapt a book for film. Still, I had high expectations, and was prepared to be disappointed. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect what I saw. This movie exceeded my greatest hopes. This film is truly a masterpiece.
I have seen it with both Tolkein fans and those who have never heard of Hobbits, and the reaction has been the same: the best movie in years. If you haven't seen it, make to plans to go. Unless you are the type that prefer movies containing lots of nudity and car chases, you will love this film. One thing, though. It is important to understand that this is the 1st part of 3 part story. It doesn't really have an ending, because it is not meant to until the the third and final film. The only reason the story was originaly published in three books is because the publisher was afraid that readers would be intimidated by the size. There really is no way to bring any kind of closure in the first movie, nor will there be in the second. Not until December, 2003, will the journey finally be finished. Believe me, it will be worth the trip!
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