I agree. Being able to digest it for a few years, I’m really not happy with the movie in relation to the books. It’s good within itself but misses the essence of Tolkein.
Ironically some of the more subtle things it got right, especially the scenery, so it wasn’t a total waste. But the main characters were off.
later
“It’s good within itself but misses the essence of Tolkein.”
Exactly! Well said!