The books were amazing, I read all of them years ago, the movies though were absolute garbage, I could barely get through the first two and that was it for me. That idiot Elijah Wood was just utterly miscast “Oh Saaaam” ugh, plus I think this was something that really couldn’t be made into a movie, these were books that required the imagination of the reader, the movies did away with that.
Elijah Wood was my one criticism of the movies. Reading the books, Frodo was self-doubting but tough. Watching the movies, Frodo was a complete whimp with perpetually watering eyes.
Otherwise, I thought they were well done if too short.
Most movies do away with imagination, imho. In most cases the books were better.
The movies, for what they were, weren’t too bad.
disclaimer: I still prefer my own imagination and the original books.
I agree that the casting of Elijah Wood was a poor choice. Not that he isn’t an okay actor, but he did not suit the role.
On the other hand, the casting for Elrond and Eomer, among others, was outstanding. My reading of Elrond, going back to his first appearance in the “Silmarillion,” is enriched now that I picture him resembling the young Sam Neill.