[Darth Sidious]

In the two years I've been doing this for Free Republic, The Fellowship Of The Ring receives my heartiest recommendation. When this trilogy is complete it will stand as the greatest film ever made. I really believe that. Go see this movie today, it's opening day, if at all possible: tell your children and grandchildren that you were there on the first day of the film that will be to them what The Wizard Of Oz is to us.

We're going to see it again later today. For a movie that clocks in at just under three hours, that's gotta mean it's pretty good.

[Darth Sidious]

Heads up.

[Caipirabob]

I knew I could count on my fellow Freepers for my 5:25AM "Tolkien Fix"! Thanks for the post, bud! (and CONGRATS on your engagement!)

Newborn Lurtz BUMP!

[ipfreely]

I've got 7 hours and 11 minutes before I go see it.

[NYS_Eric]

In the two years I've been doing this for Free Republic, The Fellowship Of The Ring receives my heartiest recommendation. When this trilogy is complete it will stand as the greatest film ever made. I really believe that.

Thanks for the very nice review, and I tend to agree with your comment above. And this movie will make a KILLING on 2nd and 3rd showings. I see probably 3 movies a year on average, but I FULLY intend to see this movie 3 times just by itself. Peter Jackson, you da MAN!

[Harp]

"This is easily the best movie I've seen since The Patriot . . ."

Somehow I don't think they'll put this on any LOTR movie ads. Ouch. ^^

[beekeeper]

Thanks, we are seeing it Monday.

[The Duke]

For our family this movie has the distinction of being the first for which we purchased tickets in advance - over the Internet no less. We're waiting until Friday when it fits the kids' schedule...

Thanks for the review!

PS: Had this movie been reviewed as containing any liberal propoganda then, regardless of all else, we would have skipped it entirely.

[PJ-Comix]

This is a story centered on a metaphor for absolute power, symbolized in an innocent-looking gold band. It's a warning against seeking power for power's sake.

Hillary Clinton, take note.

[LTCJ]

Wow. An o'dark early review after a midnight showing - and a well written one at that.

I owe you a flagon of mead, a laurel, and hardy handshake - to mix movie metaphors.

Well done, lad. Well done.

[PJ-Comix]

Uh-Oh! If Freepers love this movie then this means the liberals are going to have to find fault with it. I wonder what the DemocraticUnderground take on LOTR will be?

[muffaletaman]

I also knew that SOMEONE here at FR would give me a heads-up early review... I'll have to see it today... and I may enter the theater but never leave. I may be transported to Middle-Earth, never to be seen in the mundane world again - who knows?

[FrdmLvr]

I can't tell you how annoyed I am with you right now! I can't see this movie for at least another week, which I've grudgingly come to accept, but now you've gone and written this piece. Delayed gratification sucks! ARGHHHHHHHHH!!! ,-)

[RedBloodedAmerican]

I saw it too. He dies in the end. Dang.

[Un-PC]

Darth,

Thanks for the movie review. I'm a huge fan of J.R.R. Tolkien and all of his books (I'm currently re-reading the trilogy). I plan to see the movie with my parents, brother and sister-in-law today at 4 p.m.

- Un-PC.

[HairOfTheDog]

Thanks for the first report!!! I am very excited about this!!!!

[Rebelbase]

Mmmmm....Me precious....mmm..you like, good.

[Reborn]

Can't wait, can't wait, can't wait.....

[AmishDude]

I brought a sign saying "Gandalf 3:16"

That is great! Very funny.

I am a sci-fi fan who has not read the books, having always "meant to". Now I will not until I see the movies because it sounds like I will get even more out of the books AFTER the movies.

I know that Tolkein was a devout Christian but it is my understanding that Norse mythology really inspired his work. While Christianity did inspire him, Tolkein rejected the notion that he was doing any sort of allegory in any way.

Lord of the Rings, by Tolkein's own admission, is not any sort of "Christian story" so I don't see why this movie should be boycotted any more than any other movie. Of course, any actor has committed sin, even the most devoutly religious one. If the issue is that they publicly flaunt it, well, a lot of straight actors do that, too.

[Tuscaloosa Goldfinch]

Okay. Here's the deal. Never read any Tolkien. (My mom, 71, has read all three of this particular trilogy.) I've read some C.S. Lewis. My husband, (not a reader by any stretch) says he doesn't think I'll like this movie because it contains scorcery. But my understanding is that the story is allegorical, in much the same way as the Narnia books are. So settle a marital disagreement, who is right? Thanks in advance. There are SO few movies I care to see. I also loved The Patriot (although I hid my eyes during one battle scene).

[Brett66]

Bump.