[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.

[dogbyte12]

I absolutely loved the movie, but then again I am a fan of the books. My wife thought the movie was great, but not spectacular, but kept raving about how wonderful she thought Natalie Portman's dresses were in the Star Wars trailer. Mars and Venus thing I suppose. We both thought Viggo Mortensen did an amazing job as Aragorn/Strider. She never read the books, but found his acting amazing. I was very pleasantly surprised by Elijah Wood. He became Frodo for me.

[genew]

Last night was the first time I ever went to a midnight movie. I have waited over thirty years to see 'The Lord of the Rings.' It was well worth the wait. Thanks and kudos to Peter Jackson and company.

I could quibble about condensations, ommissions and the like. But it would be for nought. The movie works so well and on so many levels, and tells Tolkien's magnificent tale so very beautifully, that to concern oneself with such specious notions would be indeed craven.

Tomorrow, I'm taking my stepson to see it when he gets in town for Christmas vacation. For those of you who get to see it, I think you will agree that three words sum up the experience as the post credits are shown: ROLL THE SEQUEL!

[RobFromGa]

I'm at T-60 and counting... I can hardly wait, glueing fur to my feet as I type... I went and saw '78 version on opening day, so much higher expectations this time... (not really glueing fun on feet but sounded like fun)

[blackbart1]

Great review but I will miss Tom Bombadil and Goldberry and the grand council. But I can't wait to see the movie. Thanks for taking the time and reporting to us.

[SauronOfMordor]

We're taking the kids to see it this afternoon right after work!

[beowolf]

An excellently written review! I will probably even (shudder) go to a theater to watch it for the full effect.

[Wm Bach]

Go see this movie today.

oKAY! i'm GOING! At 6:30.

[Deb]

You got the "mindset" exactly right since Peter Jackson says he went into this as an "historical retelling".

Does your wife agree with your review?

In the theatre you saw it in, was the picture bright enough to see Aragon in that first shot at the Prancing Pony?

[mtngrl@vrwc]

My husband and I went to the midnight showing here on the left coast and it was just awesome! For anyone who has read the books and is already a fan, prepare to be blown away! The casting was superb, the special effects knocked my socks off!

The crowd who stayed up so late to be the first to see this incredible movie was like any other I have shared a movie with. There was total silence in the theater throughout the entire three hours, with the exception of some quiet crying during some parts of the movie. Otherwise, I didn't want to even get into the package of candy that I paid $2.75 for, the whole theater would have heard me. The audience was enthralled. Oh, except for the end when they broke into applause!

[KC Burke]

Thanks for the first hand account. As it has been 34 years since I read this and the story still remains bright in my memory, I'm looking forward to seeing it during the holidays.

The concept that the three films will have an eveness of character and style due to being filmed in sequence, is something that enthuses me. It will make each part something to await and savor. Often sequels are soooo different from the original that they don't stand as an overall Work.

All works that elevate the reality of Virtues, those things often beyond human reason, understanding or logic, invoke the Transcendant Order in our world and never fail to inspire me.

[BigBlueJon]

I saw the 12:01 viewing last night also. Fantastic!! The special effects were believable. (if you were scared by Bilbo's transition, raise your hand) From the terrifying orcs to the majestic landscape shots, everything was just how I imagined it.

The acting was perfect. Every character was just perfect, even the glimpse of Gollum. I'll say it again, just how I imagined them. I saw the movie with my brother and I'll probably see it again with my wife if we can work something out with the 2 month old.

I'm confident that this will be the best movie of the year and will continue into next year with high marks. I've waited since I was a kid to see this movie and was not disappointed.

[ThinkPlease]

Great review! I just got back from the noon showing...whoo!!! Loved it!

By the way, on the wings thing, I think Peter answered the question once and for all. *ahem* But I think I'll have to go to the 7:30 pm showing to make sure. ;-).

[RobFromGa]

Just got back from seeing it. I thought all the effects were spectacular and the casting was excellent except I would have liked Strider and Boromir to look a little more different and Liv Tyler wasn't a great choice. I give it a solid A. I'll be interested to hear reactions from people who did not read the book.

[New Horizon]

Saw it today at 9:00. It was AWESOME, to say the least.

[lowbridge]

But to someone blessedly belonging to the realm of normal mortals, the idea of seeing a movie at midnight - unless it's Rocky Horror Picture Show - is still a bit peculiar.

I haven't done that yet! :-)

[Brian Kopp DPM]

Dittos, Darth. Dittos. Words cannot describe the experience of this movie. Simply the best movie I've ever seen.

Here's another review thread:

Movie Review—The Lord of the Rings

[aruanan]

Thanks. I'm looking forward to seeing it. What ever happened with the traffic camera?

[CARepubGal]

This was an AWESOME movie. One of the best I have seen! It followed the book without getting bogged down in detail. Fantastic scenery and the Balrog was a fantastic monster. I am going again this weekend. This was worth 3 hours of sleep.

[Jeremiah Jr]

Exodus 26
²⁴They shall be coupled together at the bottom and they shall be coupled together at the top by one ring. Thus it shall be for both of them. They shall be for the two corners. ²⁵So there shall be eight boards with their sockets of silver--sixteen sockets--two sockets under each of the boards.
²⁶"And you shall make bars of acacia wood: five for the boards on one side of the tabernacle, ²⁷five bars for the boards on the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the side of the tabernacle, for the far side westward. ²⁸The middle bar shall pass through the midst of the boards from end to end. ²⁹You shall overlay the boards with gold, make their rings of gold as holders for the bars, and overlay the bars with gold. ³⁰And you shall raise up the tabernacle according to its pattern which you were shown on the mountain.

[Doctor Doom]

My fellow fictional bad guy - you are bang on in your review.

(did you see the preview for the new Time Machine? I'm psyched.)