4 out of 5

Director: Peter Jackson

You’ve read the books or you havent. I havent. I am also not that big into fantasy literature or films. Yet, despite thinking that it would be otherwise… I was thoroughly entertained – and even engaged – by this first Lord of the Rings movie. After an uneven and yet fascinating film output – culminating in the nigh-perfect Heavenly Creatures and Frighteners – Peter Jackson progressed to this, and it was one of those dreams come true, showing that the little horror film-maker could make a potential mess of a film into a critically and financially successful blockbuster. And the skill is absolutely there: Almost all sequences have an a polished presentation, stitched together in such a way that it shows reverence for all characters but allows newbies to get into the fray without feeling bogged down in history. And although this couldve been an opportunity to go bonkers with CGI, it is mostly tastefully done, saving the wows for the expanse of the story as opposed to wacky graphics. While Ive always disliked Jacksons use of slow-motion, and while the dramatic sequences still seem to suffer slightly from his comedic background, this is still incredible film-making. Whatever. Youve seen it already. The point being that for someone who didnt think theyd like it (me), I was way surprised, and felt eager for the sequel.