Saw it last night. I really enjoyed it. I read the book when I was quite young and couldn't remember much of it, and I think that was to my benefit as I didn't notice any changes and I could just enjoy Jackson's interpretation. It also means I don't have to complain about the length of the whole saga. I see a lot of people complaining about dragging it out, and I get it, but for me I am perfectly happy to watch 2 more 3 hour movies about this amazing world.
LOTR is like Star Wars for my generation. It was a phenomenon, filmed in an unconventional way, by a little known director with a big vision. They created a universe that people could believe existed and the possibilities from something like that is endless.
Freeman was great, as was McKellan. Loved Gollum, and the scenes in the underground. I think they did a great job differentiating between the Dwarves looks, but keeping the names straight is tough. But, its not the screenwriters fault all the names sound the same. The names are the names. I know Radagast was added character but I really enjoyed him. I thought the idea with the rabbit sled was good fun and the scene with the wags i really enjoyed.
All in all I thought i was great and I want to back and see it again and pay more attention to it. I look forward to seeing it many more times.
9/10
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