> From: Alberto Monteiro [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
> [Monthy Python and the Wizard�s Duel I refered to that as the "Wizards Smackdown!" And didn't like it either. > the pseudo-Kraken Well done. Different than the book but OK for me. > and the battle against the Troll It went on too long. Again, different but acceptable for me. > there were some acceptable changes, > there were some beautiful scenarios, there were even some > changes that *improved* parts of the book, and - what made > me hopeful for the sequels - there were things that Tolkien > wrote outside LotR that entered the movie. > However, I saw LOTR for the second time recently and liked it more the second time. This time I was able to avoid thinking about all the changes and accept them for what they were. And, in many cases, they made sense when integrated into the "new" plot. Aragorn telling Frodo to go on Amon Hen was one that really bothered me the first time. But it makes sense when integrated with this other Aragorn who is afraid that he'll be seduced by the Ring. And the Ring is much more malvolent and active in the movie, so Aragorn being that concerned also makes sense. Other thoughts: I thought Bilbo was great and wish that Ian Holm could play him in "The Hobbit" if they ever were to do that one. Ian McKellen was Gandalf. Elijah Wood was excellent, but if his eyes were any bigger he could play one of the PowerPuff Girls! The relationship between Frodo and Sam was done well. Legolas rocked! That said, what really bugged me was Lorien. Not enough time was spent developing the characters reactions to Galadriel, especially Gimli. And where were the gifts? I know, these things are rumored to have been shot and will be included in the DVD. But why not cut a minute or two out of one of the fight scenes and include it. One thing that I thought was funny on second viewing was the Balrog's wings. If you've ever spent time in 'rec.arts.books.tolkien', you will know that whether or not the Balrog in Moria had wings is one of the never ending debates. In the movie, they successfully showed both points of view. Sometimes the Balrog looked like it had wings and other times it just looked like shadow or smoke. Perfect! And I still couldn't avoid thinking "Welcome to Rivendell... Mr. Anderson." - John H
