May 17, 2002

Re: Finally Some Common Sense
Bob the Builder

Apologies for driving you nuts, but let me speak in defence for all the complainers out there. Complaints are just as much a part of this forum as praises and scholarly arguments over whether the Balrog had wings or not.

Complaints are no more 'harmful and usless' as praises, and, like praises, they should be judged on their individual merits. Of course a movie cannot be EXACTLY the same as a book (and the LOTR is probably one of the least filmable books around), however, as a LOTR fan, I think I am entitled to at least expect that there be a good reason for any substantive deviations (for example, I agree with the omission of Tom Bombadil).

In the end, to make a blanket denial of all criticisms does a disservice to LOTR fans and stifles the kind of exchange of ideas that a forum such as this makes possible. Instead, you should judge each view on its own merits.

Just quickly, some of my positive views on the movie once again:
1) Thank goodness it will be 3 3 hour movies, a very brave commercial decision
2) I really liked most of the casting
3) I also loved the depiction of the Shire. It brought a tear to my eye to see all the fireworks (especially the Dragon one that was mentioned in The Hobbit, if I'm not mistaken) come alive on screen.