'LORD OF THE RINGS' A MAGICAL JOURNEY

Jan. 15, 2002 – Fans of J.R.R. Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" who may or may not have been waiting for years for the movie are not likely to be disappointed either way.
Despite some departures from the book's story line, the 2 hour and 58 minute movie is a box-office smash, a highly acclaimed movie version of the first of Tolkien's well-loved trilogy which also includes "The Two Towers" and "The Return of the King," both of which have already been produced on film.
The story of good against evil, friendship and courage in a place called Middle-earth, in a time beyond history, could not have been made before now, although there have been animated versions of the Tolkien stories.
The expansive battle scenes, fantastical creatures and mythic characters — played by a list of actors that reads like the "Who's Who" of the industry's most highly acclaimed performers — could not have been created until technology caught up with the requirements of the film. It has, and judging from the movie's trailers, in precise and prodigious ways.
The movie stars Elijah Woods as Frodo Baggins, Hobbit extrordinaire, with Ian McClellan playing the mighty wizard, Gandolf -– and who better!
Cate Blanchette has been cast as Galadriel, Queen of Lothlorien, with Liv Tyler playing Arwen, a princess who in the book did little more than sit at her father's side but has been turned woman warrior in the movie version -– something Tolkien purists have objected to.
Director Peter Jackson, however, says Arwen needed to be enhanced.
In the movie, Arwen protects Baggins from spirit-warriors, according to a New York Times article on the differences between the book and the movie, something she does not do in the book.
Ian Holm plays Bilbo Baggins, Frodo's elderly cousin, who passes the sought-after magic ring, subject of the adventure, on to Frodo; Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan and Billy Boyd play Hobbits Sam, Merry and Pippin, respectively. Sean Bean, Orlando Bloom, Marton Csokas, Christopher Lee, Viggo Mortensen, John Rhys-Davies, Andy Serkis and Hugo Weaving also star.
Given the brilliant cast, techological achievements and Tolkien's well-loved story, the movie can only be a amazing film journey through the imagination.
Rated PG-13, it's playing at Market Square East on St. Thomas.