Perhaps one of the most anticipated films of the year, and based on the fantasy world created by J.R.R. Tolkien in his popular series of books, Lord of the Rings proved itself lord of the box office this past winter. The first in a three part series, LOTR tells the story of hobbit Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) and his quest to destroy a ring of power that threatens the security of Middle Earth. Joined by his friends, and a fellowship of companions including wizard Gandalf the Grey (Ian McKellen), Frodo finds danger and adventure as a series of events unfold which take him through the various realms of the enchanted world, and closer and closer to the clutches of the dark lord Sauron. Along the way, he is shadowed by one of the ring’s previous owners, Gollum, meets Galadriel (Cate Blanchett), the beautiful mystic, and is aided by a prince in self-imposed exile Aragorn/Strider (Viggo Mortenson).
The brainchild of director Peter Jackson for over 15 years, the movie sports a strong cast, a brilliant array of special effects, and an exciting script that did well to bring the fantastic and complex world of Tolkien’s “Middle Earth” to life.