NOTE: This isn't a review, and there are no spoilers. Just observations and thoughts.

I went to see this movie with a diverse group of people. There were hardcore Tolkien know-it-alls (Mike), people who read the books years ago but aren't fanatics (me), and people who didn't know anything about the books. And we all LOVED this movie.

In the audience were a few people who dressed up, but they didn't sing or chant. They strutted about for a bit while others shouted their approval of the costumes, and a few yelled out "Frodo lives!"

Before it started, the theater manager came out and made a little speech about how incredible the movie is, and that we should go to the restroom now since we wouldn't want to miss anything, and "no blowing the Horn of Borimir*. I know one of you in the back has it." [pointing to the costumed group] Kinda dorky, but...heh.

By the way, I'm glad I went to see it opening night. The audience were people who really wanted to see the movie. The was no talking, no babies, no popcorn-chompers, and no scoffing. During quiet pauses in the dialogue and action, no one in the packed theater made a sound. Very nice. :)

Visually, it's the most magnificent movie I've ever seen (followed closely by Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon). The scenery, sets and costumes blew my mind.

The elf king looked very elven, without looking dainty, which was just right. Also, I'm SO glad they didn't use midgets for the hobbits. It wouldn't have been faithful to the books' descriptions, and they wouldn't have been able to cast Elijah Wood as Frodo. :)

One of the things I value most in a movie is subtlety. I hate it when a movie (or book) rubs your face in the plot or the character development, as if the writers are yelling, "Get it? Get it?"

This movie never did that. Aspects like Bilbo's pollution and Saruman's treachery were suggested just enough so that the viewer could see that something wasn't quite right, but without giving the game away.

The moment when Bilbo reached for the ring around Frodo's neck was AWESOME! I think my friend is going to have nightmares about hobbits tonight-- she screamed when he did that. :)

Lines to watch for (to the best of my memory)

--Gandalf: "I was barely involved!"
--"Nobody tosses this dwarf!" (cheap joke, but still funny)

Things that make you go Hmm:
"Dead Alive" ("Brain Dead" to you non-North Americans) and this movie were directed by the same man.

Jes"wow"sica

*I think that was the horn's name. I forget.