Lord of the Rings - a review by Dave Fischer
I realize that adapting Tolkien's epic work to the big screen is a difficult undertaking, and many interpretations and compromises had to be considered, but what possible excuse was there for moving the entire thing to the slums of New York City, and turing it into a funk musical!?!?
Perhaps I'll get an explanation for that some day. In any case, once you get past that one incredibly weird directing decision, this is actually a pretty good flick.
Another slightly odd decision was having Bilbo Baggins played by Dianna Ross. I think the feel of the hobbit's hole in the side of a hill has an interesting analogue in the harlem kitchen Dianna is seen lamenting to herself in. Startling at first, this portrayal is oddly compelling.
Whatever your feelings for Mordor, who wouldn't want to jump in and Ease on down, ease on down the road! to the dominion of evil and certain death? I know I'd join in!
I particularly liked the bit where Gandalf accidently invokes the spirit creatures which were entombed in mystical engravings on the walls of the subway station.
Overall - a good movie, perhaps even a good adaption, but sure to annoy the purist fans of the original. (Which is why they're LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSERS!)