The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

'The Fellowship of the Ring', the first of the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy filmed in New Zealand at a cost of over $200 million, is arguably the most hyped of all time, and looks set to become one of the biggest box offices draws ever. But is it any good? Well, yes, as far as action packed blockbusters go, it's very very good. For those of you who haven't read the books (guilty as charged, your honour), the story is a simple. Elijah Wood plays Frodo the hobbit, who is set the task of destroying the One Ring before an evil chap named Sauron can get his paws on it and use it for his own evil ends. Of course, the path to the ring is littered with danger and Frodo and his accomplices must keep their wits about them if their home of Middle Earth is to survive. Director Jackson hasn't been schooled in the Hollywood blockbuster tradition and it shows. Not that that is a bad thing. With good solid characters, a tightly helmed narrative and a cast of excellent actors, he's created an enjoyable film. Those who have read the book will inevitably find fault with some aspects of the movie, but ultimately this is an extremely engaging slice of hokum.