I took the family to see the movie last night and everyone was thoroughly entertained by it.

It certainly took me many months to read the trilogy over 25 years ago, and I can remember struggling to read it. (I'm still a slow reader even now!) The book was very slow in parts: not like the Hobbit that I had read earlier.

In contrast the movie was pacy, though I agree with Desdemona that at times the incidental music was intrusive and redundant.

The menace that was observed by the wraith-riders was exactly right. Bilbo Baggins transformation into the grasping monster seeking the return of the ring from Frodo was brilliant.

Gandalf was of course credible, but I was a little dissappointed that we did not see much of Golum (I think his role develops more in the next sequel).

Couldn't help noticing that Gimli seemed to possess a broad South Wales accent early in the film, which later became broad Scots!

The whistle playing sounded vaguely Celtic I thought, but did not at any time detract from story.

As DtG advised in the first post, I think its an excellent film but go see it and judge for yourself!

Bob vG