What the papers say
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From those first scenes, where the old wizard (Ian McKellen) is in charge of pyrotechnics at the 111th birthday of Bilbo Baggins (Ian Holm), to the gruesome battle scenes near the end, where Bilbo's nephew, Frodo (Elijah Wood) tries to keep the Ring out of evil's way, we were gripped.
? THE GUARDIAN: Explanatory dialogue may creak on occasion, but the action scenes have a snap and pace that suggests a film-maker not scared to bring his own touch to the material. Physically too, the film is a triumph.
? THE INDEPENDENT: As a fable, it's likely to satisfy only those who are easily satisfied; either children, or grown-ups who seek a refuge from the more ambiguous moral battles of life.
? THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: The screen version makes the Dark Riders and their screaming horses with burning-coal eyes frightening enough for me. Think twice before taking an imaginative eight-year-old.
? THE DAILY MAIL: The epic battles and huge set-pieces are as impressive as anything in Braveheart or Gladiator. But the human dimension is never lost, nor a sense of humour. The performances are flawless.
? THE EXPRESS: Harry Potter, prepare to fall on your broomstick - because there is no doubt The Fellowship Of The Ring is about to steal the boy wizard's thunder.
