One film to rule them all

The Fellowship of the Ring - PG-13\nStarring: Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, Ian McKellan\nDirected by: Peter Jackson\nShowing: Showplace East 11\nIf you haven't read the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien, you'll be furious when you see the movie. Not because you're confused, as many who haven't read the books worry -- but because the movie leaves you in such suspense you're left wondering how you can wait another year for the next movie.\nLong-time Tolkien fans and rookies alike will love Peter Jackson's intense thriller "The Fellowship of the Ring." Jackson, whose directing experience has included mostly grisly horror movies, does a splendid job of not only remaining true to the book, but also simplifying the story enough for those unfamiliar with it to understand. \nThe movie is a mammoth three hours long, but don't worry, it's not "Pearl-Harbor-can't-wait-until-it's-over" long. It's clear that Jackson has a particularly good eye for detail and shows it by including many tidbits that only those who have read the book will notice.\nThe movie tells the tale of the hobbit Frodo Baggins, who sets out with eight companions to destroy the evil One Ring. The company is pursued by evil on their journey, meeting black ringwraiths, orcs, demons and other perils along their way. But don't think the movie is just about fight scenes -- it's also about drama, and is helped by inspired acting.\nElijah Wood gives the performance of his career as Frodo and is truly believable in his portrayal of Frodo's emotions. But Wood isn't the only actor to shine -- Ian McKellen is the perfect fit to play the Wizard Gandalf. The biggest surprise in the movie is how well real-life punk rocker Orlando Bloom plays Legolas the fair elf. Yet it's not Bloom's acting that makes him the possible fan-favorite of the movie, but his incredible role in the fight scenes. \nThe cast is also strengthened by the presence of Liv Tyler and Cate Blanchett, who both play elves in the movie. You'll also recognize the familiar face of Sean Astin, who put on considerable weight since playing the Notre Dame football walk-on in "Rudy," and Hugo Weaving, who played Agent Smith in "The Matrix." \nThe three hours will fly by when you see this film -- and after that, you'll want to spend another $7 and three hours seeing it again. Its combination of action and drama has few rivals in film history and will keep you on the edge of your seat -- all the way until next December when the second installment of the trilogy is released.