Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings ★★★½ 2001 (PG-13)

The first in Jackson's trilogy of films based on the books by J.R.R. Tolkein. Young hobbit Frodo Baggins, after inheriting a mysterious ring from his uncle Bilbo, must leave his home in order to keep it from falling into the hands of its evil creator. Along the way, a fellowship is formed to protect the ringbearer and make sure that the ring arrives at its final destination: Mt. Doom, the only place where it can be destroyed. Jackson's amazing visuals bring the imaginary world and mythology of Tolkein to life. The three and a half hour pic stays closer to the original novel than any of the previous efforts (all animated), while still managing to keep a quick enough pace for those unfamiliar with the lengthy literary work. Should get repeated viewing in parents' basements for years to come. 178m/C VHS, DVD . Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, Cate Blanchett, John Rhys-Davies, Dominic Monaghan, Billy Boyd, Orlando Bloom, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving, Sean Bean, Ian Holm, Andy Serkis, Marton Csokas; D: Peter Jackson; W: Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens; C: Andrew Lesnie; M: Howard Shore. Oscars ‘01: Cinematog.; British Acad. ‘01: Director (Jackson), Film, Visual FX; L.A. Film Critics ‘01: Score; Natl. Bd. of Review ‘01: Support. Actress (Blanchett); Screen Actors Guild ‘01: Support. Actor (McKellen); Broadcast Film Critics ‘01: Song (“May It Be”), Score.