etc.

WOW. That about sums it up.

In the leadup to the release of this film, I read some early critics who said audiences will have one of three reactions to the film, depending on their familiarity with the book (I’m simplifying): if you’ve never read it, you will LOVE the film; if you’ve read it once, long ago, and can’t really remember the ending, you will LOVE the film; if you’ve read the book a million times, if you’re a Tolkeiner, if you communicate with your friends only in Elvish, you will LOVE the film but be slightly disappointed with the liberties taken with the ending. I, happily, belong in the second camp.