[Lostgaeriel]

I have to confess that I like Jackson's 'The Fellowship of the Ring' less and less each time I view it. I was gushing with praise after the first time I watched it. At first, I forgave PJ's changes; I understood some were made for cinematic reasons. But now, the wholesale changes of the characters' fundamental natures - especially Frodo, Aragorn and Arwen - get me upset. <P>Frodo is not a cowardly wimp; he defies the Enemy and actively defends himself in all attacks upon his person - at the barrow, at Weathertop, at Bruinen, etc. <P>Aragorn is not afraid of his destiny; he's been fighting Sauron in every corner of Middle-earth for almost 70 years to prepare for his own kingship. Afterall, he cannot marry Arwen until he is King - that's supposed to be a big incentive.<P>Arwen is not the warrior/healer/magician; by giving her those attributes, PJ has stolen them from Aragorn, Elrond and Gandalf. He's reduced those characters. (Not to mention Glorfindel!)<P>These character 'modifications' change the essential nature of the story. There's a difference between interpreting Tolkien's work for film and re-writing it so unfaithfully. And some of these changes were made to get cheap laughs. The dwarf-tossing and 'it's still sharp' jokes really aggravate me.<P>I haven't yet gone to see 'The Two Towers'. I know I'm going to like it less than the first installment. I want to like it - really. I'm afraid to see what other unnescessary changes have been made. (I've been avoiding spoilers.)