[Imladris]

I really wasn't surprised they cut out a lot from the movie (though I was saddened to see the Anjela's part cut so much), mainly because, when you read the books, you can tell that he's trying to stretch it into a story that is greater than LotR.

And it doesn't work because...well, he's not all that talented (sorry fans).

Though, actually, now that I think about it, he and Tolkien did share something in common.

Lack of character developement.

Now, before you throw your stones at me, let me elaborate. The hobbits were developed, as is Eragon to a degree. However, Legolas/Arya/Arwen (we'll put the elves together), Brom/Gandalf the White (not the Grey), Sapphira...

I wouldn't really care if any of those characters died. I'd say, That's too bad and then move on.

Tolkien can get away with it though, because his work is...epic. It is meant not to be relatable, it is meant to be a shadow (to borrow an illusion in MacDonald's the Golden Key) of things beyond us. It is a tale of good and evil, etc. Tolkien can pull this off because...he's grown up. He knows things, because he's lived longer, experienced things a teenager cannot experience (this is not to say that teenagers don't get It...but it does take experience and talent to write it down in such a powerful way).

On the other hand, Paolini was homeschooled (nothing against them, I'm one myself), but the point is, most homeschoolers (that I've met, including myself), are sheltered. Last I heard (I do not know if this is true), he was still living with his parents and he is now in his 20s.

That will effect your writing. It has effected mine.

So, when it comes to making a movie, there really isn't much to work with if you're comparing Eragon to Lord of the Rings.

I want to say that I did enjoy the movies more than the book (and, for those who know me and my intense dislike for the Inheritance trilogy), this is saying something. The characters seemed more real (not totally real, but a little closer), and yes, the dialogue was painful --~~ that was even in LotR though, as I'm sure some of you will eagerly point to a certain blonde haired elf.

And, like the LotR movies, the music was pretty.

Hope this wasn't too rambly.