I am much relieved after seeing it. They made several changes from book to movie, but most for the better, and they kept to Tolkien's spirit. This is the first film adaptation which I can wholeheartedly recommend. Most of the casting is spot-on (the personalities really come through), the film is gorgeous to look at, and it even has a decent sound-track. Those of us in the entertainment business have to see so many special effects movies, and they are usually so bad that it is painful. This is a movie where the effects are in service to the plot. About damned time. See it. As many times as you can. It will be a long wait until next Christmas and the next movie. Carolly