I would have to agree on the Phial thing, just because it looks like a simple piece of glass actually, and not something very important. It just looks cheap.
But on the other hand, how were they supposed to do it differently?
Although I must say I don't feel that uneasy when seeing it.
What makes me uneasy, is Gandalf's staff, as they enter the Mines of Moria.
When he says: "Let's make some light" or something along those lines, and then the top of the staff starts glowing. It's a bit the same impression I have as with the Phial, it just looks cheap.
And, another little thing: The first time we see Sauron in FOTR, he stands there with his ring on his hand, and that looks like a scene from, well, the Power Rangers or something....
