Rate the Cast's performance.

[Turin]

Just to point out...

What I have observed from reading the posts is that all those who speak about how the movies are "sooooo perfect" have inadvertantly criticised them, especially blaming poor delivery on "bad" lines or poor writing. Yeah.. the films were still REALLY perfect! (not)

Anyway....

Main characters:

Elijah Wood - normally an ok actor, but I think he was out of his depth in this role. He seems far too young to play Frodo and has a whiny type of voice that just irritated the hell out of me, and yes, his eyes do roll a lot.

Sean Astin can't act, but was redeemed by a better character depiction than most. At least he had a few decent lines, and it is always going to be favourable when you are in an emotional scene such as when Sam carries Frodo on his back.

Dominic Monaghan came off IMO as the most convincing hobbit out of the 4, though still was not happy with his lines or lack of sense, though granted he could hardly be blamed for THAT.

Pippin (can't remember the guy's name) - awful. Despite a crap characterisation by the writers, I just couldn't buy into the guy's depiction of Pippin. Don't know why... maybe it was his Scottish accent, or his facial movements.

Ian McKellan did an excellent job as Gandalf, but again, hampered by poor characterisation and inconsistencies in several places.

Christopher Lee Excellent! I've always rated his acting ability and he's character is not let down at all, except when the writers have interfered.

Viggo Mortenson I think he was average. As with Elijah, I think he was out of his depth playing such an important character. He just resemble and kingly, noble and stern character that he is in the book. I think his accent was also a hindering factor.

John Rhys-Davies how does one comment on a person's acting ability if the only thing one is shown is his character being a prat and a laughing stock? Too many lame comic-relief moments didn't allow JRD to to demonstrate his good acting skills. Plus, ill decision to use a scottish accent!

Orlando Bloom looks half-decent (only half, mind you) as an elf, until he has to move, talk and act.

Bernard Hill His acting is always good, although I would have liked to have seen him looking a bit older and having a white beard, as depicted in the book. Good job.

John Noble again, how do you comment on acting skills when the whole characterisation is so bad?? Fair enough it wasn't his fault, but "overacting" is a word that springs to mind when I think of him.

Liv Tyler Like Bloom, looks good as an elf, until she starts speaking. Another one with an irritating voice.

Eowyn Good. She comes out as one of the stronger actors in the movies.

Gollum/Andy Serkis the CGI was excellent, though maybe not MY cup of tea. Didn't agree with the voice, but can't really complain. Good job.

Minor characters....

Sean Bean A good actor and did a good job as Boromir, both stern and proud, but tragic.

Faramir Looked like Boromir's younger brother, but I don't think the material did him any favours; couldn't really expand the role.

Mouth of Sauron What a joke!! Scary? More like a bloke with dental problems and a bad neck! Appalling.

I think my opinions (and I freely admit it) come from a combination of: depiction of characters compared to the book; my visual representation of characters; the scriptwriters' portrayal of the characters, including the lines they were given; and of course, the pure "acting" involved. It is not meant to be another criticism of the movies: just my own views regarding the characters.