Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

The first in Jackson's trilogy of films based on the books by J.R.R. Tolkein. Young hobbit Frodo Baggins, after inheriting a mysterious ring from his uncle Bilbo, must leave his home in order to keep it from falling into the hands of its evil creator. Along the way, a fellowship is formed to protect the ringbearer and make sure that the ring arrives at its final destination: Mt. Doom, the only place where it can be destroyed. Jackson's amazing visuals bring the imaginary world and mythology of Tolkein to life. The three and a half hour pic stays closer to the original novel than any of the previous efforts (all animated), while still managing to keep a quick enough pace for those unfamiliar with the lengthy literary work. Should get repeated viewing in parents' basements for years to come.