I love the Tolkien books, and I love the movies, especially the director's cut. I didn't like some of the plot changes, material left out, etc., but I wasn't expecting fidelity. I couldn't set the books aside, but for me the question was, as it is for every movie, does it entertain me? LOTR is one of the most entertaining movies I know that is based on a book. I have simple criteria, low barriers, and common tastes. Besides, the question was not "what is your favorite movie" or "what is your favorite book." Nothing is perfect.