THE LORD OF THE RINGS: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) | Theatrical Cut - Movie WATCH ALONG!!
Added 2024-11-24 16:31:01 +0000 UTCRoxy & Tara embark on an unexpected journey!!! When did you first see The Lord of the Rings???
Reaction Highlights: https://youtu.be/rZvWQgEQQks
Watch Along: https://youtu.be/N2XPGpYxk-8
More Movie Reactions: https://www.patreon.com/thereelrejects/posts?filters%5Btag%5D=Movie%20Reaction
Comments
Make it about the men. Jesus lost the plot
Kraackin
2025-05-18 05:19:48 +0000 UTCSo, from a guys standpoint I have a question. At the end of this you guys were talking about the entire fellowship being men. You wish there was some more feminine energy. Now that you guys have seen the full trilogy, does Eowyn being one of the main heroes of the whole story redeem that? Even the love story of Arwen and Aragorn seems to be such an important part as well.
trevor
2025-05-03 02:20:42 +0000 UTCI am probably not the first (or even the 999th) to say this but while I usually don't care over extended vs theatrical the exception is LOTR. Please do the 3rd one extended as it features an earlier sequence that is fundamental to see and still shocks me it was never in the theatrical. This was a great reaction, loved it. The grey hair line or joke was legendary. I am currently listening to an audiobook about the making of the LOTR and the Hobbit, here are some interesting tidbits I have come across so far: Tolkien didn't want the title of book 3 to be Return of the King as he correctly felt it was a spoiler, his choice was War of the Ring but the publisher or editor overrode him. New Line Cinema took a major risk making all three movies at the same time, if the first had failed the studio would have probably folded. And these weren't just your average movies as each one was an epic. Christopher Lee, who played Saruman, had actually met Tolkien in a pub years earlier. While the casting in LOTR ended up being perfect it almost wasn't: The studio's first choice for Gandalf was Sean Connery and they made him a staggering offer including a percentage of the gross or profit of the trilogy. If he had taken the role he would have made over 400 million dollars but didn't because he didn't "understand" it. Even getting Ian Mckellen as Gandalf almost never happened as he was locked into a contract playing Magneto in the first X-Men movie. Only the promise by that director that he would be available by early 2000 allowed him to get the role. Viggo Mortensen was not the first choice for Aragorn, another actor was hired but only days before his first scene was to be filmed it was agreed that he was not right for the role. A frantic search ensued to recast the role with little time to spare. Russell Crowe was considered but he declined because he had just finished Gladiator and didn't want to do another sword movie. Viggo go so much into the role he rarely took off his costume, slept at times outside and truly became Aragorn for the shoot. He ended up keeping his horse.
Andrew Roach
2024-11-28 11:18:03 +0000 UTCCraig Parker was in this. I never realized this. He's Fantastic in the series SPARTACUS. I say this about but please have some of the Rejects react to this Gladiator show. It's so damn good.
mawii yoo
2024-11-28 08:05:54 +0000 UTCPurely to offer another perspective: I also fell in love with chocolate with a chalky nasty Hershey kiss...but I'd give someone better chocolate if I wanted to share that love. ❣️Fans of the extended feel strongly because they just want to share the full experience. If the extended were in theaters alongside theatrical, I'd bet nobody would argue the abridged version was better.
Jessi
2024-11-26 02:22:27 +0000 UTCWe understand. Regardless of whether they are in...at this point you do the theatrical as the first time like we all did. We walked into the theaters and fell in love with each film. Yes I agree the extended are the better films. BUT if they would like to view it as it came out, I think it's reasonable! - PLD
The Reel Rejects
2024-11-25 19:46:54 +0000 UTCGREG! FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THINGS THAT BRING NIPPLE CHILLS can we PLEASE have them watch the extended cuts from now on. They’re in , we’re in ; and it’s just a better experience movie-wise. 🙏🏾
Justin Urameshi
2024-11-25 17:30:46 +0000 UTCI started the full length reaction too late last night and had to finish it today, aha. So happy you made emotional connections and had great things to say like how we live through others through our memories and lessons. I'm also glad you appreciate the various types of relationships, they only get better and how you appreciated the music and little details. Also yes, Aragorn is one of the hottest and most moral characters out there (among many other amazing traits) in my mind, a great combo aha. Looking forward to the rest of these! And get your tissues for the third (I won't say why).
RationallySassy
2024-11-25 17:04:21 +0000 UTCI was so excited, joined patreon the second I seen the YouTube video. But I actually don’t even have the theatrical cuts to watch along with lol I only have Extended I just assumed you guys would be doing those haha well guess free $5 for ya!
Chris Illsley
2024-11-25 14:53:37 +0000 UTCThis is a great mindset and I agree. As much as I love the extended editions, someone who doesn't know anything going in may get a bit overloaded with the longer run time and the extra time spent on certain things. Of course they add so much to the movies, but the thing I noticed the most watching this was that the theatrical cut is so much faster in pace, as the girls mentioned, which makes a first watch much more palletable. Now that they are blown away and big fans of the movie, I'd love to see the extended editions as a more laid back, possibly patreon exclusive, only full length (to make editing a bit easier) reactions!
Eric Tanaka
2024-11-25 08:44:56 +0000 UTCThis was just a fun vibe and I'm glad you both are doing these movies! I haven't seen the theatrical cut in so long but you both had such great insight and great questions throughout in was so engaging! Can't wait for the next 2 😁
Eric Tanaka
2024-11-25 08:38:33 +0000 UTCThese not being the extended versions is rough. There's some very nice character building scenes in them and not to mention there are some very integral scenes as well especially in the third one
Corey
2024-11-25 07:57:07 +0000 UTCLoved watching this with you guys! I just noticed this for the first time and was wondering if anyone else noticed it, but when the fellowship is travelling through the mountain, Legolas is the only one on top of the snow instead of sinking through it like the rest of the group, maybe elves are really light? I was also wondering if after you guys finish this trilogy, are you going to continue with the hobbit movies?
Hades
2024-11-25 06:00:53 +0000 UTCSo glad I get to rewatch this with you guys! Haven't seen it in awhile, and I feel like it's a different experience every time I rewatch. Looking forward to the rest! Love Sam forever... and Aragorn is amazing... and Sean Bean is a legendary death master... and Gandalf hanging from the ledge tears my heart out... and the whole cast is wonderful. Can't wait for the next one!
Alyssa S
2024-11-25 05:52:30 +0000 UTCPeter Jackson, 5 years earlier, directed Sean Astin’s father, John Astin in The Frighteners. John Astin, most famously known for being the original Gomez Adams in the original Addams Family television show.
Cody Price
2024-11-25 04:46:07 +0000 UTCDid you, perhaps, not watch the video? Or even the film? Roxy brings up how male-driven the cast is as a minor gripe. And the question of "masculinity" is a major theme in The Lord of the Rings. Or did you somehow misread my comment?
Argo2Unitard
2024-11-25 04:28:59 +0000 UTCwhat was this post even for? a fight of mem and women. Movies a 10 get over it
Kraackin
2024-11-25 04:25:07 +0000 UTCAbout the whole "no Women in the Fellowship thing", it's important to remember the context in which Tolkien wrote the series. Both in terms of the time periods he referenced for Middle earth society (Medieval Europe), and in terms of the time he himself lived in (the early to mid 1900s). As for just switching the gender of one of the characters for the film, we know how nerds get about that in 2024, let alone in the early 2000's.
Argo2Unitard
2024-11-25 03:57:46 +0000 UTCNot watching the extended in the 3rd movie is going to be a terrible idea for reasons that would spoil the story if I said it. Only simple way I can put it is the extended scenes aren’t extras, they’re integral parts of the story that will make less sense not seeing it.
Maxie
2024-11-25 03:40:47 +0000 UTCI love love love that you ladies are reacting to these, although I am sad it's not the extended additions because you are missing on so many great scenes and extra content, so I hope you eventually watch those so you know what you are missing! Roxy I love that you immediately fell for Argorn because, same, I think we all did. I remember watching this as a older teen, young 20s and he definitely formed my interests what I like in a man, such a good looking amazing bad ass of a guy! Can wait to see you guys watch the rest, your predications are fun to hear about though, lol!
Jules R
2024-11-25 03:40:31 +0000 UTCI'm with Roxy. I first watched these when I was about 10 and didn't remember much at all. They hit me hard as an adult. A few fun lore and filming facts: (1) Arwen is Galadriel’s granddaughter. Elrond is Galadriel’s son-in-law. (2) When Aragorn used his sword to bat away the dagger that was thrown at him, that is 100% real. They didn't plan it that way, but Viggo actually batted it away. (3) When Sam ran into the lake after Frodo, Sean Astin stepped on a piece of glass that when through his foot. (4) Sean Bean is terrified of helicopters and refused to get in one to fly to the top of the mountain. He got up at like 3am and climbed/hiked up the mountain in full costume.
Chapter Eight
2024-11-25 02:49:39 +0000 UTCYeah the Extended was probably a bit much at the time...-PLD
The Reel Rejects
2024-11-25 02:40:45 +0000 UTCThis one mae me excited also! - PLD
The Reel Rejects
2024-11-25 02:40:12 +0000 UTCOh my. It is beyond good! - PLD
The Reel Rejects
2024-11-25 02:39:41 +0000 UTC#SamwiseTheGreatestHero
The Reel Rejects
2024-11-25 02:39:31 +0000 UTCI have never watch this saga is it good?
Ana Karen
2024-11-25 01:43:44 +0000 UTCTo be honest, they asked a lot of questions that would have been answered or at least made things somewhat clearer with the extended editions. Also they're film buffs, I feel like they could handle it and would appreciate it
RationallySassy
2024-11-25 01:35:18 +0000 UTCIt was honestly a toss-up between "theatrical" or "extended" versions. When putting them on this adventure, many suggested theatrical, and many suggested extended. We ultimately went with theatrical because—this is easy to forget—those are the versions that the masses originally fell in love with. The theatrical editions of The Lord of the Rings not only captured global audiences but also won countless accolades, including Return of the King sweeping the Oscars. These versions are a cultural landmark, and they represent how most people first experienced this story. The extended editions, while undeniably fantastic with added scenes and expanded lore, are often best appreciated after watching the theatrical cuts. So many fans who cherish the extended editions initially fell in love with the theatrical versions, which serve as the perfect introduction. It’s about experiencing the story the way millions did when it first captivated audiences. The theatrical versions streamline the story, making it easier for newcomers to follow. The extended editions can sometimes overwhelm first-time viewers with additional details and subplots that are more rewarding after familiarity with the core narrative. The theatrical editions focus on the most essential and impactful scenes. For first-time viewers, this ensures the pacing and emotional beats land as intended, without risking fatigue from added material that, while enriching, may dilute the immediacy of the core story. Additionally, there were practical reasons behind this decision. Everyone's schedule has been tight, time off is incoming—Roxy is off in Boston, and we needed to save time for edits and production. But honestly, this was secondary. The priority was introducing the girls to The Lord of the Rings in the way most people first fell in love with it: theatrical, then extended. While fans have strong opinions, many who recommend the extended editions also agree that it’s often better to start with the theatrical versions. Theatrical versions were like "gateway" to becoming fans before exploring the deeper lore. We know there are folks out there who were introduced via the extended versions and swear by them, and that's valid, but for us, this journey made the most sense.
The Reel Rejects
2024-11-25 01:34:47 +0000 UTCI love how ride or die the members of the fellowship are. Strider is a hunk but my boy sam will always be my favorite character.
A. Saffari
2024-11-25 00:15:49 +0000 UTCWelcome to Middle-Earth you guys! I am so beyond delighted to see this in my notifications today and imma cry. I was just pondering a few months back if EVERYONE at the Reel Rejects had seen this trilogy or not, and eventually gave up on thinking this would make it's way to the channel. My ohh my was i wrong to do so! These movies are a genuine love letter and they only get better! (that's not to take away from any of the films because they are all fantastic) NO SPOLERS but i can't wait to see this journey with you two <3 thank you!
Andy
2024-11-24 23:44:59 +0000 UTCOh. Well. Comments at least told me not to bother. The theatrical for the 1st one is ok, fine, w/e...but in 2 it is more noticeable and by 3 it's just doing a disservice to several of the best characters and it's hard to sit through for me. For someone who doesn't know better, it's more than fine...but once you know, it's hard to watch theatrical ever again.
Jessi
2024-11-24 22:20:02 +0000 UTCI understand the love for the extended editions from a lot of the comments, but I genuinely think it's better to watch the theatrical ones for a first viewing. Can't wait for the next two!
Elly
2024-11-24 22:04:25 +0000 UTCWho ever decided to have you guys watch the theatrical version did you a disservice. Extended is the way to go.
Marxus Kahn
2024-11-24 21:49:23 +0000 UTCby*
Diiirk706
2024-11-24 21:46:32 +0000 UTCThey dont suck my any means....but the people love the extended for obvious reasons. We want moreeee.
Kraackin
2024-11-24 21:43:11 +0000 UTCall the oscars went to the last one :) its gets better
Kraackin
2024-11-24 21:40:13 +0000 UTCHi ladies, the movie was filmed in New Zealand and people still visit the shire homes built in the side of the hills. Fun Fact: Viggo was a last minute recast and arrived in NZ just a day or two before shooting began, so he missed all the training. John Rhys Davies who plays Gimli the dwarf is actually 6’1” which makes him the tallest member of the fellowship The rest of the cast had been there for a couple months to train. Viggo initially turned down the role because they were filming all three movies together which was 18 months and he didn’t want to be away from his son for that long. However, his son was a fan of the books and talked Viggo into taking the part (Thank You Viggo’s son. I can’t imagine anyone else playing Aragorn🥰) Even though Viggo didn’t get months of training like the other actors, he apparently is a very skilled horseman and the swordsman who was there for training said that Viggo was the most talented actor who he’d ever worked with, which says a lot since Viggo didn’t get the same training as the others. There is hours of BTS footage on YouTube for the whole trilogy.
Tara
2024-11-24 21:29:29 +0000 UTCHi Roxy and Tara, if you do get a chance in the future, you should watch the extended version. People who have seen it can’t choose which scenes they would’ve deleted for the theatrical version because every scene is great and it does answer some of your questions that you had. I hope you do the extended versions for the next two movies.
Tara
2024-11-24 21:10:02 +0000 UTCnot extended. Huge fail!, If your going on the journey commit to the journey....dont want to be to harsh still happy yall watching this epic. lol we just want moreeee. lol. Thanks for doing these movies
Kraackin
2024-11-24 20:56:45 +0000 UTCI finally own something extended and you're not watching it 😭 lol I told myself once after I watched the extended editions for the first time that I'd never go back to the theatrical version but today that will be proven to be a lie because for you Roxy and Tara I will make that sacrifice lol because all of you guys on the channel do it constantly for us so you're totally worth it 😉❤️❤️
KaylaTheKing
2024-11-24 20:27:35 +0000 UTCTo address your comment/concern over the lack of "strong women" in Lord of the Rings: First, not wishing to give away any spoilers, but the story is not finished. *wink. Second, please try to put aside the modern idea of "strong woman" translates to "warrior wielding a sword and kicking the ass of every man no matter if he is 100+ pounds of muscle bigger." Tolkien was, of course, a man of his time, but this does not mean he was a misogynist. Rather, he was a historian, and like it or not, it has always primarily been men who fought in wars, were the greatest warriors, ruled as leaders, and so on. It simply isn't realistic to insert females into these places in massive numbers. Sorry, but that is just a fact. Third, what Tolkien understood far better than modern feminists is that a woman's strength is manifested differently. As I noted above, Galadriel is far and away the strongest, wisest, most powerful person (elf or human) in all of Middle-earth. Yet there is no hint in any of Tolkien's writing (and he wrote extensively about Galadriel) that she ever picked up a sword. Yet there was NO ONE who did not defer to her, not even her husband Lord Celeborn who was a tremendous warrior. Aside from Galadriel, in the vast writings of Tolkien, he including many women, a few of whom were physical warriors, although this was not their main purpose or strength. Usually they revealed their power and strength in other ways. Additionally, while the male characters do hugely outnumber the females, the females Tolkien created are more memorable for their heroic deeds, sacrifice, and importance in history. I hope all of that made sense and is comforting. Cheers!
Sharon Lathan
2024-11-24 20:24:09 +0000 UTCWas excited to see this, but then instantly disappointed its not the extended edition. They really are the superior versions.
Blkm44
2024-11-24 20:18:41 +0000 UTCA wonderful reaction!! I love all of you who react on The Reel Rejects, so much so that this was the final push to make me subscribe. I am thrilled to take the Middle-earth journey with you two. Here is a NO spoiler mini-explanation (very simplified, believe it or not) to help fully appreciate The Lord of the Rings. The author is JRR Tolkien, who was an Oxford professor, a linguist/philologist and historian. He literally spent his entire life creating the world of Middle-earth, the novel published in 1954 as a follow-up to The Hobbit. His purpose was to write a mythology history for England, including a creation story inspired by his devout Catholic faith. The languages heard in the movie were created, completely, by Tolkien. Several dialects of Elvish, the dwarf language, and the Black Speech of Mordor. In Tolkien’s world, Eru Ilúvatar is the Creator. Aiding in fulfilling his purpose are the Valar (think archangels) and Maia (angels). Some (not all) of the Valar and Maia have significant roles through the ages. Also, a few Valar and Maia are evil. The events in LOTR take place in the Third Age, with the forging of the great rings and battle seen in the prologue occurring in the Second Age. In other words, there is a ton of history over thousands of years leading up to this particular story. Sauron, the Dark Lord, is a Maia. Gandalf and Saruman are also Maia, and they (along with three others) were sent by Eru Ilúvatar to Middle-earth to aid in the fight against Sauron. They are called the Istari, or Wizards. Their magical powers are limited but they are still very powerful. The “old man” appearance was to appeal as wise men but does not directly translate to being aged as they are literally ageless beings. They were sent to guide, instruct, and impart wisdom, not to be warriors or solve problems, hence the rare use of "magic". Incidentally, the Balrog is also a Maia (one of the evil ones), which is why Gandalf had to confront it. Elves are immortal. They can be killed in battle, but their souls return to Valinor (the Undying Lands), the dwelling place of the Valar, and are given a new body. Valinor is separated from Middle-earth, reachable only by ships built by the elves at the Grey Havens. You will often see some calling it "heaven" as a simplistic way to describe it, but this is wrong. Valinor is called the Undying Lands because immortal flesh-and-blood elves dwell there in harmony with the Valar, who are spirit beings with a bodily form. Valinor is not an after-death spirit realm like heaven. This is also where elves were intended to reside, not Middle-earth, hence them gradually departing to sail across the Sundering Sea to Valinor. Aside from a handful of notable exceptions, elves are the only race to ever set foot in Valinor. There have been only two other elf and human unions, so Arwen and Aragorn are very unique. In all cases, the elf maiden had to choose mortality to be with the human man she loved. This is a BIG deal, just keep that in mind. Lord Elrond of Rivendell is the child of one such union. He was also faced with a choice, deciding to be an elf. His twin brother, Elros, chose to be human, becoming the first King of Númenor. Directly from his line came Elendil and Isildur, and then much later Aragorn. For this reason, there is a deep connection between Elrond and the humans who became the Numenoreans and Dunedain. Side note: The vial of starlight that Galadriel gave to Frodo is captured light from the star of Earendil (very long story told in The Silmarillion) who was a half-elf and the father of Elrond and Elros. Galadriel is by far the most powerful elf in Middle-earth, and she is wholly good and wise. She was born in Valinor in a time before the sun and moon were created, so is easily 9000 years old, probably closer to 15,000 if not more. She "passed the test" of facing and rejecting the pull of the One Ring. Her scary transformation was a visual of what Gandalf told Frodo would happen to him if he took the offered Ring. Galadriel is the keeper of Nenya, one of the three elven rings. It doesn’t come into the movies, but the other two rings are kept by Elrond and Gandalf, who was given his by Cirdan, Lord of the Grey Havens. The daughter of Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn married Elrond, so Arwen is her granddaughter. Legolas is an Elven prince, the son of an Elven king from another realm which does not play into this story but does in The Hobbit. He has known Gandalf and Aragorn for a very long time. Elves and Dwarves have thousands of years of bad blood between the races, hence Gimli and Legolas not liking each other in the beginning. I’ll end with the Hobbits. They live normally as long as humans, perhaps a bit more, so Bilbo (who comes from a line of long-lived Hobbits) is old by Hobbit standards but not beyond possibility. What makes him different is that he has barely aged. Bilbo is Frodo's uncle, taken in and named Bilbo's heir when Frodo's parents died. Samwise Gamgee is Frodo and Bilbo’s gardener, so technically he works for the wealthy, upperclass Bagginses, hence the occasional “Mr. Frodo.” There is a slight class structure, as was common in England during Tolkien’s life. Merry (Meriadoc Brandybuck) and Pippin (Peregrin Took) are distantly related to Frodo. Frodo is 50 when he leaves the Shire, Samwise is 38, Merry 36, and Pippin is 26 so still in his “tweens” (Hobbits come of age at 33) which is why he tends to be the most foolish. Give him time! Facts to keep in mind: 1) The Ring has a will of its own and wants to return to the hand of Sauron, who is the only one who can truly control the power. Also, the Ring exerts a powerful evil influence on all who are close to it and evil is drawn to it. 2) Middle-earth is big! The quest lasts just over a year, a vast amount of ground is covered, and the now-splintered fellowship meet a lot of new “people” along the way. Great reaction! You will LOVE this wonderful ride. The next two movies get better and better. As others will surely note in the comments, I strongly recommend the extended versions. And speaking as a Tolkien fan for close to 50 years, what Peter Jackson et al did with these 3 movies is a true masterpiece in every conceivable way. While there was much left out due to time (believe it or not), and obviously changes in pacing, story elements, and so on must be made when adapting to cinema, the movie barely strays from the novel by Tolkien.
Sharon Lathan
2024-11-24 20:12:05 +0000 UTCI remember watching this the premiere weekend at a late showing. I was 21. Living on my own for the first time in a large city. It was only 3 months after 9/11. It hit different, at least for me.
Grand Moff Slackin'
2024-11-24 20:04:14 +0000 UTCGah I just watched these with Popcorn in Bed's reaction. If I had known I'd have waited!
djKENTO
2024-11-24 19:19:37 +0000 UTCWhy in the Hell isn't this Extended. The Theatricals suuuck, AND are missing like fifty percent of the entire story. Pete had BS limitations from the Studio. Really this blows. Hope the other two are the Extendeds. They're even available on Max FFS, even a Freaking streaming service knows..... Like seriously........What. The Fuck.
Diiirk706
2024-11-24 19:06:01 +0000 UTCI'm looking forward to watch along with this series. Looks like they watched the theatrical cut. I guess they didn't want the super long extended cuts for a first watch, which are available on Max
Hawk
2024-11-24 18:39:53 +0000 UTCAhhh yeah! Woke up to one of my favorite movie trilogies watched by my FAVORITE REJECTS—the SHEJECTS?! It's gonna be a great day. Hubby and I send our love to you, Roxy and Tara! 🫶🏾❤️
G to the A
2024-11-24 17:31:11 +0000 UTCI have never been this excited for a Rejects movie franchise reaction since Twilight and Descendants!! This is going to be so much fun!
FlyingScotsman4072
2024-11-24 16:49:07 +0000 UTC
