First Time Watch - The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

This week, Anthony and Julian kick off a brand-new three-part series by diving into The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, the opening chapter of one of the most iconic trilogies ever made. Julian is watching the film for the very first time, while Anthony comes in fresh off recently reading all three of Tolkien’s books — a contrast that sets the tone for a fun and thoughtful breakdown of this legendary start to Middle-earth. They talk through the story, the characters, the world-building, and the massive task of adapting such a beloved novel to the screen. Anthony brings the book knowledge and broader trilogy context; Julian brings the fresh eyes and first-time reactions. Together, they explore what works, what stands out, and why The Fellowship of the Ring is such a crucial foundation for everything that follows in the Lord of the Rings journey.