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The "Lord of the Rings" series will probably fail only because its director, the brilliant Peter Jackson, is working outside of the Hollywood system. It's not gonna be Spielberg/Lucas popcorn antics. It's not gonna be safe, slap-it-on-a-Burger King cup filmmaking. It's going to be weird, violent and convoluted a'la Tim Burton. No one has mentioned this, but much of the film's financing is coming from foreign sources (Jackson is overseeing the special effects himself, through his own effects shop in New Zealand, I believe).
Jackson made the cult films "Meet the Feebles" and "Dead Alive", disgusting, anarchaic, brilliant B-movies that made me recall some of Sam Raimi's early stuff. He followed up with "Heavenly Creatures", which proved that when it comes to style AND depth, he is right up there with the best. "The Frighteners" was his first big Studio film, and it showed (it had the stamp of studio tampering all over it). Again, though, great visuals, bizarre story, and definite style.
In a perfect world, "Rings" would redefine fantasy filmmaking. It would bring in the adults who are tired of kiddie crap and want to be engaged emotionally, visually, and intellectually. It would actually get kids interested in something other than gross-out comedy and the latest action flick starring Bruce Willis or a mediocre rapper. It might even motivate them to read the books! Jackson has said that he will remain true to Tolkien's vision, and I believe him. He's got Elijah Wood, who I think is the best young actor in Hollywood. Expect something completely different. It may not be a classic, but it is going to be worth the price of admission.
As for "Matrix" sequels, I think that the W Brothers can pull it off, despite the presence of Keanu. The whole look and feel of that movie just begs for continuation. I'll go out on a limb and say that it was the best sci-fi/fantasy/action flick since "Terminator 2". I just hope Laurence Fishburne signs on.
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