The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

It's our 500th episode, and we decided to do something different! Instead of a pairing, we present our first full trilogy! Many of you have asked why we haven't done these three films, well, now we are. To celebrate reaching our 500th episode, it's time to look at the Lord of the Rings trilogy! First up, 2011's "The Fellowship of the Ring," directed by Peter Jackson. The film stars Ian Holme as Bilbo Baggins, whose birthday celebration brings Gandalf (Sir Ian McKellen) to town. Bilbo departs after his party, and leaves his home and belongings, including a mysterious ring, to his nephew Frodo (Elijah Wood). Gandalf meets with his old teacher, Saruman (Sir Christopher Lee) and is betrayed. Gandalf escapes Saruman's tower and returns to Frodo, instructing him to leave immediately. Frodo is accompanied by his friend Samwise (Sean Astin), and fellow hobbits Merry (Dominic Monaghan) and Pippin (Billy Boyd). At an Inn, they encounter Strider (Viggo Mortensen), a ranger who accompanies them toward the home of the Elves, and the next stop on their quest. Along the way they meet Arwen (Liv Tyler) who saves Frodo's life. At Rivendell, Lord Elrond (Hugo Weaving) calls a council, and we meet Legolas (Orlando Bloom), Gimli (John Rhys-Davies), and Boromir (Sean Bean), who decide to accompany Frodo as he heads toward Mount Doom to destroy the ring. Also starring Cate Blanchett and Peter McKenzie.