Posted at 1:53 p.m., Tuesday, December 18, 2001

Analysis
'Lord of the Rings' may not appeal to littlest 'Harry Potter' fans

• 'Lord of the Rings' is vivid, imaginative stunner

By Jack Garner
Gannett News Service

The comparison of "Harry Potter" and "The Fellowship of the Ring" is unavoidable. Here are my conclusions:

Both are excellent films, with strong cult followings and literary standards. "Potter" spotlights a higher-profile cast of supporting players, though the performances in both films are fine.

"Potter" is lighter-hearted and more upbeat. It's clearly better-suited for younger viewers, say six and up, though adults can surely enjoy it.

"The Lord of the Rings" is more violent, and features an army of dark warriors who seem to have stepped out of "Night of the Living Dead." There are battlefield decapitations. The PG-13 rating on "Rings" is appropriate, and should be taken literally. This trilogy has always been aimed at more mature fans of the form.