I agree that the casting of Elijah Wood was a poor choice. Not that he isn’t an okay actor, but he did not suit the role.
On the other hand, the casting for Elrond and Eomer, among others, was outstanding. My reading of Elrond, going back to his first appearance in the “Silmarillion,” is enriched now that I picture him resembling the young Sam Neill.
Never could crack into the Silmarillion. It sits a few feet away collecting dust on my bookshelf, as it has for nearly twenty years. Perhaps it’s time to try again.
And I agree. For the most part, the casting in the movies was superb.