- Jackson handles the encounter with Shelob very well. The nasty spider is creepy and the fight scene was exciting but crisp. The way the orcs fall out so that Sam can come in and save the day is also well done. Jackson manages to tell the story without getting bogged down. This was one of my favorite tension filled parts of the book but the detail is not possible in a movie even of this length.
- Pippin's run in with the Palentir was a little odd. Not only was it transferred from the camp on the way to Edoras to Edoras proper, The Palentir is only mentioned this once and not brought up again. You never see Denethor use his or speak of it, although he does tell Gandalf about what he has "seen."
- The climatic scene with the destruction of the ring is seemed true to the book, although Frodo's character change at the end would be startling if you didn't know it was coming. It seemed he wrestled with the dark side more in the second film. Jackson does a great job of holding you in that moment when the ring is being destroyed. Just when things look hopeless, the ring melts away and Sauron is destroyed and his kingdom with him.
- Finding a place to end the movie was no easy matter. Jackson skips the Scouring of the Shire, which is admittedly an important part of the book, and that will be a disappointment to those who love the books. But I am not sure Jackson had a choice. That story is simply to complex to include without extending the movie beyond reason. As it is, he lets you down gently from the high of celebration atop Minas Tirith. Having the hobbits return to the Shire with it still in tact is jolting but your smile returns when you see Sam getting married.
- The scene with the elves, Bilbo, Gandalph, and Frodo returning across the sea was touching and hit just the right note. It gives you a warm feeling in your heart and leaves you satisfied if a little melancholy; just like the book.
Any complaints are really trivial. I sat spellbound and wide-eyed throughout the entire film just trying to soak as much of it in as I could. I am sure I will go back and try to see and learn new things. With a masterpiece of this magnitude one can do so again and again.
Article comments
1 - Eric Olsen
Excellent, thanks for staying up so late and reporting back to us!! Thanks for the bubbly too - you rule.
2 - Jonathan
I saw it at 12:00 as well :) Despite the fact I needed to work and study for finals today, aw well!
The film rocked my socks.
Spoiler: The greatest part, was when Denethor was moping about how all is lost, and started shouting at the troops to retreat, then all you see is Gandalf's white staff hit him in the face. People got up and clapped, it was really great.
3 - Natalie Davis
Can't wait can't wait can't WAIT to see this! I so wanted to attend the showing of FOTR, TTT, and ROTK back to back to back yesterday at Baltimore's grandest theater, but it would have taken the whole day and I ended up spending most of the day and night at work, bleh. With any luck, I will be able to carve out three hours tomorrow or Saturday. Hope so. Can't wait!
4 - Natalie Davis
Saw it this morning. Simply awesome. Went to work directly after the film's end, and when I walked in, a coworker said, "You look as if you were hit by truck." My reply, "In a way, I did."
I have read the trilogy many, many times in the past three decades. I know the story inside and out. But, for me, the three hours and more sailed by. The film kept me enthralled every minute and perched at the edge of my seat, laughing, gasping, cheering, or weeping copiously. Bravo Peter Jackson, cast and crew: LOTR: TROTK is a masterpiece.
5 - visualsimplicity
I finally caught this film in its entirety (first time I tried to watch it, some fire alarm went off and since it was the last showing, they just offered to refund our tickets and give us vouchers for another free movie).
Anyway, I must say, the battle scenes were breathtaking (some moments sent shivers down my spine - like Eowyn defending Theoden). Brilliant. A masterpiece indeed.
6 - Victor
If every movie was as good as ANY of the LOTR movies, there would be too many good movies to see!
7 - DALIA SHERIF
THE FILM IS GREAT AND I LIKE ARAGORN THE BEST THIS FILM IS REALLY FAMOUS ,I LIKE THE GRAFICS
AND THE SOUND EFFECT,AND I SWA THE 3 PARTS BUT THE GREAT ONE WAS THE LAST ONE TROHK.