Perhaps, in time...

Rating: 8/10 (18 December 2003)

Saw this yesterday and it's big big big! For my money though, not as engaging story-wise as the Fellowship but more spectacular than both the previous films put together. It is possible that it is simply too long for one sitting. There is so much going on that another viewing is essential, possibly another few viewings.
One can't help but feel that perhaps, in time, and after the extended cut is released on DVD, that the trilogy will be seen more as a cohesive whole rather than 3 films. It is hard to judge this film (essentially incomplete in theaters) on its own. It is however, head and shoulders above anything else released this year and is truly a magical movie experience. Not many of those experiences left these days.