What Tolkien Did For Literature; Jackson Has Done For Film!

Rating: 10/10 (28 December 2003)

No matter what anyone says; Jackson and Co. did the near impossible. They brought their vision (& sound) to worldwide acclaim to the best heroic-fantasy film ever made (and likely for many decades, this will be the film to top).
Having read LOTR 33 years ago (& 14 times since), I also had certain prejudices on how the story could justifiably be filmed. And the same thing happened that happened with 'Fellowship...' and '...Towers'. I enjoyed the 2nd & 3rd viewing more than the 1st. Why? Because of a visual interpretation that had been stewing for over 30 years. Film is a different medium. As Jackson stated: "You just can't shoot LOTR as is". So alot of dramatic licences were taken that were minor diviations. And once you surrender yourself to the film makers vision, the rewards are enormous.
No... Sam would never have abandoned Frodo at anytime during the quest no matter how hurt his feelings were. But so what! He returns with a vengence. His absence allows more of a thrill to Shelob's deadly threat, especially when you take into account that the majority of the movie-goers will have not read the book.
One reason the film 'Lord of the Rings' (notice I didn't say films or that over-used label...'trilogy') works so well against all odds is because the production team never lost sight of the story's heart. And the only way to do justice to the heart of the story was to present it in the length that this film deserved. Applaud Jackson & Team the courage to slow the action down and display the loyalty and love that existed between the characters. Because the characters cared so much for each other for honorable reasons; we, the audience, were able to jump on the care wagon right alongside them.
And applaud New Line Cinema for taking the biggest gamble in movie history (and shame on Weinstein for thinking it could all be done in 2 hours; why is his name even in the credits?)
The Minas Tirith battle was beyond expectation.
The book is not without flaws (but still remains my favorite). Neither is the movie! But because it was done with so much meticulous care and detail, the flaws are forgivable and forgettable (huh? what flaws?).

Minor Spoiler: Always felt the book's Crack of Doom's climax was a tad weak with Gollum's careless trip over the brink. But what if...
According to the appendices: Sauron had already begun to take shape at Deagle's finding of the ring 500 years before the fellowship (may not be accurate). And when Frodo stands at the brink of the fire and claims the ring as his; Sauron is suddenly aware of him. And in an earth-shattering roar of terror and fear, he summons his most foul beast, instantly mounts and crashes forth through the top of Barad-dur and races toward Mount Doom. And Gollum and Frodo are grappling for final possession of the ring when Sauron and beast burst forth through the doorway's opening. And instinctive reaction causes them both to topple over (Frodo is saved because he lets go of the ring). And Gollum plunges down as Sauron hurtles toward him. And Sauron's beast grabs Gollum just as Gollum hits the fire, but not enough to prevent Sauron to rear his beast upwards in time to prevent the 3 of them to be engulfed by the molten lava. And Sauron makes a grab for the ring just before it is unmade. And...and...
Naa-aa-ah! That may have upset the many leagues of Tolkien purists. Besides...I'm out of breath just thinking of the sequence done that way. Don't matter cause the movie still gets a 10 overall.

As far as I'm concerned, the theatrical release is a major tease to the extended version that will (will it?) be released in late 2004.
Christmas ain't over yet. Bring on 'The Hobbit'.