A masterful adaption

Rating: 10/10 (22 December 2003)

I like to go to these movies with people who have not read the book. It allows me to appreciate the point of view of a LOTR 'virgin' and keeps in check my desire to see every nuance of the books portrayed on screen.
I understand that adaption is necessary. The geeks might be a powerful force, but are still the minority of the film-going public and these are already complex movies. The Return of the King is another masterful adaption. It is easily understood, but with enough depth if you care to take notice. There are plot differences, additions and omissions from the book, but there are enough iconic moments and lines lifted directly off the page to satisfy this fan. The visual look of the film faithfully represents middle earth as many fans have envisioned it - perhaps because John Howe and Alan Lee's illustrations have inspired our imaginations long before these movies were conceived.
This is my favourite of the series simply because it was my favourite book - with my favourite part of the two towers (Shelob) thrown in for good measure.