Wonderful conclusion - not perfect, but excellent.

Rating: 10/10 (7 December 2003)

Saw this in Minneapolis as part of the Carleton College fund raiser. Barrie Osborne (one of the three primary producers, along with Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh) is the Carleton grad who helped make this event possible. He truly is an exceptional person -- which comes through immediately upon meeting him. Without his intellect, skill, and ability to overcome logistical nightmares and get the most out of people, it is questionable whether this prodigious achievement would ever have become a reality.

Although expectations were impossible to meet, the movie on its first viewing is still exceptional. I am quite sure that it will improve with additional viewings. The first 15 minutes and the last 30 minutes are superb with the middle 2.5 hours very, very good -- though so loaded with action and plot advancement (as in the book), it is extraordinarily difficult to appreciate fully.
I am not going to give any details because I don't want to spoil it for others, but, suffice it to say, that it is a must see because of the superb story, emotional impact and phenomenal cinematic achievement.

Some random thoughts -- Sean Astin must seriously be considered for a supporting actor nomination. Gandalf (through the masterful Ian McKellan) combines the warmth of the Fellowship while exceeding his warrior excellence in the Two Towers. Gollum/Andy Serkis continues to amaze. The writing, direction and attention to detail are astounding. Peter Jackson's accomplishment is without peer.
Is it perfect? No. (More special effects than I would have liked -- although probably unavoidable.) Would I like to have seen some things improved upon? Yes -- and I fully expect they will be in next year's extended edition DVD which will make this movie a 10.