A Fitting yet Flawed Conclusion

Rating: 8/10 (23 December 2003)

A tremendous and epic conclusion to a wonderful trilogy. However, as I left the theater I couldn't help but feel there was much left untold in the telling of the final chapter. Where I had come to care for the people of Rohan, the Hobbits of the Shire and even the elves, I felt little and knew nothing of Minis Tirith and it's leadership. Tell me more of this crazed steward of Gondor! What happened to Sauraman? What is this inferred ending romance between Eowyn and Faramir? There seemed much to be missing only to be filled in with great battle sequences and long enduring gazes between Frodo and Sam. (I say that somewhat tongue-in-cheek, but there is a sentimentality in this film that did not exist with the others -- even the music seemed over-the-top at times). I understand the focus on the story of the journey of the Ring and the hobbits but I felt there was so much more going on that I wasn't privy to. I did read the books some 20 years ago . .. perhaps it is time to once again.
A grand conclusion and an epic in scope and scale, but my least favorite of the three.
I look forward to the extended DVD edition.