The End Of The Epic

Rating: 9/10 (8 March 2017)

The intensely satisfying emotions stirred by the writing of J.R.R. Tolkien are delivered via an epic quest by all creatures (men, hobbits, elves, orcs, and the like) of Middle Earth. Well, every quest must have a conclusion, and director Peter Jackson adapts Tolkien's final chapter of the trilogy onto the big screen just as triumphantly as the first two installments.
For a basic plot summary, "Return of the King" sees the two primary plot-lines of the entire trilogy reach their apex:
-On one front, Frodo, Sam, & Gollum/Smeagle finally reach Mordor, but not before a significant detour along the way and a gut-wrenching decision at their journey's end.
-In the world of men, Aragorn (with Gandalf's help) reclaims his kingly birthright and leads the denizens of Middle Earth in a final battle with Sauron's minions. Along for the ride again is the feisty dwarf Gimli, Legolas the marksman Elf, & hobbits Merry & Pippin doing the best they can to contribute to the cause.
Simply put, "Return of the King" is no better or worse than the preceding movies. It is just the continuation of perhaps the most incredible fantasy fiction (translated here to the big screen) series of all-time, and incredibly well-done at that.
What really stands out with this particular third chapter, however, is the last half hour or so of run-time, where the visuals, music, direction, & acting meld together to create some emotionally rousing scenes. Because the characters are so real, so full of life, and have been through so much, you will feel as if it has been your quest all along, making those parting emotions feel all the more raw/real. Let's just say the eyes might get a little misty on more than one occasion.
Thus, "Return of the King" is a regal ending to Jackson's masterful book-to-film translation. It has everything that a movie-goer could possibly want: action, adventure, drama, humor, and most of all...heart.