Rings' conclusion defies sequel traditions, powerful to end

Rating: 10/10 (24 December 2003)

Here's a review I wrote for the website I work for...
Take note Hollywood, a new bar has been set. Peter Jackson's vision of J.R.R. Tolkien's timeless `Lord of the Rings' trilogy is now complete, and there never has been a more consistent set of movies - a more magnificent and captivating sequence of epic filmmaking sure to make an impact the world over for many ages to come.
With 'Return of the King' Jackson gives moviegoers the final pieces to a beautiful puzzle, filled with more emotional and gut wrenching moments than the first two movies combined, and a masterful conclusion to a trilogy that is sure to stand the test of time just as Tolkien's novels have.
'Return of the King' completes the story of mankind's final stand against the ultimate 'eye' of evil in Middle-earth - Sauron. While the Hobbits Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) and Samwise Gamgee (Sean Astin) make their way ever closer to Mount Doom in possession of the One Ring - an item to which Sauron's life force is bound - the master of Mordor sends all the power he can muster to the kingdom of Gondor in an attempt to eliminate the race of men. In anticipation of such an attack, Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) uses his kingly heritage to rally the world of men - both living and dead - to resist the armies of Sauron in an attempt to give the brave Hobbits enough time to complete their quest.
The resulting battle upon Pelennor Fields outside the White City of Minis Tirith is undoubtedly the grandest onscreen m'lée ever produced, making 'The Two Towers' skirmish at Helm's Deep look, as has been said before, like a petty bar fight. The clashing armies are large, their collisions terrifying and their acts of defense desperate. The weapons sent out under the dark cloud of Mordor include Orcs, Trolls, Oliphants, and Nazgul, fell beasts of the air whose blood-curdling screeches will chill every bone in your body even more so in the trilogy's final installment.
With sequences such as this giant battle, Jackson and company have yet again outdone themselves in the world of cinematography. Just as the introduction of Gollum and the battle of Helm's Deep in 'The Two Towers' went beyond the Mines of Moria and its Balrog in 'The Fellowship of the Ring,' the third installment in the trilogy seems to be a step ahead of the second film thanks to sequences like the lighting of the beacons, the grand battle in Pelennor Fields and ultimate end of the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom. Only one word can really be used as an accurate description of just outstanding the cinematography is in 'Return of the King' - Oscar.
And while the third film in the Lord of the Rings trilogy may not sweep the major categories at the 2004 Academy Awards, one of those trophies should find its way to Peter Jackson's mantel. After putting seven years of his life into this project, one that is yet to be completed if you are a fan of the special extended edition DVDs, Jackson's shot at earning Best Director this year is better than ever.
Jackson should be commended, because releasing three sub-par films in as many years is almost unheard of in Hollywood. But with 'Return,' Jackson has managed to create what many would argue are some of the best pieces of filmmaking ever made. He didn't do it alone, though, and be sure he'd be the first to tell you that. Everyone involved with the project - actors, actresses, producers, special effects team members, stunt doubles, cinematographers, writers, extras, composers, everyone - has achieved a victory of sorts with the release of this film and the conclusion of what is a marvelous trilogy.
Unlike the franchise films of the recent day - see 'Matrix Revolutions' and the latest two installments of George Lucas's 'Star Wars' saga as references - the acting in 'Return of the King' is top notch. Ian McKellen once again makes us feel as if Gandalf actually walks our earth, as the pacing and deliverance of his lines and the subtleties of his actions bring to life one of Tolkien's most infamous characters.
Elijah Wood and Sean Astin superbly portray the emotions of two struggling Hobbits laboring on a journey to certain death. And their guide Gollum (a.k.a. Smeagol), a computer-generated character based on the movements and also voiced by Andy Serkis, outdoes himself in what is his encore performance. In fact, Serkis gets his chance in 'Return' to appear on screen in human form during a glimpse into Smeagol's past.
Other outstanding performances are many, but Viggo Mortensen as a now kingly Aragorn, Billy Boyd as the vocally-gifted Hobbit Pippin, and most definitely Miranda Otto as the courageous lady of Rohan, Eowyn, are worth much more than a mere mention.
Fans of the original novels are also sure to be pleased with Jackson's adaptation, as we finally get to see characters like Denethor, Shelob and the Witch King in the flesh. Those same fans are also sure to be already eagerly awaiting next winter's release of the special extended edition DVD of 'Return of the King,' as some of the book's more memorable moments were filmed but not included in the final trimmings of the theatrical version.
Even with the omissions, there is certainly enough left to allow you to experience every color on the spectrum of emotion - from the movie's malicious yet insightful opening sequence to the film's final reunions and goodbyes. You will laugh. You will cry. You will gasp for air. You will hold your breath. You will find yourself stiff as a board with intensity, clutching the armrests or your date as if your life somehow hinged on destruction of the One Ring and the ultimate fate of Middle-earth.
'Return of the King' carries with it a rating of PG-13, and if there is any doubt in your mind as to why this is by the middle of the film, pay special attention to the how the Orcs of Mordor use their heads - or should I say, those of others - in the siege of Gondor. The rating is certainly justified and necessary, as is the film's length.
But thanks to a seamless stream of scenes that flow like the Brandywine, you won't once look at your watch. The running time of 'Return of the King' is 201 minutes - that's three hours and 21 minutes - but in all honesty, your experience of the final chapter of the trilogy may not seem long enough. You will be sad to see it end when the journey is finally complete, and the worst there is to say about this movie is that it does, in fact, end.
But take comfort in your heart and mind when you hear Sam take a deep breath and say, 'Well, I'm back,' that you have just witnessed one of the most timeless movie trilogies of all time. 'Return of the King' is a valiant conclusion to the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy; a "precious" masterpiece by which all future epics will be measured.