Take this chance while you can.

Rating: Null/10 (16 January 2004)

The Lord of the Rings novel is one of the best English novels of all time, certainly in the top five. The Lord of the Rings trilogy by New Line Cinema will long have similar standings in the realm of movies.
When I was younger, every once in awhile I would sit down on the couch and watch the Star Wars trilogy. Six-and-one-half hours later I would be done and think, `Wow!' Now, after having attended the marathon showing of all three movies of LOTR, I didn't finish the night by thinking, `Wow!' I finished it so overwhelmed I didn't know what to think. It wasn't until the next morning that I could comprehend what I had just experienced the day before. history being made.
Each of these movies is acclaimed for nearly every element of their being. People who were never fantasy fans found themselves in a new world. Those of us who have long been fans still found ourselves in a new world. I have read many of the comments others have made, and I would like to address one issue in particular.
No movie will ever be exactly like the book it is based on (nor should it). That's why movies often begin with `Based on the novel.' or `Inspired by.' Screenwriters must take certain liberties in adapting a novel for the screen. Very often parts must be rewritten or entirely left out. Peter Jackson's LOTR is his vision of the novels. And it is a glorious vision.
I am a fan of the books and of the movies. They are two different entities. The Return of the King is my second favorite. I love the Fellowship most and the Two Towers least. If I gave these movies grades they would be 98 for Fellowship, 97 for Return of the King, and 95 for Two Towers. They aren't perfect, but my idea of perfection is not Peter Jackson's or anyone else's.
There is something in this movie for almost everyone; love, friendship, huge conflicts, anger, despair, fear, and hope. If you never see this movie while it is the theatre you are missing out on an experience of a lifetime. I have pledged to myself to see it at least once a week while it is in the theatres here. If the first two movies were still out I would see them as well. In all likelihood we will never have this chance again. take it while you can.