Looking forward to the extended version on dvd!

Rating: 10/10 (30 December 2003)

Mild spoilers ahead.
Like many people, I had very high expectations when I walked into the theater today, but unlike some people who's reviews I've read here, I wasn't disappointed. I loved this film.
Sure, there are things that are bothering, like they way certain characters are changed (as in the case of Faramir and Denethor - and Theoden as well, in my opinion) or completely left out (as in the case of Saruman and Gríma). But there is so much beauty in this film which makes up for it.
The musical score is amazing. Someone here loathed Howard Shore for writing pompous and sentimental music - I don't understand it. This is the most wonderful soundtrack I have ever heard, except for maybe the one in Fellowship Of The Ring. If this is not rewarded with an Oscar in February, something is very, very wrong.
During the first two movies, I was always bothered by the fact that Merry and Pippin were turned into comic figures, simply there to lighten up serious moments. In this movie, Billy Boyd and Dominic Monaghan finally get to work a little more on their characters - characters which I love. And they do it so well. I have to admit, that my absolute favourite moment in the movie was Pippin singing before Denethor while the battle goes on outside. It was a beautiful and very strong scene. Does anyone think that the Academy will remember Billy Boyd when it's time for the Oscars?
But there were things that were left out that should not have been, mainly in the ending. There were no explanations to how Faramir, Eowyn or Merry were suddenly healed, there was nothing with Pippin being in Minas Tirith before the battle, and as I said, Saruman and Gríma were left out. Not good. One can only hope there will be more of this in the extended version of the dvd. I'm very much looking forward to it!