Terrible, bloated ending to a terrible, bloated series.

Rating: 4/10 (2 June 2006)

Epic. What is this obsession with being 'epic'? The tedious sweeping shots of New Zealand countryside.The ridiculous, poorly constructed 'shakey cam' CGI battles. The endless 'rousing' speeches and cringe-worthy battle banter.
I suppose the story of Lord of the Rings suggests all of these elements, so perhaps Peter Jackson is not entirely to blame. What it really comes down to is that this is a *bad* story. Middle Earth is under threat from what? An evil lighthouse that controls an army of orcs? This is supposed to be menacing? Give me a break. Even after the 'threat' is dispelled, the film continues at its torturous pace for 30 or so more minutes! I couldn't care less what happens to the people of Middle Earth. Not a single character is likable.
Too sum up Lord of the Rings in a word: Boring. Very, very boring.