A stunning finale

Rating: 10/10 (12 March 2005)

I've read the book version of ROTK several times before FOTR was released in 2001, and following the success of FOTR, and my mixed reactions to TTT, I braced myself for negative feelings towards Jackson's version of ROTK. But my bad expectations for ROTK soon evaporated as the simply amazing battle for Middle Earth unfolded on the big screen before me. Virtually nothing as been left sparse, special attention has been payed by Jackson and his team in every respect. The acting is superb, especially Ian McKellen's benevolent yet mighty Gandalf and Andy Serkis's evil, plotting Gollum. The special effects are nothing short of stunning, as huge Oliphaunts plough through waves of charging horsemen, as Trolls smash through gates and walls, as catapults launch massive boulders at whole squads of men and as the Eye of Sauron explodes at the end of the final clash.
Of course, it wasn't all perfect in ROTK. I wish King Theoden had at least a mention after his death, if nothing else. And having Denethor as a crazed maniac from the start seemed poor and simplified to me. Some more information on the character's lives after the defeat of Sauron would be cool too, though I can understand why some of it was cut out. Still, I felt disappointed that so many of the battles were dependant on CGI fighting.
But overall, I can overlook those minor faults, as this movie is a great ending to a great trilogy that is on par with Star Wars, The Godfather, and all the other all-time greats. Congratulations to Peter Jackson and all the cast and crew!