Comments of a Rings fan (contain spoilers)

Rating: Null/10 (30 December 2003)

I have to start the review by saying I'm one of the insane people who has seen ROTK way too many times already. And now, finally, my opinion of the movie has settled and I can write a rewiew. It will contain spoilers so be warned!
I was not impressed with ROTK after my first viewing. All I can think of is, 'They changed this!' or 'They excluded that!' or 'That looks really fake!'. My mind was too caught up in these 'glitches', I just never paid enough attention to the movie to get involved in the story. I came out of that first show thinking TTT is better. At least with that one, I was completely wowed on first sight...
But with the next viewings, my opinion of the movie changed. After the initial 'shock', I went in knowing it's not what I expected. That's when I actually see that the filmmakers made a great movie despite the little flaws.
I am so moved by Faramir's story. The actors who are in that arc, especially David Wenham and Billy Boyd, are just awesome in conveying the emotions of the situation. With one look, Faramir managed to make me forget all the changes they did to the arc. And short as it might be, I found that to be the most touching segment of the movie.
Pelenor Fields is very cool. I love the way Aragorn jumps off the ship; the Legolas/ Oliphaunt moment and Gimli's one-liner. This battle sequence truly exemplifies the epic feel of the trilogy. But I have to agree that in exchange for the sweeping scope, it lost the intimacy and urgency that Helm's Deep possessed. I never got the sense of the entire survival of mankind is at stake during the sequence.
Even the witch-king scene, which is a one-on-one battle seemed a little lackluster. Theoden's death sequence is probably the only 'emotionally engaging moment' for me. It is greatly acted; in general, Benard Hill did a superb job of a king who recognizes his time will soon pass.
Sean Astin is great as Sam. Andy Serkis' Gollum feels so real that I forgot he is cg. Elijah Wood's Frodo feels a little like an object than a character though. It's like he's there to be the reason for Sam and Gollum's actions. I don't know if that's intended... They went a little overboard with the 'touching dialogue', I thought it feels a cheesy at some points in time...
Aragorn at the Black Gate is awesome! Viggo is just so great as the reluctant hero in the trilogy; I'm quite sad there isn't more of him in this movie. I wouldn't mind seeing more of Aragorn's journey and evolution into the leader of men. He has like less than 30 lines total, and this movie is called return of the king... But anyway, at the Gate, when Aragorn gave that speech, you see him complete his transformation into the king. It's great.
I still think the ending could have been handled better. There is no point in making the audience think the movie is over at 5 different times. The transition could have been smoother such that people actually didn't think the movie is going to end.
Despite all its shortcomings, I think the movie is awesome, one of the best I've seen in a while. It has everything: humor, human drama, action and an epic look. So, I'd give it at least a 9/10.