The best is saved for last...

Rating: Null/10 (17 December 2003)

Another superb film from Mr. Jackson. His judicious editing keeps this final installment from ever dragging at all, as the first two did for brief moments. Each character is given enough screen time to shine, and the battle scenes are kept just long enough to satisfy without growing boring. If any drawbacks could be pointed out, there are still a few 'very CGI' looking moments (e.g. Legolas attacking the Olifant), and some less than stellar blue-screen matting for hobbit scale effects, but these are minor flaws on an otherwise stunning film. Fans of the book may take offense to the omission of Saruman and the 'Scourin of the Shire', but they are not really necessary in the grand scheme of the film. Of course, the soft-focus, slo-mo shots of the reuinion of the Fellowship at Frodo's bedside aren't necessary either... but I'll take the cheese with the wine any day. A really magnificent movie. Can't wait to see the extended DVD.