A brilliant conclusion - but now what do I look forward to?

Rating: 9/10 (26 January 2004)

If Peter Jackson doesn't win the best director and best picture Oscars this year, then there is NO JUSTICE at all in the entertainment industry - let's just hope the Golden Globes are a good indication!
To start with, this movie is outstanding - there will be no spoilers in this review because you really have to go and see this film for yourself to appreciate the splendor and the spectacle of this epic tale of adventure, romance, nobility and heroism.
Frodo is back as good as ever, and Elijah Wood is proving to be a really talented adult actor, following on from his excellent start in childhood. And as Sam, Sean Astin, is another child star who has really come into his own now.
Viggo Mortensen is still gorgeous and makes a believable King, and the entrancing Liv Ullman is beautiful as the elf who gives up her immortality for love.
New Zealand has now become one of the places I must visit, because it is just breathtaking and that is thanks to Peter Jackson's sensitive direction and the skill of the cinematographer and editor combined!
This film deserves to be nominated for about 10-12 Oscars that I can think of - best film, director, original score, original song, a gaggle of special effects type awards, and if there were a best overall cast, it would definitely win that one.
I cannot wait for this film to come out in the special edition triple boxed set later in 2004 - it will be a must-buy for Christmas 2004!
You should see this film if you have seen the first 2 and if not rent them first, then see the ending, the impact is much better if you know what is going on.
And for anyone who thinks 3 hours is a long time to be sat in a cinema, well, don't concern yourself, it will all be over before you even realize it and you'll wonder where the time went!