This movie reaches the destination that all movies of past generations have been trying to achieve.

Rating: 10/10 (5 January 2004)

The Return of the King is the stunning finale to the trilogy of Tolkien classics that have been translated by Peter Jackson. The movie, following the book, is the most satisfying of the trilogy. Not only are all issues resolved, but unlike other book-to-film creations, all items that were meant to be left unsaid, were left unsaid.
It is very rare that a cast will come together in the first movie, and still be together through the end. However, because of Jackson's method of filming all three movies simultaneously, the cast was able to stay close throughout the trilogy. One fear concerning a movie of this caliber is quality of acting. This is one area that does not affect this cast. Not only is this a cast of current and future acting giants, but this is also a cast of people who love their craft and are willing to work as hard as possible to create a project that will cross all borders.
The performances by newer, younger actors such as Orlando Bloom, Elijah Wood, Dominic Monaghan, and Billy Boyd are so fluid that they are able to successfully equal the performances of the veterans such as Ian McKellen, Cate Blanchett, and Viggo Mortensen. It was obvious throughout that the experience learned between the two groups will benefit all involved.
The special effects used in the movie will hold up against any rivals for many years to come. The texture and fluid movements of the animals in this movie represent what Lucas has been unsuccessfully trying to achieve with the recent Star Wars trilogy. The only movie that has successfully used all of the tools available to movie makers would have to be The Matrix: Revolutions. However, due to the fact that these two movies, although argued to be so, are NOT in the same genre, nor are they similar in any other field beyond the level of effects, they cannot be reviewed together or compared in any way.
In summary, The Return of the King represents the first successful combination of solid storytelling and incredible effects in its genre. A feat that will most likely not be re-created for some time.