From a huge Tolkien Fan

Rating: 6/10 (9 January 2004)

First thing I will say is as a straight movie it is a very good one. I am sure the public will turn this into the third huge success for the trilogy and that most people will love the movie.
That being said, anyone that is a true Tolkien fan is cringing and I am sure Tolkien himself is turning over in his grave.
linnett100 had it right for their part about the characters. She, (I am assuming linnett is a female name here) has a good grasp of what Tolkien ment in his books and to his fan.
As you can tell from my handle, I am a Tolkien fan. I own the books, the audio books, and the BBC plays for both LOTR and the hobbit. I was horrified at the changes in this third part. Very very little other than the very broad storyline was even followed in this movie. Right from the very beginning of the movie, until almost the very end, they messed up the whole story, changing characters parts and stories and exploits even in a few cases. It totally changed the story
I have to say until almost the end though as they got MOST of the story of the Grey havens correct. one of the few parts.
And I had such high hopes for Mr Jackson. He changed some in the first two movies, but for the most part kept to the story.
I do have to add on to Linnet100's comment though. he sure did ruin Aragorn. Viggo should get 3 oscars for pulling off such a great character in the 3 movies. Aragorn was never undecided as to who was king. he knew he was, his time just had not come yet. As his wedding to Arwen was fortold when she was said to marry only the king of the north and of the south.
Oh well, I guess it was too much to expect from someone who is NOT a Tolkien fan BEFORE they make the movie to actually come through in the end. It does leave open the door for a friend of mine to some day make a TRUE trilogy of the books now though

I am sure the Oscars will finally give Best picture to Jackson, and I shall die a little when I see it happen. Oh well, as they say.... SH** Happens

Mithrandir