BETRAYAL

Rating: 1/10 (21 December 2003)

SPOILERS Frankly put, this movie sucked. What could have been spectacular with only a little care was ruined. Oh, don't get me wrong. If you are some lazy movie-goer who considers yourself an expert because you own the Extended Editions of the first two movies on DVD, you will certainly enjoy this movie. If you are, like me, a hardcore fan who has practically memorized the books, I don't see how you can enjoy this film.
It starts out fairly well, and continues like that for most of the film. Although the changes are not usually welcome at all (cite Arwen's magnified part to make it sappy, or Gollum and Frodo leaving Sam altogether,)I could have accepted that. Sure, Shelob's lair was all wrong. Well, yeah, it did annoy me that at some parts Aragorn was more important than the whole ring-of-power-which-must-be-destroyed. The whole love triangle was blown way out of proportion, and by editing out his almost-death it might have been possible to film some of the wonderful scenes in the book that the movies carelessly deleted. But, like I said, it was all right until the end.
The ring was destroyed magnificently, I admit. The aftermath was done well. But there is no excuse for skipping straight to the Happy Ending. Lalala, sunflowers and daisy chains and frolicking puppies for all. WHAT THE **** JUST HAPPENED? No scouring of the Shire. For that, Saruman just might have been left out altogether. No adjustment for Frodo. I might also add that by having Gollum and Sam make so much external conflict for him, it practically obliterates all the internal conflict. The audience is unprepared and confused when he decides to keep the Ring. However, back to the mangled ending.
Put aside the major parts. In an effort to appeal to teenage girls, I assume, the filmmakers decided to give Arwen a much larger role, and make Eowyn's affection for Aragorn much more serious as well. So why do they not bother showing her courtship with Faramir? A large part of the books is condensed into two camera shots of them standing beside each other at the coronation of Glorious King Aragorn, who seems to have washed his hair for the occasion. I know, he was on a trek in the wilderness, no shampoo, but how come he shaved more then? But back to Eowyn. Her sudden attachment to Faramir makes her seem like she is nothing but a man-chaser. First she goes after Aragorn, future king and current war hero. When he spurns her love, she takes Faramir, steward and war hero, as the next best option. Ridiculous. Just ridiculous.
to sum up, do not see this movie. Do not waste your money. This review is long, I know, but it could be so much longer if I wanted to mention everything wrong with the movies. Anyone who is a true fan will regard this as nothing but filth, a pure waste of time.