Take A Deep Breath -- Its Good but not Great

Rating: Null/10 (29 December 2003)

In years to come when movie lovers and critics can step back from the hype surrounding this film, I believe the final installment of the LOTR trilogy will be seen as a lush, well-acted and filmed epic conclusion that suffers from some irritating faults (note: I've never read the books so I see this movie with the eyes of a moviegoer only). The first -- its overlong. Second -- it telegraphs almost all its punches -- did you know when Gollem was going to show up? Did you know who was going to be on the boats before the final battle scene? Third -- the ending: overlong and drawn out. It seems the writers were determined that they were absolutely not going to end this movie until there was not one dry eye left in the house.

All aside, Return of the King is definately worth the time and money to see on the big screen. Its a great ride and a great story despite its faults but "Ben Hur" its not.