Awesome movie, inadequate ending...

Rating: 9/10 (3 January 2004)

Peter Jackson has done an admirable job of depicting this epic trilogy on screen. This movie, while boasting a 3:30 run time (3:15 if you don't count the previews), does a good job at finishing the story.
As a Tolkien fan, I am disappointed in the material that was left out of this film. I realize that, if all the storylines were included and given a just amount of time, this movie would run near 5 hours. I hope that in the extended edition (which will hopefully be released BEFORE next November) they will add back in a significant amount of storyline.
My only complaint about this movie was the ending. Yes, they left out a lot of the story, but the worst part for me was the extended emotional endings and the pointless fades that only served to extend the movie 20 minutes beyond what was necessary. Sam does way too much crying for my liking. I'm guessing that these scenes were added for emotional appeal for those that require high emotional content to their movies. So, if you are one of these people, then you will love this movie. Not only does it have non-stop action and story, but the ending will be up to your emotional standards as well.