Best of the series, hands down

Rating: 10/10 (17 December 2003)

For those fans of the books who have been watching these films unfold during the past 7 years, it has been a journey of love, labor and a good number of sacrifices... but a great deal more rewards. For those fans who have only just begun to discover Middle Earth through the films, Tolkien's masterpiece 3-part epic remains intact in its message, imagery, and timeless virtue. Here preserved on 35mm film for all to see is the capstone to the epic film series that has become an international phenomenon with critics, fans, and especially the box office.
The Return of the King is the big payoff. In a sense the film is just that, the third chapter to a massive 11+ hour epic film, and certainly the most rewarding film of the series. But for being packed with exhilirating action, nail-biting suspense, intense dramatic scenes and heartfelt emotional scenes that will make grown men cry - The Return of the King tells the final chapter of the Lord of the Rings with surprising patience and a very carefully wrought edge to storytelling. Here the many strands of the story are skillfuly interwoven throughout the film and eventually brought together in a very momentous climax which will literally make you want to rise up from your seat and start roaring battle cries along with the bedraggled warriors on the screen who, in the face of unstoppable hatred, rally together and charge forward nonetheless.
You will love this movie. If you have missed seeing the other films then go and watch them to prep yourself for seeing this one. You simply cannot miss this while it is in the theaters, it will knock you down and you will love every minute of it.
10/10