The Greatest Movie Trilogy Ever!!!

Rating: 10/10 (17 December 2003)

With respect to the other trilogies: The 1st 3 Star Wars films, Indiana Jones, The Matrix, The Godfather or which ever other set you can think of, this final piece of Peter Jackson's masterpiece completes the greatest adventure story of the 20th Century in breathtaking fashion.
Sean Astin and Viggo Mortenson capture each of their respective roles brilliantly displaying the correct levels of emotion and passion, staying true to Tolkien's vision of the human will. Also Ian McKellan's Gandalf will go down as one of the most beloved characters in any genre hands down.
The Academy better pay special attention to what Peter Jackson has done here. As an avid fan of this story as a youth, I am very critical of how the conversion from print to film is accomplished. Though this movie has to be 3 hrs 20 minutes long to do it, Jackson does extremely well to include a more than worthy amount from the original story without alienating the movie goer who has not yet read the books.
I did notice Christopher Lee's Saruman missing from this film. I have read that this was done for a number of reasons not the least of which is time as another 30 minutes would have to be included. Apparently this will be available on the special extended DVD to be released in Winter 2004. It does not however effect the fluidity or rhythm of the movie. You won't mind.
Visually the cinematography in this production has to be a lock for the 2004 major awards. And that is before Cold Mountain has come to cinemas. Simply terrific to watch from start to the famous end.
I have only given 22 movies to date a perfect 10/10, and this is the 23rd. The Lord of the Rings is now complete leaving me with only one question... When do we get the honor of The Hobbit! :)