For once, a fantastic movie that surpasses the excellent book

Rating: 10/10 (10 February 2005)

I was first introduced to the Lord of the Rings in high school. I read through the entire trilogy and loved it so much I immediately read it through again, back to back. Whenever I love a book (and am very familiar with it), I tend not to fall in love with the movie. I think, "that was a pretty good adaptation," or I dislike certain elements of it, or I don't like it at all.
Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens changed all that. For the first time I love the movies even more, if that's possible since the books are the original, than the books. It was a love which grew over time and multiple viewings, that finally caused me to realize that here was something I never tired of. Not ever. I could buy extended versions of the movies, listen to hours of commentary, watch hours of behind-the-scene footage, and never be bored.
Why? First of all, the casting in the movies is exceptional. I would not change one of the actors if I could. They will forever define the characters for me; they fill the roles and work together in a way that no one else could. It is a shame there is no Oscar for Best Ensemble Cast; if ever a cast deserved it, this one did. But the key to the success of these movies is their emotional heart and soul. Peter Jackson understood this (see Heavenly Creatures) and took the spirit of the books, rather than the literal letter, and made it work on film. The brilliance of the writing and direction on this gargantuan project cannot be underestimated. To the book purists: write a screenplay, pick up a camera, and do a better job yourself. I cannot imagine how it could have been done better. In fact, in many places, Jackson and co. improve upon the original by streamlining it, simplifying it, and making the whole story more logical. Finally, Howard Shore's beautiful soundtrack is so emotional, evocative, and memorable that the movie without it is unimaginable.
My favorite movie (all three together) of all time. What more can I say?