Magnificent, spellbinding, intense, and imperfect

Rating: 9/10 (21 December 2003)

This movie marks a major achievement, not just by Peter Jackson & co (who surely deserve some serious Oscarly consideration), but by the film industry as a whole. Many have tried to do cinematic justice to Tolkien's famous books, and so far this is the only real triumph. Just as in the previous two LotR movies, there is a remarkable attention to detail combined with a vast scope that truly stand out.
Not to say that it is flawless -- one can certainly question the placement or existence of certain scenes as opposed to what was omitted. Nor is it 100% true to the storyline of the books -- it is not. Some of the scenes seem rushed, others drawn out needlessly. Nitpickers and armchair quarterbacks can certainly have their fun.
But they will not be the only people having fun. Overall, this is a thoroughly satisfying theatre experience which ought to be experienced on a big screen. I have seen at least one review where an angst-ridden critic says "skip the movie and get the DVD". Such people do a public disservice, perhaps in hope of shortening the lines at their local multiplex. For this is an epic film that deserves its box-office popularity, and should be taken in with the wide screen and powerful sound system of a quality theatre. Don't let the naysayers fool you, this is the best movie around right now. Those three hours will speed by like a minute to the mind, if not to the buttocks.
The battle at Minas Tirith is particularly intense, as is the climb to Cirith Ungol. You'll ride with the Rohirrim, fly with the Nazgul, and suffer with the ringbearer on the slopes of Mt. Doom. My life is a little more complete for having seen Tolkien's vision expressed by Peter Jackson's films.
Warning: DO NOT BRING BABIES TO THIS MOVIE! 'Nuff said about that.
9/10, with the option to revise upward once the extended edition arrives.