Action-packed if not slightly overlong joy

Rating: 10/10 (26 February 2004)

Well, this was my favorite of the trilogy, mainly because it was backed up by 6 hours worth of the previous films which meant it didn't have to build as much, and what followed was 3 hours of fantastic footage. The thing is because of those previous films you already have the feeling of the immense task and the size of the situation, so practically the entire film is more dramatic than one i have ever seen. It thoroughly deserved its massive applause at the end, although whether that was so people could walk about I don't know. If there's one criticism i have, it was overly long this time, mainly in the strung out ending. Sadly, i do not complain directly to the producers, since the endings are actually necessary and it would be criminal to leave them out according to the books. Even so I did feel had the movie ended 20 minutes earlier the cheer would have been an eruption, but maybe that's a personal dislike. Nevertheless, the battle sequences deserve an academy award alone, beautifully crafted and awe inspiring to watch. Acting is up to scratch as always, and there's not a dud scene in the film.
All in all, if you don't see this film you will be missing out on one of the greats the camera was invented for. This is the one ring. See it.