Stunning finale

Rating: 10/10 (12 March 2004)

PJ did it didn't he? Frankly, I don't necessarily rate this film higher than the previous two per se. Rather, I think the way the tale was weighted in both the book and more especially, the screenplay, lent itself to a climactic finish which this film encapsulated. I do think the CGI in RoTK (unsurprisingly) outclassed the previous offerings though. I understand that Weta were flat out right up to the release cut-off. My only grumble was the contrived ending. Even though Tolkien himself seemed to have a problem finishing the original novel satisfactorily, I thought the liberties taken in the conclusion marred an otherwise perfect film. I believe it would have been better served by placing the cut scenes of Sauron back in at the beginning, and then finishing on the crowning of the King. A voice over with a storyboard or flashes could have covered the return to the Shire, and Bilbo's departure. That said, its a pretty minor grumble and doesn't spoil the overall enjoyment. So well done to a local lad turned good :) With rumours that The Hobbit may now be slated for filming, I look forward to what other treats PJ and Weta can conjure.