Like the Movie, Liked the Book

Rating: 10/10 (19 December 2002)

This movie was very different from FoTR, in many ways. First of all, the movie and book is mostly battle. The battle of Helm's deep is probably the focal point of the entire movie, so the movie is significantly more violent than the first. If you're faint at heart, and don't like seeing orcs die, then you might want to consider watching "Bambi" or something else instead.

The cinematography in the movie was...once again, astounding. One particular shot that runs in my mind is when Aragorn retraces the steps of Merry and Pippin...the flashbacks between Aragorn (present) and Pippin and Merry (past) are excellent. A few other notable shots include when Aragorn picks up the Lorien Leaf that the hobbits leave behind; when Aragorn walks through the double doors, and (this one is incredible) when Frodo attacks Samwise (watch his blade..this shot is incredible). Of course the landscapes and the battle scenes are great too, those are just a few particular shots that I remember.
There are several things that I really loved and enjoyed about the movie. I'll make a brief list of them here: The introduction starting outside the mountain hearing what is going on inside and then Gandalf falling/fighting the Balrog; Grima Wormtongue. Perfect casting..you couldn't get any slimier than that! ; The Wargs (though they sort of looked too cute... ; The ents...oh my..the Ents were spectacular. ; The destruction of Isengard! I just wish they would have shown more of it. ; The battle of Helm's deep. I know this is like half the movie...but it was great!
There were a few changes from the book, but I won't mention them (I don't want to spoil the movie too much), but if you want to mention them, go ahead and post comments. I'll back up every (almost) change that Jackson made...even what Jackson did to Faramir.

There weren't too many things I didn't like..but the first and foremost is probably the Entmoot...that is the one change that I think Jackson shouldn't have made. Also...we didn't get to see Treebeard's "house." That was a shame. I really wanted to see the table and the Ent draught. I also didn't like the dwarf tossing joke (yes..*another* dwarf tossing joke...sheesh!) and I didn't like what Frodo saw in the Dead Marshes.
Peter Jackson (even he admits this), took more creative liberties with this movie than any of the Lord of the Rings films (released and unreleased). Knowing this before I went into the movie, I was a little worried. I figured he had cut something big out...or added something stupid in. But, in the end, I can appreciate almost all the changes he made (with the possible exception of the entmoot), and I think this movie was once again a winner! Thanks to everyone who made it! It was great!