Loved it, wanted more, and less

Rating: 10/10 (9 July 2003)

I literally grew up with Lord of the Rings; a map of Middle Earth hung on the living room wall next to the map of my own local county, and I didn't know it was a fictional place until I was about 12. So my first view of Jackson's Hobbiton had me weeping with joy. I truly love the vision that has brought these stories to life. I would only wish for a teensy bit more adherence to the original... and can
forgive the loss of Bombadil. I think that Return of the King will definitely get a Best Picture Oscar with the understanding that it encompasses the trilogy of
films. I hope Jackson will undertake The Hobbit while he still has his Gandalf and Bilbo.
As for the Two Towers:
You know, if they hadn't taken the time to throw Aragorn off a cliff, they might have been able to fit in the the Huorns.
And then there's that thing with Faramir.
The Wargs need work; they look a bit rubbery.
But, I almost completely loved it. I think Viggo Mortensen's growing into
Aragorn's character as he goes along. It's an interesting performance; Aragorn is being slowly revealed over time just as in the book. Gollum is beyond my
wildest nightmares; Gandalf is permanently inhabited by Sir Ian (and I suspect vice versa as well). The film is way above and beyond any comments I could
make about it.
I hope that Return of the King will show Jackson's best efforts to adhere faithfully to the original book. Less time wasted on the battle scenes, more time on the emotional conflicts and resolutions. It will be a much richer film for that.