Amazing

Rating: Null/10 (5 January 2003)

Let me begin by saying that Peter Jackson and company did not follow the novel word for word. I am sick of reading comments by so many naysayers that are nitpicking lines, scenes or the characters over the smallest details ("Hey! Merry never said that in the book!).
I challenge ANY of them to go to Hollywood, convince a company to front them $300 million dollars and do a better job - while raking in the cash and acclaim that this film is doing. People who couldn't direct traffic, let alone three MAJOR pictures, have no business commenting on the movies.
That aside, this was simply an amazing movie. True, PJ was pretty liberal with the novel - but he has to be to compress 600+ pages into a three hour movie that a non-fanatic could understand. Did I like all the changes? Nope. But its still a damn fine movie.
The good stuff:
1. The battles. Simply incredible. The battle for Helm's Deep is one of the finest battle sequences ever. It truly captures the chaos, horror, and claustraphobic feel of hand to hand combat. I felt like I was on the wall at Helms Deep surrounded and outnumbered. I felt like I should be there defending the Rohirrim people.
2. The actors. Outstanding casting - everyone fits their role. Usually, you have at least one person who just doesn't fit their part. Not here. Bernhard Hill (Theoden) should be a nominee for best supporting actor. He more than holds his own against the major characters. Another plus - John Rhys Davies. There was too little of Gimli the dwarf in FOTR. Not here. Gimli steals the show with a mix of humor, action and compassion throughout the film.
3. The score. Howard Shore's Gaelic inspired music enhance the emotion in every scene. I was nearly in tears during Theodred's burial (and another nod to Bernhard hill for his acting here). A lowpoint - the end credits song - what the hell was that?
In conclusion, this is a film worth seeing. Its another highpoint for American cinema. See this one at the theater, it just won't be the same on a TV.