I am amazed, astounded, and humbled before Peter Jackson

Rating: 10/10 (19 December 2002)

First off - to the purists who will bemoan the fact that he made more substantial changes from the book - get over it. Film and novels are two different media and he has been honest all along is saying that the films are HIS vision of Tolkien's work. To those out there who just don't get fantasy and never will - stay home, you won't like this one either. To the other 98 percent of the world - go and enjoy an experience that you will never forget. When Return of the King is released, Peter Jackson will have given the world an unprecedented gift of 3 movies that are truly one and tell the greatest epic adventure we will ever see. This one was going to be difficult to do as the middle part of the Trilogy was always the least satisfying. Jackson managed to keep the story threads moving without confusing them, gave the plot more heart and soul than came through reading the books and gave us the single most incredible battle ever put on film. But he also gave us the little details and emotions that explain why Samwise said what he did. Any why Gollum/Smeagol is so truly pathetic and Frodo feels tied to him. I came out of the theater stunned, as if I had just walked through a hurricane. It was the most incredible movie experience I have ever had. Howard Shore has outdone himself with the soundtrack and the actors and crew have again demonstrated their complete commitment to excellence. George Lucas should be forced to sit and watch this movie over and over until he understands how he betrayed himself and his fans. It will be shear torture waiting another year, but I have total confidence in the hobbit from New Zealand.