Incredible book, not-quite-as-good film...

Rating: Null/10 (20 March 2003)

But it's still great. I'd like to see any other director try what Peter Jackson has done and come up with similar results. The acting is impressive, the cinematography, special effects, costuming, all amazingly done. I like the approach Jackson took with switching back and forth between the Frodo and Sam scenes and the scenes with the rest of them instead of splitting them completely like in the book.
(some spoilers ahead)
I do have a few beefs though. Faramir was characterized completely wrong. He was made out to be such a jerk in the film, where in the book he is a much gentler soul. That bothered me. Also, the appearance of the elves at Helm's Deep was off the book plot, though the idea seemed to work just fine. Haldir's death was uncalled for though!
(end spoilers)
Overall, an incredible film. Not as good as the book, but still one of the best movies I've seen. Rating 9/10