Pure Cinematic Gold

Rating: 10/10 (20 December 2002)

There are down sides to this film. The acting is not Oscar worthy, the script is no way near as good as the original book and the story can seem fragmented at times. But for pure visual glory, this film has to ranked right up there with the best. If you take out the absolutely massive battle scenes, you still have the wonderful Smeagol/Gollum character. If you take out the breathtaking views of middle earth you still have the breaking of Isengard. Rarely, especially in these times does a director so clearly belong to the telling of one story. With Lord of the Rings and Peter Jackson this is true in spades. Bring on the Return of the King.