Meet All My Expectations (which are extremely high) and More

Rating: 10/10 (18 December 2002)

I just saw it. I need to see it a few more times to decide if I like this one better than I like FOTR.
However, it's certainly spectacular, with scenes after scenes that would take your breath away. Personally, I don't mind as much the deviations made by PJ, such as much more ambiguous Faramir. They certainly make better drama. The acting all around are powerful, and the interplay between Aragorn and Eowyn, King Theoden and Gandalf and later Aragorn, Sam and Frodo, Frodo and Gollum, Faramir and Frodo/Sam, and so on all come out seamlessly and naturally.
Oh yes, Gollum although not perfect (there's one or two incidences I felt he's not totally seamlessly fit into the background) is the most amazing CGI character ever. Hats off to Mr. Serkis, PJ and the CGI team! By the way, the change of Gollum, from a menace to a helper back to a scheming snick, came through logically. I actually feel sorry for that wretched creature.

Overall, it met all my expectations and more.