Absolutely Incredible

Rating: 10/10 (18 December 2002)

This is a fantastic movie, incredibly filmed without a detail spared. The action sequences are among the best I have ever seen. While it's easy to say that the development of the familiar characters does not hold up well as a film would be by itself, if you take this film within the context of a second installment of a larger series it is a flaw that can be easily omitted.	The parallel editing sequence that occurs between the major battle scene and that of the hobits talking to the tree people is also oddly paced, making you wonder why Peter Jackson chooses to cut up a fast-paced action sequence with a slow, drab monologue. However, the pace of juxtaposed sequences definitely heightens the feeling of general anxiety that grips you by the throat as the film approaches its climax. The dialogue can also be trying at times...the Sam/Froddo dialogue about being "brave and strong" towards the end of the film is trite and cheesy. However, there are also times in the film where we find wonderful prose emitting from the same characters, allowing me to forgive their occasional verbal blunders.	At the end of the day, I can forgive the film's tiny flaws for the greatness that shadows over it. This film will take home some major awards next year. I have to say...seeing this film on opening night, I felt like a kid again. This is the Star Wars for a new generation. Let's just hope that Peter Jackson will keep this story sacred, and will never have the temerity to pull a "Lucas" and to rehash these great films into Hollywood train wrecks 20 years later. Highly recommended.