bigger and better in every way

Rating: Null/10 (20 January 2003)

### SPOILERS ###
I've just seen this movie for the third time, and it just keeps getting better. I always thought TTT would be the hardest book to adapt because of it's many different plot lines and position as the middle chapter of a very strongly linked trilogy. But Peter Jackson has done a sensational job, with the finished product far outshining any of my expectations.
I loved the way Jackson chose to open the film, giving us a short reminder of a key scene from the first film then following it with a brief rundown of where each major character from the first film is, with some inspired editing helping this initial part of the film to flow much better.
Of course with any adaptation of this magnitude some details of the story will always have to be modified, but some major alterations (e.g. Aragorn dreaming of Arwen after he's floated down the river, the distracting and unnecessary appearance of Galadriel) left me a bit confused.
The acting once again is impressive all round. I particularly liked Ian McKellen's portrayal of Gandalf the White. His added wisdom and austerity were spot on and I loved every scene he was in, particularly the one where he drives Saruman from King Theoden. However for me the best performance of the movie was from Sean Astin as Sam. His genuine, heartfelt portrayal of Frodo's loyal gardener, who would risk his life to save his mate, for me provided the most touching scenes of the movie which could have become fairly tacky in the hands of a less capable actor. The single line that defined his performance for me was after Sam has saved Frodo from the Nazgul and is thanked by having Frodo's drawn sword stuck in his neck, when Sam says "It's your Sam! Don't you know your own Sam?" That scene, and Sam's subsequent monologue totally defines the relationship between Frodo and Sam and in a way helps remind why their journey is the most significant in the whole trilogy. I think Sean Astin seriously deserves to be recognized in a few weeks when Oscar nominations are announced.
All in all, this is a more than worthy follow up to one of the best movies of 2001, and an honourable adaptation of an awesome book. 10/10