Any similarities to the story are purely coincidental

Rating: Null/10 (19 December 2002)

***Warning contains minor spoilers.*** I never thought of myself as a Tolkien purist, but what d'you know, after watching this movie, I am. I really feel that TT ought to have a rider "Very Loosely Based on Some Characters from the Lord of the Rings Trilogy: Any similarities to the story are purely coincidental". Peter Jackson/Fran Walsh what were you thinking???
Partly my Disappointment stems from the fact that there is too much hype, so I only have myself to blame for listening to it. TT was like a Christmas present, so full of potential when it's all wrapped up, but when you open it, you realise it's not what you wanted at all.
I realise that PJ had to diverge from the book to keep the pace up and to link the films together, but were all the divergences necessary? In some cases, it added to the story like Gandalf's fight with the Balgrog (***Amazing!!!***) and the love affair between Arwen and Aragorn (Awww!)- because it adds to character development, and explains Elrond's dislike of Aragorn. However, why did Walsh/Jackson feel it was necessary to totally alter the character of Faramir. In the book Faramir is truly noble, his only failing is that he is forever living in his brother's shadow, particularly in the eyes of his father. He learns of his brother's weakness and determines not to walk that same path. So why did they feel it would add to the story, by corrupting one of the greatest character's in the TT and RoTK? I am telling you now - it doesn't. Gollum was good. I know people have complained, but how else do you portray a mad creature that is hundreds of years old whose body and soul has been twisted by evil? Finally, Gimli. Okay, the first couple of jokes were funny, but by the 10th "short" joke - it's just not funny any more. And the "Dwarf Tossing" joke just WAS NOT funny. (I'm 5'8" in case you're wondering).
Don't get me wrong, it is a good movie. It doesn't feel like three hours. It has action, humour, a love story, an unrequited love story, more action and a great ending. The plot races along nicely. BUT, IT IS NOT Lord of the Rings.
Big Kudos to the unmentioned character - the New Zealand scenery was beautiful, but then I would say that, wouldn't I? And to Kiwis: Try spotting who hasn't been on Shortland Street!
Watch it you'll probably enjoy, but don't expect Tolkien.