Great movie, but story changes were bad.

Rating: 9/10 (18 December 2002)

I'm going to disagree with most of you, but I thought the first FotR was a better movie. But first my praise: Gollum... absolutely completely perfect. I have never seen a character adaptation from a book to movie that was not only a perfect rendition, but also the improved character. As with FotR, the scenery was incredible. The Ents were intense, and they did a good job on the sacking of Isenguard. The battle at Helms Deep.... wow. Now for my criticisms: Way too much time wasted on the ride from Edoras to Helms deep. Since when was Théoden King such a wuss. Aragorn's wounding was another waste of time (not to mention a very bad edit). Don't get me started about Faramir... he was supposed to be above temptation. The battle between Gandalf and the Balrog... to short (got to extend something for the DVD sales). I can understand some of Jacksons departure from Tolkien, but, unlike in FotR, they detracted from the story. If Jackson followed the book closer the movie would of been shorter, and in my opinion, a bit better.
Don't get me wrong, it was a great movie. I will see it again, and buy the DVD. Truthfully it was the best movie since FotR, but I did leave the theater a bit disappointed. (I'm sure it had a lot to do with the smelly nerd that was sitting next to me. People should shower before going out in public)