A true cinematic milestone - classic literature to a classic trilogy.

Rating: Null/10 (26 December 2002)

When one peruses the comments contained within this forum, it is immediately noticeable that many "critics" fail to see the forest for the Ents. The term "milestone" is frequently tossed about as an adjective denoting superior quality, when in fact quality is not the point. The real achievement of LOTR will be whether or not it succeeds in translating one of the world's most beloved literary masterpieces into a cinematic experience that, like the books, transports its audience into another realm. Hence, it will become a "milestone". If LOTR made for an easier translation, I've no doubt Spielberg or Lucas would have grabbed it and tried it long before now. The fundamental problem for them, had they chosen to do so, would have been the absolute restraint placed on them by having to work within the strict confines of the story, and retain the magic without the benefit of the freedom of the written word. It is not a dominion that either have shown any pre-disposition towards, and one suspects that they have recognised the enormity of the challenge, both for its scope, and complexity. And as far as this current endeavour is concerned, TTT takes the baton from its predecessor, TFOTR, and maintains the magic, the wonder and the story. Comparisons with TFOTR are both odious and pointless. Complaints about the use of CGI's are irrelevant (how else would you create Gollum, Ents, Orcs and iconaclastic battles?). Perfection in any field of human endeavour is both subjective and impossible, and should not be used as a touchstone. TFOTR built the foundation, TTT has put up the walls....and no doubt TROTK will complete a majestic cinematic achievement that will be watched for generations as an epoch defining moment in movie making. Those that feel the need to nitpick should perhaps confine themselves to Austin Powers.