What's with the Osgiliath-plot?

Rating: Null/10 (17 December 2002)

OK, so I have to admit that mr Jackson went and did it again. As a film it's terrific. As an interpretation of the books - quite ok. But, being a huge fan of the book, I can't say I'm totally comfortable with the fact that large chunks of storyline was omitted, and other parts inserted at what seemed random.
The ents were portrayed very close to what I had in mind myself, but the conclusion to go to war should've been reached at the summit, like in the book. A plus though for Treebeard - very cool character. :)
Osgiliath. What was wrong with just keeping the company east of Anduin, at the Forbidden Pool-site? And why was Sean Bean not casted to play Faramir too? And, most importantly, why was Faramir so "evil"? He should've been portrayed as in the book - a crystal clear counterweight to his brother. But oh no, Peter Jackson had to go ahead and make him semi-evil and let him drag the poor hobbits of to Osgiliath. There - after a short intermezzo between Frodo and a Nazgûl - Faramir somehow - in a very hippie-like way - changes his opinion, and sends the party of with his most sincere wishes for good luck, etc.
"If you let them go, the blah blah of the blah of Gondor states that your life will be forfeit!" "Then let it be forfeit" - no explanation given to this. Bad.
Argh!
Gollum was - in lack for better words - perfect. The fact that it was CGI alltogether never shone through. Great work! I especially like the dialogue he has with himself about whether to trust his Master or not.
Elronds little tantrum after Arwen refuses to leave Middle Earth is also a little strange. As is the fact that Galadriel - via some strange form of telepathy? - gets Elrond to send reinforcements to Helms deep. (My impression after reading the books is that Elrond (half-elf) is more positive to humans and other races than Galadriel. In the films he seems to be more reserved?)
Oh, let's face it - I dislike Liv Tyler.
I liked the movie though. Very much so. I think I gave FoTR 8/10 or so, so I have to give this one 9/10. It's improving, mister Jackson! :)
For those who haven't seen it already, do it!