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The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King (Widescreen Edition)

The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King (Widescreen Edition)

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Rating: 5 stars
Summary: A visual Masterpiece -- incomparable movie-making...
Review: Peter Jackson deserves some time off. After watching the absolutely stunning 'Return of the King' it seems almost unbelievable that so MUCH of Tolkien's Trilogy could be caught so well on film. I lost count of how many times my jaw just dropped at what I was seeing during this movie. The more I learn about this movie trilogy, the more impressed I am. Sure, there will always be those Tolkien purists who believe that straying from the books -- even by one single word is nothing short of blasphemy, but considering the sheer scope of what it took to bring these stories to the big screen (and sorry, but home viewing just doesn't do the movies justice), Peter Jackson could very well be the greatest film-maker of the past 30 years. Not even Spielberg could have done a better job -- not without re-writing it into something that wouldn't even remotely resemble the original novels. Jackson remains true to the Tolkien vision (at least he does in MY opinion) and gave us the true meat of these amazing tales. For purposes that non film-makers usually do not attempt to understand, there are significant and valid reasons for deleting certain portions of the stories -- and yes, even creating entirely new scenes not found in the books.

The final battle scenes at Minas Tirith almost defy my ability to describe and do justice. I know of NO other film in ALL of history that depicts a battle of such scope even remotely as well (with the possible minor exception to the storming of Normandy Beach in 'Saving Private Ryan'). For one, I can't think of ANY film which even attempts to visually show such a battle with so many participants, whether they be computer generated or not. Peter not only hit a home run with 'Return of the King' but a Grand Slam on the scope that has never been seen before. Many have been calling this the greatest Film Trilogy ever created, and THAT is an understatement. It would have been interesting had several film-makers sat down to make the Trilogy, but all independant of one another, just to see the vast differences in how the movies turned out. I am 100% confident nobody could have done it better than Peter Jackson, the true visionary of our time. I anxiously await to see what he has for us next -- after his well-earned vacation, of course. In short, GO SEE THIS FILM.

To go into detail on the movies HUGE number of special effects and shining moments would take up more time that I have here to describe. A few that stand out would be Aragorn, Legolas & Gimli's recruiting of the Army that turns the tide of the battle of Minas Tirith...Frodo & Sam's battle to get INTO Mordor, and once there, making the difficult trek up to cast the One Ring into the cracks of Mt. Doom...Legolas' almost single handedly changing the course of the battle for Minas Tirith in his never-ending challenge to one-up Gimli...Gandalf and Pippen and their part in forcing an alliance with Gondor, and how Pippen becomes a man--er, adult Hobbit all because of one crucial mistake...the schizophrenic life of Gollum and how twisted he has become as a result of his association with the One Ring over such a long period of time and how he plots -- with himself, no less -- to win it back at ALL costs. It was a true bitter-sweet moment at the end in the final scene when the Fellowship is finally broken for the last time as Bilbo & Frodo along with Gandalf take their leave of Middle Earth with the Elfs out to sea.

Overall, I would have to say that my favorite character in the movies has to be Samwise Gamgee. Sean Astin is to be commended for playing this complicated near-simpleton and give him such depth and compassion. His sworn oath to help Frodo, even at the cost of his own life is a beautiful thing that Peter Jackson has brought to the screen. Many say the film is too long, but I for one believe the movie ended all too soon and I very much look forward to the extended edition on DVD of this film to see what else we can expect from Middle Earth that because of time had to be cut from the film.

In short, these films and specifically 'Return of the King' will go down as some of my personal favorite of all-time and I can hardly wait to see it again on the big screen (and I can't even remember the last film I saw twice in the theaters...), in short this is a visual Masterpiece of incomparable movie-making at its absolute finest.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: We come to it at last, the GREATEST Battle of our time
Review: I'm a big fan of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, I think there just amazing, no movie I've seen can beat it. I was never a movie fan back where I came from, but the Lord of the Rings was the first movie that ever captured my attention. It has Action, Drama, Humor, and every other things you've ever wanted it, it kinda makes you feel that you were there too. The Return of the King is the Final Chapter to the Lord of the Rings, one of the greatest movies ever been made. The emotional story is where most of the power the Return of the King really lies. You have all these great, huge battles on a external level, but on a internal level, you have Frodo and Sam climbing up a Mountain just try to get to Mt.Doom, is their relationships that kinda effects you, it is the heart of the movie. The battles are breath- taking, I find myself yelling and shouting in the theater saying" Victory! Rohirimm! Gondor!". I think the movie is worth every penny, I strongly recommend this movie to everyone. All the armies, Gandalf's briliant stratigies, and Aragorn facing a horrific test to become the King of Gondor with the support of Gimli and Legolas, and Faramir leding him men against the army of Orcs and Uruk-Hais, also Theoden, Eomer, and Eowyn battles against so many Orcs. Is all about" Can we buy Frodo a chance. You should see the movie before it stops showing up in theaters, or at least see the Trailer. I list a few quotes from the 3rd movie, the 3rd Trailer and one of my favorite quote from the 1st movie:

Movie;

Aragorn is taking his horse to ride to the Path of the Dead and sees Gimli.
Aragorn: Not this time Gimli.
And Legolas came him with his horse.
Legolas: Haven't you learn the stubborness of the dwarves. We're going together.

At the door of the Path of the Dead, Legolas reads the phrase on top of the door.
Legolas: The way is shut, it was made by those who were dead, and the dead keep it.
Then suddenly, a wind blows from inside the door and the horses runs off, Aragorn trys to stop them but can't, he turns back to the door.
Aragorn: I do not fear death.
And went inside with Legolas behind him, and left Gimli outside alone.
Gimli: Well, this is new. An Elf would go undergroud and a Dwarf can't? Oh this is ridiculous!

The eve of Sauron is looking straight at Aragorn
Sauron's eye: Aragorn, Elessar.
Aragorn walks up and turns back looking at Gandalf and Legolas.
Aragorn: For Frodo!
He runs up to meet the army, and followed by Merry and Pippin, then Gandalf and Legolas with the rest of the men.

Aragorn was crowned with Arwen by his side, and walks up to the Hobbits, and they bowed to him, but Aragorn stops them
Aragorn: My friends, you bowed down to no one.
Then all the men of Gondor and Aragorn, Arwen, Faramir, Eowyn, Eomer, Legolas, Gimli, and others bowed down to them.

Trailer:

Eomer: We cannot achieve victory through strength of arms.
Aragorn: Not for ourselves, but we can give Frodo a chance.

Aragorn: I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me. A day may come when the courage of men fails, when we foresake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship, but it is not this day, this day, we fight!

Gandalf: All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to you.

Elrond: This is your test. Every path you have trod through wilderness, through war, has led to this road.

Arwen: It is time. Give him the sword of king.

Elrond: Become who you were born to be.

My Favorite Quote:

Galadriel: Even the smallest person could change the course of the future.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: THE GREATEST ADVENTURE STORY EVER SET TO FILM
Review: You just dont get any better than this folks. The crowning achievement for the greatest adventure trilogy (or story for that matter)EVER set to film. Superb cast, Excellent directing, and Mind Blowing F/X. You have to see this film. From Gollums transformation, to Shelob, to the Battles ,the romance, the fallen hereos,folks you better bring a box of tissues to this one. And it only gets better in Noverber 2004 the expanded version will be released with nearly an hour of extra footage...This Trilogy blows the STAR WARS saga right out of the water and makes George "jarjar Binks" Lucas look like an amatuer. All hail Peter Jackson. By the way who is George Lucas???lol. Enjoy This Triolgy it is the adventure story in which all others will be measured against. A true MASTERWORK indeed.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Awesome Conclusion.
Review: I went to see the movie this last weekend with my family. We were all blown away by this fantastic movie. What else can I say about it, great characters, fantastic actors and actresses. Go see this movie I can't say enough how good it was. I nearly cried at the end when Frodo and Bilbo went on the fantastic journey into the unknown. I can only say that I hope Peter Jackson does THE HOBBIT next, I think that it will be fantastic. Please if you like great epics and fantastic movies see this one.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: This is the reason I love movies!
Review: I saw this movie for the second time last night. As with the first two, I was amazed at how much I had missed on the first viewing. There is so much going on! These movies are the reason I love movies. All three are gorgeous to watch, wonderfully cast and acted and tell a timeless story of good vs evil.

Return of the King is, without a doubt, the best of the three. Peter Jackson has done something that very few directors have been able to do in my opinion. Very often when certain aspects of a book don't translate well to the screen, the filmmakers will use their artistic license and make changes. All fine and good but more often than not, I'm disappointed with the results. Not so with any of these films. I think the changes that were made to the storyline served to enhance the whole experience and still kept to the spirit of Tolkien's work. There are only 3 other movies I can say that about: To Kill a Mockingbird, Jaws and The Hunt for Red October.

I think this picture deserves the Oscar as does Elijah Wood as Frodo. His portrayal of what it is like to have the weight of the world's evil on his shoulders (around his neck, actually) was heartrending and completely believable. I would also have to include Sean Astin, Andy Serkis and Ian McKellan on my Oscar list as well. That Peter Jackson should get the director's nod is, I think, obvious.

I look forward to the extended edition DVD to see what scenes PJ will add back in. I just hope it will be out sooner than November 2004.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: The One
Review: Great one!, Great Movie!, Great Effects!, Great Music!.

There is not words in elvish, men or dwarf tongue to describe this one.
A classic.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Good, yes, but please stop gushing.
Review: This was a good movie, but not an epic film as the hard core fans would have you believe. Yes, the sweeping shots are incredible and the battle scenes are great. However, the longing looks of Sam and Frodo become tiresome. There are scenes that border on schmaltzy. A few bad cuts and too much of the melodramatic stares, drop this film from 5 to 4. I realize this is far from popular opinion, but it had to be said.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: A Trilogy Review
Review: I decided to hold off reviewing this beloved epic until I have seen it in its entirety and now that I have I confidently and enthusiastically cry out a big WOW for the most impressive epic film ever made.

Every single aspect of this film is infused with Peter Jackson's (director) ingenious and exquisite vision. The colossal production is very evident throughout the trilogy and the mesmerizing special effects are exactly that ... mesmerizing. Filming this epic in one shot was perhaps the most brilliant idea Peter Jackson had for this film. Over the past three years, every December fans take off from where we left off the previous year without feeling a discrepancy here or there in the characters, the landscape or pace. It's as if we were suspended in the no-time zone for a year after year ready to experience the magic of the Ring.

The ensemble cast is magnificent as well. I cannot pick favorites (even though I loved Sam Gamgee) for that every single actor did an outstanding job depicting his/her character and together they played an ethereal symphony Beethovenian in caliber. J. R. R. Tolkien's characters represented the full gamut of human nature and Peter Jackson was able to recreate that on the screen with stark detail. From the peace-loving, innocent hobbits to the evil and sinister Orcs lies the perpetually confused, unpredictable man. The epic in a way represents the microcosm of life: a perpetually peculiar battle between perceived good and perceived evil.

Fall from grace, confusion, dilemmas, hard decisions, community strength, courage and triumph are some of the many underlying themes of this universally adored work of art. Some people have dismissed this film as a "fantasy flick", but in reality it is an epic with an incredible impact like that of Ben Hur's, Spartacus' and Gladiator's combined!

This film is one of my all time favorites and I do recommend it to all.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: TRULY AMAZING
Review: This third LOTR movie is very very good. Drama, pace, action sequences. I have only 2 complaints : 1st, the death soldiers attack to the bad guys at Minas Tirith it has bad special effects, just watch death pirates attacking in Pirates of the Caribbean and you'll see the difference. 2nd, Wheres is Saruman ?, he plays a key role in Tolkiens 3rd book of LOTR. In the movie, Hobitton was intact !!!.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Not as Good as the First Two, IMHO
Review: I saw RotK at the midnight opening and I've thought about it for over a week before writing this review, hoping my feelings would change. They haven't. After anticipating RotK for a year, I found myself disappointed in the actual experience. In my opinion, it just wasn't as good as the previous two movies in the series.

Don't get me wrong, this is still a great movie and a fine end to an amazing accomplishment for every one involved. There are still a great many places that shine, a great many scenes that made the transition from book to film in a remarkable way. But for me the problem was that there were also a great many places that just didn't work, and, now that this viewer is somewhat through with going "oooh, aaahhh," at the scope and detail of the work, the difference between what worked and what didn't was extremely jarring.

In many places the acting/direction was highly melodramatic rather than realistic, and this seemed a huge, huge change from some of the understated presentation of the first two films. There were a great many slow motion shots meant to convey emotion that I just found silly and too long. The f/x were overblown in many places-esp. the Paths of the Dead, an interpretation I found tedious and not at all threatening. And some of the battle sequences--particularly the Battle of Pelennor Fields--went on and on too long without recourse to a human anchor. I thought Helm's Deep was much better done, and I could have stood about ten minutes less of Oliphants. In fact, overall I thought there was too much carnage and not enough character.

There was not enough Aragorn and too much Gandalf. RotK is Aragorn's big moment, and I felt his development was thrust aside in a way that I found unconscionable. His sudden change of heart towards his heritage was virtually inexplicable. I really, really didn't like that his choice to take the Paths of the Dead was presented as...almost something he was forced into, rather than a strong decision, as it was in the book. In fact, although the movie RotK actually diverged less from the books than the previous movies, the places it did diverge bothered me a great deal more. The worst was the role of Arwen and what happened to her.When Elrond told Aragorn about it, my jaw was hanging to the floor because I just couldn't conceive where the scriptwriters had come up with that, or what excuse they had for it.

There were other things that bothered me, including the treatment of Denethor, which I felt made him a much weaker character than he should have been.

There were great moments in this film. The arrival of the Rohirrim at Minas Tirith brought tears to my eyes; Eowyn's struggle with the Nazgul was fantastic, and the scene between Faramir and Denethor broke my heart. But all in all, I came out of RotK dissatisfied.

I heard a rumour today that the extended edition of RotK verges on Five Hours. Here's hoping that a lot of what I missed will be there!


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