Rating: 
Summary: "The greatest movie of our time"
Review: Let me start by saying all three of these movies are spectacular, the first and last being my favorite. This movie, being the last installment, follows ring-bearing hobbit Frodo, loyal Sam, and questionable Gollum as they near Mount Doom, the rest of the broken fellowship as they prepare for "the greatest battle of their time," and,of course, Aragorn as he comes to the conclusion that he has to accept his status as king. I am going to give you all the negative and positive attributes of this movie. Let's start with the positive...
This movie is superb in the adventure and the amazingly epic battle sequences (along with the computer images). There were many battles in the previous movies which were great and full of stunts, but this movie does a great job showing the hugeness of such battles. There are many great stunts-mostly Legolas and Aragorn-and great music to get you "in the mood."
The character connection you have with each character is what makes this movie stand out. Frodo's inner battle with good and evil climaxes as he comes closer to destroting the ring and you can just feel his hardship and pain. Sam's loyalty to Frodo moves you to the point of tears, and Gollum's evil intentions just make you want to jump in the movie and help. There are so many times in this movie when I cried-particularly when Frodo is once again failing and Sam is always there like a rock-pushing him on: this is one of the great Christian aspects of the movie. One of the easiest characters to connect with, in my case, is Aragorn. The battle that rages in him, whether to be king or not, also climaxes, as he realizes that he has to accept his destiny or fail utterly. When Elrond arrives to give Aragorn the sword of Narsil and tell Aragorn of Arwen's sickness, you can feel his confusion and pain as he realizes it is "now or never," but then slowly his resolution that it is indeed "his time." Arwen and Aragorn's love story also gives you moments of character connection, as well as the playfull banter between Legolas and Gimli. Arwen's choice, whether to live as an elf immortally or marry Aragorn, become mortal, and die, is a deep reflection of the really main, though often forgotten storyline- self-sacrifice.
Acting is also superb. The character of Sam by Sean Astin is wonderful as well as Frodo by Elijah Wood. I think that Orlando Bloom(Legolas), John Rhys-Davies(Gimli), and Sir Ian McKellan(Gandalf) did great too, but the one that stands out is Viggo Mortenson as Aragorn. I do not often see movies where you can truly believe that the actor is the character, but Viggo surely delivered. Every time he was on screen, he stole the show.
The storyline is what keeps this movie going and that goes to the credit of J.R.R. Tolkein and somewhat to the writing team of the movie.
The negative things were... number one: at the end, Jackson put in at least three fake endings- I mean come on! Everyone, whether you know what happens(as me and my sister did) or if you don't(as our friend didn't) do not find this fun or very nice and most often find it irritating(as we all did!!). This isn't a kid movie, you don't have to make stupid jokes! It mostly breaks the flow of the movie-keep that in mind next time, Peter Jackson. The slow motion, muted scenes at the end also added nothing, I'm sure most people would have liked to see Frodo greet the fellowship in sound, etc. Number two: okay, so you didn't shoot the "Scouring of the Shire," I'll live with that, but why in the world did you leave out the RETURN of the king? I mean, so you show where Aragorn gets crowned(nice scene- I loved it), but why didn't Peter Jackson show the "House of Healing" and/or more of where Aragorn accepts he is the king and/or where his people find out? As my friend said, this is the "Return of the King" NOT the "Story of the Hobbits"! Don't get me wrong, I love the ending with the hobbits, but you needed more RETURN FOR THE KING, got me? Other things were: 1) Cover that Legolas and Gimli after the "War of the Ring" stay with Aragorn until his death and then go to the Gray Havens puhleaseeee-and it would have been nice if they were in it more, 2) Arwen and Aragorn could have had a scene or two where they are finally together and/or Aragorn struggling with the fact that Arwen is dying-if you are going to add it, ELABORATE!!, and 3) Eowyn MARRIES Faramir-it sure would have been nice to see those two, who have gone through so much, find such happiness(one little glance at each other hardly tells of THAT story, Peter Jackson).
So, the conclusion is overall,this movie is absolutely fantastic. Many scenes leave you crying-like where the Rohirrim comes to Minas Tirith, Sam says to Frodo "I can't carry it for you, but I can carry you" and where Aragorn is crowned and finally gets Arwen. The characters are superbly drawn and evolved, acting wonderful, great adventure and battle scenes, and the movie keeps you on the tip of your seat-even for those who know what will happen. There are some things at the end I would change, and I most definitely would have had more closure for Aragorn, Arwen, Legolas, and Gimli, and I hope beyond hope that these things will be in the extended edition, but I was satisfied-almost. Peter Jackson, for this kind of three fold movie, the ending has to be GREAT and it wasn't- it was only GOOD. Yet, I do give this movie five stars and highly recommend that you see it after you see the first two-Enjoy!
P.S. For those of you who are worried the book is ruined by the movie, it isn't. True, Peter Jackson changed many things, but I don't think it ruined the movie. I am usually a book purist, but when the movie is great you have to love it! You have to sort-of think of it as a re-telling of Tolkein's book and be open-minded. The book is a masterpiece, the movie is a masterpiece: love them for what they are.
P.P.S. This movie has battle scenes and very scary images, hence the rating PG-13. Parents, beware for kids.
Rating:
Summary: One of the Best Movies I've ever seen
Review: I love this movie. The acting is awesome and the special effects and landscapes make me want to visit New Zealand where all the movies were made. There is something I don't get which is why are there so many 1 star reviews. I've read a lot of them for many different movies & cd's and it looks like some people just go here to complain and make up stories of cd's they have never listened to and movies they have never watched. Although many people have different favorites like me I love this movie(actually all three movies), all the Star Wars movies, the first Matrix movie, and many others in different genres such as westerns, war, drama, horror and suspense. There shouldn't be anyone bad mouthing this movie because most of the people who buy the DVD or video will have watched the movie and loved it.
Rating:
Summary: King Returns to Rule 'em All.. the Fantasy Films (4.5 stars)
Review: Two years ago, not considering the cult following J. R. R. Tolkien's work worth reading the books (although their literary and historical importance is undisputable), I nevertheless decided to give "The Lord of the Rings" film trilogy a try. The first two parts -- "The Fellowship of the Ring" and "The Two Towers" are and will remain examples of a very good film craft, but the climactic third part "The Return of the King" made it all worth checking out -- yes, I guess the nine hours spent in the cinema will not be in vain for most movie lovers.There's certainly not much left to be said about this film. It's one of those rare cases when the hype is actually justified. Although the story will never outgrow what it really is -- a never-to-be-real fantasy, what counts here is the sweeping imagination, powerful storytelling and dazzlingly spectacular special effects. I don't know whether the film stayed true to the book and, frankly, I really don't care. But what I do know is that the making of the LOTR trilogy was a labour of love for people around the director Peter Jackson and the result must have brought satisfaction also to the vast majority of those who have seen it. The actors also merit high praise. None of the stars stands out, but as a whole, the cast is probably the best possible. As for the awards; I did not think the "Fellowship" or the "Towers" deserved to win, let's say, an Oscar for the best picture. "The Return of the King" deserves it. In itself, it's a stunning cinematic achievement, and has helped make the trilogy one of the most momentous art-works the 21st century has to offer so far.
Rating:
Summary: spectacular
Review: Alright, i am a huge fantasy and sci-fi fan, and LOTR is one of the best series in the genre. And i must say, this movie brilliantly captures the story in the book. The first two, i thought were very very good, but this one surpasses both. The Fellowship left out some really cool elements of the story (Tom Bombadil, for example), and the Two Towers seen with Aragorn getting tossed over the cliff was just plain annoying, it didnt add anything to the movie, and wasnt in the books. The Return of the King left some things out also, like the Fellowship, but from what i have heard, the extended version will include them (more than an hour extra!), and aside from that, i think it is the most book-accurate of the three. Saruman getting defeated really needs to be included, but it will be in the extended version, so thats ok. Oh, and to kate ignat, who wrote a review about the Pellenor Fields battle scene, you really missed the point completely. If all you got out of this movie was a cool battle scene, i guess thats ok, but you are not only really missing out, youre majorly downplaying the rest of the movie, which was as cool as Minas Tirith getting attacked. The movie had an extremely good storyline, without which the movie would be stupid, no matter how cool the battle scenes were. Also, the parts you said were bad (Denethor lighting himself on fire and falling off the cliff and the ghost army) are very important elements of the story, which are in the book as well. They are not at all bad, and while the ghost army may not have been very good for those of you who like seeing the good guys blow away enemies that number ten times as many as them, it is a pretty cool scene anyway. (By the way, the chances of people actually winning with those odds are in reality like ten million to one, no matter how good at fighting they are.) My advice to you is to read the books. In conclusion, i have to say that this is an awesome movie everyone should see. Like with the first two, however, you really should read the books also.
Rating:
Summary: Sheer Brilliance!
Review: From its breath-taking cinematography, through its unbelievable music, passed the astonishing battle scenes to the truly emotional finale, "The Return of the King" is the best film I have seen in my life. Why? Here's the jist of it: the war of the third age has begun, the battle that will make or break middle earth. Through the ultimate peril man, elf, dwarf and wizard must unite if they wish to see the next sunset - for Sauron and his forces have reached the peak of their rage, and have summoned an attack so great it will rid the world of good once and for all. Middle Earth's SOLE chance in prevailing hangs heavily, chained around the neck of the smallest creature of all. Now the ever-weakening Frodo of The Shire must overcome his growing desire for the One Ring, for if he fails his world will utterly crumble. "The Return of the King" is so unbelievabally, without words, the most powerful film i have ever experienced. Like Frodo's pull towards the ring, my heart was hopelessy trapped inside the world of Middle Earth. Peter Jackson has weaved this film to such brilliance, that the sheer peril of the story felt so real and strong, I felt myself grounded in their world, and myself also a victem, that if Frodo does not find away then I also will be destroyed. And it was THAT emotion that was SO forceful, at times seemingly unbearable, for you want SO dearly for Middle Earth to destroy its terribly evil presence. The movie is also so inspirational. As Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli and ofcourse Gandalf, toy with the ever growing likliness that they may perish in this war, they are still holding onto what is most important - love, trust, loyalty, hope to enormous strengths, and the utmost sacrafice, for they are not fighting this war for themselves, but battling on to spare two little hobbits, that one slim chance to destroy the Ring. It is simply gripping. The perfromances by Elijah Wood (Frodo) and Sean Astin (Sam) are the best out of the entire triology. SO powerful that it will leave you in masses of tears. Andy Serkis as the Ring-Posessed Gollum is fantastic and totally and utterly believable. And the friendly mocking relationship tightens between Gimli (John Rease-Daveis) and Orlando Bloom (Legolas) who continue to punch out those funny lines. And Sir Ian McKellen does simply an inspiring effort of the legendary Gandalf. Meanwhile Aragorn (viggo Mortenson) finally realises he must take his place as king. The scnenery is absolutely and totally breathtaking, the most impressive is the horrifying cinematography taken for the nomattic Mount Doom. It is here also where the climatic and deciding scenes unravel, leaving you both shattered with emotional, and abosolutely on the edge of your seat. And of course, the state-or-the-art visual effects, giving a FURTHER realism to the film. I could go on and on AND ON! But I think I'll simply end in saying, this is the MASTERPIECE of our time. Through every visual art possible, "The Return of the King" is unquestionably the most extraordinary film in history!
Rating:
Summary: The biggest Battle Scene Ever filmed indeed!
Review: The movie "The Lord of The Rings: The Return of the King" far surpasses its pedecessors. The story continues nicely from "The Two Towers" and the extra scene of how gollum found the ring was also neat. But the best part about this movie was not the storyline, or the FX, or the character roles, but Minas Tirith, the capitol of Gondor, being attacked by over 200,000 orcs.
The first cool thing about the battle was that the orcs are the coolest evil army that I have ever seen. Thier armies were mind-boggling out in pellenor fields in the one shot where the duke of Gondor looks down. They amass on Minas Tirith with countless armies, belfreys (those big towers), and catapults, and just when you think Rohan and Gondor just won, you hear the huge drums of the Southerners (and these arent hilbillies, they're savage hethens) on thier olephents.
Theoden gives an impressive speech as well. It didn't touch me enough to cry, but it was pretty moving. The only bad thing (and I mean the ONLY bad thing) about Minas Tirith is when the duke of Gondor is slowly twisted insane and lit on fire. Then he jumps off the highest peak in Minas Tirith, a flaming corpse, and falls onto Pellenor Fields. Uh-huh. Oh, yeah, and the ghost army was a bit lame.
Overall, the movie was good. I loved it more then the 2nd, and WAY more then the 1st. Minas Tirith, claimed by real critics to be the biggest battle scene ever filmed. Indeed.
Rating:
Summary: The Best And The Last Of The Greatest Trilogy of All Time!
Review: "The Return Of The King" had high expectations from people around the world. "The Fellowship Of The Ring" (2001) was a solid, touching, first installment. "The Two Towers" (2002) was a bit slower moving, but had the amazing Helm's Deep battle sequence at the end. It also introduced new characters and gave more development to the story. "The Return Of The King" blows away the first two installments by far. It tells us the story of people and creatures who come together to conquer evil. It is touching, amazing, and so much more. At the end of "The Two Towers", many things had taken place. The Ents (whom Merry and Pippin were with) had flooded Isengard and Saruman was held in his tower. Gandalf, Theoden, Eomer, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli had just finished the battle of Helm's Deep. And, of course, Sam and Frodo were continuing their journey on to Mordor with Gollum, who has a secret agenda. "The Return Of The King" brings all these stories together and Peter Jackson does it perfectly. At the beginning of "The Return Of The King", there is a flashback that explains how Smeagol (Andy Serkis) received the Ring of Power and transformed into "Gollum" (voiced by Andy Serkis). We then cut to Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Sam (Sean Astin) on their journey to Mordor. Along the way, Gollum tries to trick Frodo into thinking that Sam wants the Ring for himself. Frodo says that he doesn't need Sam's help anymore and goes on to find the Gollum had tricked him. He was led into the spider Shelob's lair. He finds Gollum and throws him down a huge hole. He is attacked by Shelob and is later taken away by orcs. Sam catches up to him and saves him. Together, they go to Mount Doom, where Gollum still lurks. Gandalf (Ian McKellen) finds Pippin (Billy Boyd) and learns that Sauron thinks he has the Ring. So Gandalf rides to Minas Tirith where the King Denethor (John Noble) resides. His is the father to both the son he loved, Boromir, and the son he despises, Faramir (David Wenham). Faramir and his men had been attacked at Gondor and he was the only one that came back. Denethor thinks he is dead and decides to burn him, while thousands of trolls, orcs, and more swarm outside of Minas Tirith. Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), Legolas (Orlando Bloom), Gimli (John Rhys Davies), and King Theoden (Bernard Hill) are preparing for battle at Pelennor Fields. Aragorn needs more of an army and goes through the Path Of The Dead and summons the Dead Army. All of the Rohan soldiers are going to Pelennor Fields, which is right outside of Minas Tirith. Merry (Dominic Monaghan) is with Eowyn (Miranda Otto) on a horse with the Rohan soldiers. They all charge and the Battle of Pelennor Fields begins. All of these actions culminate with Frodo and Sam right outside Mount Doom and the rest of the Fellowship outside of the Black Gate, ready for one last chance to give Frodo time. Frodo gets his chance, but will he finally finish off evil forever? Acting - Elijah Wood gives another great performance as Frodo, but it is his companion, Sean Astin, who really shines. Ian McKellen is outstanding as Gandalf and so is Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn. Dominic Monaghan and Billy Boyd have more screen time as the hobbits and are very enjoyable to watch. Orlando Bloom and John Ryhs Davies play side by side as Legolas and Gimli. They are humorous and go well together. Mirando Otto did a fantastic job as Eowyn. Her battle sequence with the Witch King is stunning. The cast does perfect in every role. Andy Serkis does it again with his eerie voice that makes Gollum so real. The cast does perfect in every role. Acting (10/10) Special Effects and Battle Sequences ' The special effects are breathtaking. They look so realistic that you think you are in the movie. CGI ' Gollum is amazing as always. The giant spider, Shelob, was one of the movie's highlights. If Shelob didn't look realistic, then the movie could have been ruined. Yet, there is always hope ('only a fool's hope.') Shelob was stunning at how perfect she was done. That part of the movie gave me the creeps at how real it was. The battle sequences are outstanding. If you thought Helm's Deep was huge, then this is colossal compared to it. The Battle of Pelennor Fields is exhilarating. The Black Gate scene also makes you feel triumph and pride while watching it. The special effects and battle sequences were great and made the movie even better than it already was. FX and Battle Sequences (10/10) So, in conclusion, the last one is the best one for this trilogy. This is a great movie that will leave you amazed, touched, and give you that feeling. You know what feeling. The one that makes you want to say, 'This is why we go to the movies''
Rating:
Summary: LOTR ROTK
Review: This is truly a wonderful conversion from book to film. I have read the books and think it impossible to do a better job at converting them into films. Peter Jackson's version of the LOTR in the FOTR is what first inspried me to read the books. There is only so much you can put into a film and their is so much in the LOTR books that it is amazing for me to see that one director can tell the story so clearly. I also think that the same dedication is carried out throughout the whole trilogy and ecspecially in ROTK. I am not going to say anything negative about it because there is so much good that even if there was anything wrong with it you would not notice.
Rating:
Summary: Concludes my favorite movie
Review: 'The Lord of the Rings' is a larger than life tale. The story is reminiscent of ancient legends, and the movies are similar to films of another era. Few movies successfully use sweeping battles and tearful warriors to evoke the brutal violence and manly displays of emotion in 'Beowulf' and 'The Iliad'. Quests on this scale require grandness on every level. Heroism, affection, nobility, and peril are amplified. Like the other two films, the final installment of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Return of the King, depends on viewers to have a high tolerance for sentimentality and bloodless warfare. If they do, they are entitled to a rendition of J. R. R. Tolkien's novel that is generally faithful to the book, often moving, and always impressive. The third movie in 'The Lord of the Rings' involves two hobbits (humanlike creatures half the size of most men), Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) and Sam Gamgee (Sean Astin), who are traveling deep into enemy territory to destroy a ring that holds the essence of the dark lord Sauron. Gollum (Andy Serkis), a creature distorted by his obsession with the ring, accompanies the two as a guide, while plotting how to get the ring for himself. Elsewhere the titular Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) helps Theodon (Bernard Hill), King of Rohan, prepare his men for battle against Sauron's armies, and Gandalf (Ian McKellen), the White Wizard, rides to Gondor to warn them of Sauron's plans to attack. The film repeats only a few events from the previous two movies. A masterful score enhances the power of the movie by elaborating on themes in the other films and introducing a few new lovely and stirring melodies. The music climaxes in the spectacular conclusion that is a culmination of friendship, courage, and perhaps total annihilation of evil. Acting could be considered excellent or melodramatic; certainly it is suitable to the movie. The scenery and special effects are still breathtaking, though there seems to be less attention to and reliance on cinematographic detail and more focus on the plot. However, the costumes and settings are still marvelous. Rarely is a film, like the movies made years ago, unapologetically corny and magical. Though 'The Return of the King' moves at a breakneck pace, numerous scenes take their sweet time to unfold; director Peter Jackson is not concerned about modern day audiences' aversion to slow, touching cinema. Be warned of the satisfying but lengthy dénouement, more comparable to an epilogue of a novel than a film. 'The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King' is a touching and exhilarating finale to an incredible trilogy.
Rating:
Summary: The End of a Journey...
Review: It is hard to caputer with words the emotions that resonate so profoundly throughout this film. Upon my first viewing I was struck awe at the shear size and spectacle of everything that was transpiring before me. I cringed in horror at the moment when Frodo was stung by the hideous spider Shelob, I cheered when Sam charged the tower of Cirith Ungol to save his dear friend (what amazing courage) and I wept when Sam told Frodo on the slopes of Mount Doom, "I can't carry it for you Mr. Frodo, but I can carry you!". These scenes are just a few examples of what this film has acheived, in truth there are far too many to name here. While there are some who will complain that the film had one too many endings, as fan of both the book and the movie I felt that every ending was absolutely necessary to bring this epic saga to a proper close. It was everything it should have been: triumphiant, bittersweet and ultimately powerful.
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