[Snake65]

An epic end to this ode to heroism and sacrifice.

Superb special effects, thrilling battle scenes -- especially of the Nazgul wheeling and diving on Minas Tirith like JU-87 Stukas -- chilling moments as Shelob hunts Frodo, and a message of courage and hope: that even the smallest of us can make a difference in the history of world.

My main quibble was Jackson’s removal of the “Scouring of the Shire” (and indeed any scene of Saruman). It’s always been one of my favorite parts of the book, the Shire has been reduced under Saruman’s brand of Socialism to a realm of “gatherers and sharers” (with precious little sharing, one hobbit notes). Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin lead a hobbit uprising, and prove that the hobbits have indeed grown up and are now able to take care of themselves without any aid from Wizards, Elves, Dwarves, and Kings. Tolkien wrote his tale, in part, to give the English a creation mythos and in dispensing with the “Scouring” scenes --even in a future DVD -- Peter Jackson has done Tolkien the first real disservice of the Trilogy.

I was really looking forward to Bruce Spence (the gangly "gyro-captain" guy from Mad Max 2/The Road Warrior) as the Mouth of Sauron but he doesn't make an appearance in this verison. Oh well, hopefully on the extended DVD.

That aside, I found this an entirely satisfying conclusion and if anything, too short. If the spectacle level of Two Towers was a ten, this takes it, like Nigel Huffnel’s special amp, up to eleven. I’ve no doubt I’ll see this many times.

~E.E. Knight (snake65), author of WAY OF THE WOLF and proud Tolkien-geek FReeper.

[HairOfTheDog]

I liked the way it finished.... I think the end was really well done.

I felt a little out of sorts with the beginning starting out on Smeagol and Deagol like that! Not sure I wouldn't have liked the opening on Saruman's end better.

I saw I think, some of the places where the extended cut will bring us more. And Orthanc will be one. The Black Gate opens and the mithyl vest will be another.

Oh dear the battles were somethin. PJ did the part with the heads. Gads how horrid.

Sean Astin and Elijah Wood were great, and they are where my heart always lies in reading the book. Also so in the film.

I am going to see it again this afternoon. I am looking for things to remember now.... Not sure I should form too many conclusions after seeing it at the late hour and hyperoverload of seeng it the first time.

[BibChr]

See my #10; we had some of the same reactions.

Dan

[SuziQ]

chilling moments as Shelob hunts Frodo

I think I might have forgotten to breathe during that segment! It was just outstanding!

[sweetliberty]

"in dispensing with the “Scouring” scenes --even in a future DVD -- Peter Jackson has done Tolkien the first real disservice of the Trilogy."

Are you saying that it won't be included in the extended version, or that a disservice is being done even if it is included in the extended version?