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What didn't you like about the Elves at Helm's Deep?

Oh great, now you're going to go sucking me onto this thread too?

Let me first say that I thoroughly enjoyed the film.

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I just wish they could have done the one that Tolkien actualy wrote. :(

The line I actually got the biggest kick from was Sam in Osgiliath saying "By all rights... We shouldn't even be here". I wanted to shout "Right! Get back to where you belong!".

I loved the Helms Deep portrayal. But again, I can't see why it couldn't have been done true to the book. It would have been just as exciting. Instead of the battle with the wargs there could have been the rear-guard defense at the dike(?) on the outer edge of the field before Helms Deep. And I still don't get what value the elves add to the story line (I thought they were cool and all... but ???)

The sally-port charge to drive the enemy back from the gate becomes Aragorn throwing Gimli across a gap? (It did give us one of the best lines of the film - "Throw me.... Please don't tell the elf") And the ridiculous "siege" equipment... please.

I also kinda miss the side story line of Legolas getting caught up with the sparkling caves. I don't think it had to add much to the film time.

It's a bit embarrasing, because I had a coworker grill me on the story line to flesh out some of what she didn't understand and I kept saying: "What happened?" and could only explain what was "supposed" to happen.

I'm still thinking about it... but I think I'm OK with the portrayal of Smeagol. I may have actually gleaned more character development there than from the book.

I probably won't catch up to your viewing total until the DVD comes out. I hope you enjoyed #3 - Frodo

"I just wish they could have done the one that Tolkien actualy wrote"

I am with you on that and also with you in that I still loved the film, especially as it pretty well brings the story to life, even thought it changes it.

My favorite line is "Are you his bodyguard?"

"No, his gardener."

Trust me, once you let go if the idea that you are going to see every little detail from the books portrayed accurately in the film you will enjoy the films much more.

We left the theatre last night and when we got to the car there were two guys leaning on the next car over and one guy was irate over the changes he had seen. His arms were flying, his cigarette was bobbing all over the place, and he was getting kind of loud. I was thinking "Sheesh, it's only a movie!"

Just enjoy the films for what they are: PJ's vision of Tolkien's story. Which, btw, is probably the best we will ever see put to screen. I will always treasure the books and the films.