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I'll happily debate this with you, friend.

*First, it is patently unfair to hold a film to the book. The mediums are different and Tolkiens use of exposition is impossible to convey clearly in film. So point 10 is moot in my opinion.*

- This runs counter to PJ's stated goal.

*Second, if you are to compare the book to the film, read the book first. Gimli was spouting one-liners in the book, he was funny in a "Alright! Now I get to kill orcs!" kind of way. Legolas was supposed to possess super-human agility and dexterity. (The "surfing" wasn't near as bad as the out of context commercials made it appear.)*

- I've read them to my children for 20 years, and another 10 before then just for myself. The one liner issue was only a problem when it fell out of context - Gimli prat falls from a horse and says "I meant to do that?" or "Toss me - just don't tell the elf." Hardly defensable mischaracterizations. That may play for the teen crowd but not me. Same with the stair surf - Legolas was otherwise played superbly.

*Third, the elven scenes I thought were very well done. The movie makes it appear (although those who know the books know differently) that Arwen accepted her Father's wishes and left Middle-Earth. This is important as she is Aragorn's inspiration and his hope.*
- even in the absense of anything in the appendix of the novels these scenes meant nothing and had nothing to offer to the story.

*The elves represent the people that men wish they could be and their departure puts the mantle of that goodness and greatness on the weak shoulders of the human race. Do you think that Elrond doesn't have a scrying device like Galadriel has her mirror? It's very possible that they indeed could communicate over long distances.*
- the mirror is not a two way intercom.

* Fourth, I think the change in personality in Sam and Frodo could possibly be caused by the Ring and the hard traveling and lack of food and water, don't you?*
- maybe for Frodo (but he waffled back and forth) but not Sam, who remains calm and stalwart. When he jerk the rope and slams Gollum to the ground that is an uncharacteristic act of cruelty totally out of line with his character.

*Aragorn I think stepped up into a leadership role and Gandalf had obviously been transformed into a different incarnation.*
- the moment Gandalf returned Aragorn stopped doing anything remotely leader-like. I never mentioned any problem with Gandlaf other than the constant grinning.

*Fifth, the Urak-hai army arrived, but we did not get a good look at every block in that army. The light infantry arrived first, then the baggage trains. Basic military procedure for marches.*
- that would be basic procedure. But there are 3 wide shots of the entire force - no baggage - no pack animals - no siege ladders held overhead for a long march. The ladders were metal so they weren't cut and made locally.

*Sixth, the Urak-hai who came in contact with the horses on the causeway didn't die, they were knocked off the causeway! You try and take a shoulder check from a good sized horse and see if it doesn't push you back a step or two. Sadly, the Urak-hai were on a narrow piece of stone arched high off the ground. The horse "nudged" them and off they went.*
- watch it again. Some fall off, most don't. They lay down on the bridge and don't get up. I've seen rodeo clowns get flipped into the air and land on their backs yet still jump up and run. And they aren't bloodthirsty killers wearing armor.

*This is clearly what I was talking about. People remember the most insignificant things that irritate them and they get blown up because of how good the movie was. I would like to know what scenes in particular were washed out, I'll look for them next time.*

- There is more than just a few insignificant problems here. The white outs occur 3 times in Theoden's Castle and twice in Helms Deep. Look for a white-over sepia wash.

*You should look for the boom mic dropping into view in The Sixth Sense when the boy and his mother are sitting in the car and he reveals his secret to her. Doesn't ruin the movie, not even worth noting, but a couple of "washed out" scenes were worth complaining about?*
- a boom drop is doesn't ruin the story - bad editting does.

- the mirror is not a two way intercom.

Why shouldn't holders of the original three elven rings (three rings for the elven kings...) not be able to have a special mental relationship. Their powers had never been fully described but judging by Rivendell and Lothlorien's magic I'd say they were immense. Galadriel did have the power to enter thoughts of those in her realm.

I would guess that no movie translated from a book would meet with your approval. The director does have to take some license, in order to shorten the story and to attract viewers who did not read the books. Having read the books a number of times, I did not think the liberties taken were that bad. For instance, Sam jerking the rope was used to demonstrate his extreme distrust and dislike for Gollum.

I did not notice the white-outs but based on your posts, am not as experienced a movie viewer, although I have watched many, many movies.

Your comments lead me to believe that you actively looked for things not to like when you watched this movie, which is fine, but don't hope to persuade those of us that loved it that you are right. If you watch hard enough, you can find these type of mistakes in any movie.