I just finished watching Return of the King. Man What a freaking great...

[illini]

Movie. If you don't like this movie you are sick or brain dead.

[Zomby Woof]

1. going to see it a second time tomorrow

It's still hard to get tickets here on the same day of the show, but we'll try. Saw it a week ago and posted a thread here raving about it.

Easily one of the finest movies ever.

[Selwynn]

2. I appreciated it SOO much more the second time...

The first time I was overly critical. I really didn't mean to be. But good ol' Peter and I have some strong personal disagreements about how he choose to protray certain parts of the final book.

However, the second time I saw it, I knew what to expect already, and I could just sit back and appreciate it for the stunning theatrical masterpiece it absolutely is.

I still say though, if you haven't read the books, then you're sick or brain dead. ;)

[scubadude]

3. Sorry, I didn't like it.............

I'm a major Tolkien fan, having read the Hobbit plus the LOTR 9 times and having been involved in many other ways.

I don't like the changes and I think some of the effects are laughable. Like the Nazgul's flying steeds. Did they look fake to you? They sure did to me. Their limp winged flopping about was funny.

At any rate these films get a thumbs down from me. I do admit they are the best attempt yet but I feel they are far from optimum.

Ron

[TrogL]

4. Pacing is off a bit

The combat scenes go on a little long, especially the elephant things. The ending needs to be tightened up. Some of the extra "Sam" stuff needs to go.

I probably need to see it again because I had a screaming (unrelated to the film) migraine and was annoyed at the people I was sitting with.

[leftofthedial]

5. yup

it's truly excellent.

I liked the first two very much, especially the extended versions. This one kicked ass.

[HamstersFromHell]

6. Now if y'all will quit going to see it...

...it'll get to dvd quicker so I can own it. :)

Since there won't be a "part 4", no sense in them holding it back for a year to use as a lead in.

[FloridaJudy]

7. I LOVED it!

Sure, some Tolkien purists could quibble (Jackson left out Tom Bombadill and the Scouring of the Shire!), but it was faithful to the spirit of the Trilogy. And what a feast for the eyes and for the soul it was! The last time I saw an entire audience stand up and cheer during the credits for a movie was *E.T.*

Some movies are perfect; the casting is just right. The special effects are just right. Also the music and cinematography.

*Return of the King* is one. Also *Casablanca* and - as much as I hate its politics - *Gone with the Wind*.

There are many more movies that are just "off" enough to fail, even though their makers meant well. Willam DaFoe was much more believable as an Angel Fish, than he ever was as a Messiah.

*Return of the King* was one of those perfect movies, IMHO.

Your mileage may vary.