Just got back from ROTK (and yes, I finished my PBW business before I came here, so relax, all concerned parties
). I must say that, for the theatrical cut (and those of us who follow these films know the difference between the theatrical and director's cuts), I liked this the best of the three. The theatrical FOTR was great - the theatrical TTT left a bad taste in my mouth. The theatrial ROTK is the best job of the three - but of course, there are things that we KNOW are going to be in the extended cut next year, so there's more to look forward to.
Regarding the Baron's comments - one of the problems I had with TTT originally was what you criticize - the departures from the books. After long discussions with friends and much consideration, I had to come to the conclusion that others here have already stated - film and novel are two very different media, and you cannot expect the exact same experience and story flow in both. To approximate LOTR comprehensively would take at least 50% more time than PJ has already done (and I'm assuming a 12-15 hour total of director's cuts when all is said and done), and to maintain the level of detail as the current movies in such an enterprise would be mind-boggling. I think the only way it could possibly be done is via total computer animation (like that Final Fantasy flick Last year), and that must wait until the level of investment would yield good returns - and let's face it, only real Tolkien geeks like us would sit through a 24-hour miniseries.
Enough rambling. Excellent movie. Go and see for yourself.
EDIT - P.S. - I must change my sig, as I misread the trailer. Mea culpa...
[ December 18, 2003, 01:05: Message edited by: General Woundwort ]
Re: Who\'s going to see Return of the King tonight?
Threaded Mode