This movie was simply astounding! I am speaking strictly from a cinematic standpoint, as I've never read the books, though I definitely hope to someday. However, my favorite parts include:
- Sam carrying Frodo up Mt. Doom. I actually started bawling. Sean Astin was, to me, one of the highlights of this movie in terms of his ability to play such a heroic/endearing character, giving up all his rights and desires for his friend in need. I was truly touched by his performance.
- "My friends... you bow to no one." Once again, I bawled like a baby. To see all the men of Gondor (representative of the men on Middle-Earth in my mind) bowing to four halflings, I was reminded of the truth of the saying "The meek shall inherit the Earth." Once again, truly touching.
- The orc general looked like Sloth from The Goonies, didn't you think?
- Gollum was, if at all possible, even cooler than he was in Two Towers!
- Denethor was truly twisted. I couldn't help but feel a sadistic satisfaction when he finally died.
- Eowyn vs. the leader of the Nazgul. "I am not a man." Absolutely incredible! I was seriously about to wet myself when she did that!!!!
- The eagles' arrival. 'Nuff said!
Some downsides:
- Frodo and Sam looked faintly ridiculous in that orc armor, I thought.
- Too little of Gimli.
- Merry and Pippin getting overrun during their charge at the Battle of the Black Gates. While it was realistic, I thought it completely changed the mood and weakened the power of the previous scene.
All things considered, though, Return of the King was a pretty friggin' good movie! I can't wait to see it again!
