Peter Jackson has done it. He has introduced an all-encompassing epic saga of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings books, or after coming away from the definitive chapter, how does this rates not only as a film on its own, but as a part of the whole?

 

Perfect.

 

I've never seen a series like this. "lord of the rings merchandise"A trilogy of releases created with in such love and care and utter perfection of craft that you can't help but walk away and wonder how did Peter Jackson make this possible? I have always loved the particular original "Star Wars" and "Indiana Jones" television series for their epic storytelling, and just for just fitting in as a great moment in cinema. This should be, will be, remembered with as much revered fondness for several years to come. They do not make films like these anymore.

 

As a stand alone film, it picks up completely where "Two Towers" ends, so brush up before seeing it. I've read the books, and the expectations of seeing some of the more profound moments in this the silver screen made me kind of view it with a rushed sense of perspective. I wanted to make sure everything in this film was done "right". And after it happened, it was. I will wanted to see this again to enjoy everything on a more casual level.

 

The cast comes through once more. The musical score retains its beauty, elegance and power. The special effects, notably Gollum again, are nothing less than panoramic, and simply move the story along. The battles are monumentally huge and exciting. There are some liberties taken with the story, especially during the end with the homecoming, and/or yet, everything that needed to be covered concerning the main characters was handled. After the greatest moment of the series resolves itself, the story provided a breather. And gives a good-bye to friends seen on screen for the last three years. It was truly a bittersweet feeling in realizing that there has a tendency to be no "Rings" movie in 2004. I will miss this talented group of actors.

 

As with the first two, the film is very long, but goes by lacking you ever truly realizing it. This film is so much more than a simple "fantasy" epic. It's a story about strength of character, friendship, loyalty and love. And while every member of the Fellowship has their part to play, I finally understood why some critics have said this series is a story about Sam. It's his unwavering resolve that led the quest to its victory. Sean Astin is a true credit for adding the mindset heart to this epic. As as far as the ending goes, they ended it the way that it had to be ended. Jackson ended this film the way it should certainly have been.

 

I will miss looking forward to a new "Rings" movie, but regarding movies provide hope that high-quality films can to this day be made without special effects taking over a story, bathroom humor, or a "Top 40" soundtrack. George Lucas may well learn a lot from these films about how not to alienate the fanbase.

 

Each film has earned a "10" from me for the last two years, which for me to present is a rarity. This one, and yet, is as equally deserving as its two predecessors. The secondary school had better not look over this film for "Best Picture" of 2003. To do so would be greatly disrespectful of the craft and care that anyone involved with these films put into them.