I just finished watching the entire deluxe edition DVD set of 'The Lord of the Rings' again, and I can't say how amazed I am at how well the movie has held up so far. I will put aside my gripes over the book to silver screen comparison and just say that this movie has left me speechless once again.
Peter Jackson has done a job that no one else could ever really do well: bring the greatest fantasy novel to life. With an incredible cast of actors, a stunning visual world, and a beautiful soundtrack, this movie is the be all end all of fantasy motion pictures. I truely believe that none will ever top this work of cinematic genius.
With 'The Fellowship of the Ring', he was able to lay down the foundation of the story in such a way that it never really dragged at all. The action was fastpaced and the introducing storyline was just incredible.
With 'The Two Towers', my personal favorite in both novel and movie form, Jackson turned the Battle at Helm's Deep into one of the most visually stunning things that I have ever seen in my life. And the amazing work at brining Gollum to life was just breathtaking.
'The Return of the King' was the only movie I had any gripes with, none of which I will mention now. The battles scenes were incredible, the CGI was fantastic, and the finale(s...s...s...) were the perfect way to bring this epic movie undertaking to a close.
I recently read that there may be a forthcoming movie for 'The Hobbit', but without Jackson at the helm. I somehow doubt it will be up to the standard of 'Rings', but I'll see it anyway.
For those of you who like fantasy stories but have been living under a rock, or are to stubborn to check this movie out, at least give it a chance. The only thing you have to lose is time... and a whole hell of a lot of it.
