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Lord of the Ring: Return of the King
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The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
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Review by Pam & George Singleton
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Cast
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Elijah Woods
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Frodo
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Sean Astin
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Sam
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Aragorn
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Gandalf
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Directed by Peter Jackson. Based upon the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien. PG-13 for intense epic battle sequences and frightening images. Running time: 200 minutes. Released by New Line Cinema.
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The conclusion of a poetic journey
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The spectacle that is "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" concludes the fantastic trilogy, and of the three segments is arguably the most powerful. `The Fellowship of the Ring' and `The Two Towers,' each had its own magical power, however. This is the kind of movie that gets a robust round of applause at its conclusion. Action and characters nearly beyond description occupy this world. Many questions are answered from the prior films and a resolute ending ties it all together. Each year there are great directorial efforts but we think that director Peter Jackson deserves a unanimous vote for an Oscar. Most moviegoers know that `LOTR' is in effect a single film that was delivered over the course of three years, with one installment every twelve months.
The film is best appreciated by those who have read the book and…or seen the prior two movies in 2002 and 2001. Without that background, it would unfairly be seen as a special effects extravaganza as it's only purpose.
There are four key elements to this film, one of which is a quite effective ending of about 30 minutes. Another is the juxtaposition of emotions as battles rage and quiet determination prevails. The ring is delivered to its fiery destination and a New World order is established. Don't forget to stay as the credits roll so you can hear a song that will stir your soul.
Frodo and Sam (Elijah Woods and Sean Astin) make their trek toward Mordor to destroy the ring. Their guide, Gollum (Andy Serkis), who Sam distrusts, is a villain with a multiple personality disorder who talks to himself…and answers. We learn how Gollum came to be, and what his motive is right at the start of the film, which begins with a strange quietness. When one sees this film, and reflects back to `The Two Towers,' it's hard not to see the role of Gollum as a once in a lifetime performance for Serkis. He makes the unreal real, as he tries to drive a wedge between Frodo and Sam. He gets our vote as the year's best supporting actor.
As Sam and Frodo continue their perilous journey to Mount Doom, in Mordor, Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) tries to gather reinforcements to fight the Orcs. He gathers men from near and far away villages, in addition to an army of the dead, who wish to redeem themselves for prior sins.
War rages at the castle and things are not looking good. New lines of defense are constantly being reordered. Nonstop action rules. Unlike in "The Matrix" where you saw most of the cool new special effects by the second movie, the concluding segment of `LOTR' has a few more surprises to behold. Our favorites are the cave dwelling spider, the fire-breathing battering ram, and the ouliphants (prehistoric elephants), which Orlando Bloom (Legolas) scales like an other worldly rock climber, latching on to arrows that have pierced the hide of the animal. Women make a mark on the battlefield as well, protecting until death. And in the end, the hobbits merit a bow from the King.
"The Lord of the Rings" series belongs in your DVD library. Like "2001: A Space Odyssey," and "Alien," it's a different movie when seen on the big screen at your local theater. Don't miss this masterpiece in filmmaking.
George O. Singleton © 2003
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