December 28, 2003

Well, I'm Back
Brett C.

I have been avoiding this site for the past week becuase we poor souls in Australia had to wait until the 26th to get our first view of ROTK. Needless to say I went yesterday to the earliest screening available.

So I guess this is the part where I say what I thought.

Hmmmmm.

Okay, I thought it was remarkably well done.

Like FOTR, I enjoyed it more the second time, because could relax into it and enjoy it for what it was without comparing it to the book, which I know fairly well. Most of the changes made sense and were acceptable in the context of it being a movie. I missed Imrahil - I had hoped seeing how much Haldir's part was beefed up that he would be included - oh well.

The ineveitable 'I wish they had...' list. I won't comment on the fight between Gandalf and Angmar or the Mouth, becuase I know they will be in the extended release [more on that another post]. I did really wish we had seen the dawnless day and the darkenss looming over the siege of Gondor throughout [it is actally bright and sunny when Faramir returns wounded to the city.] I guess PJ used up his night shooting budget at Helm's Deep.

Nice little tribute to the Corsairs of Umbar. Couldn't see the Mumak fight without thinking those riders would have done better with some tow-cables [Good shot Janson - that got him!] Theoden's farewell bugged me first time, until I recognized some of the dialogue -from Return of the Jedi, of all places. PJ's private little joke - who can say?

That probably was the same old woman, Nat, considering the two little kids watching tht Knights ride out were last seen listening to Bilbos troll story at his birthday party.

So all in all - 8 out of 10. Still lots to look forward to in the Extended cut. More soon. Happy holidays to all.

Brett C.