Disclaimer: Contains spoilers!
Plot Summary: Aragorn attempts to unite the kingdoms of Middle-earth to stand by his side in a final fight against Sauron's legions while Frodo and Sam make a final push to destroy the One Ring.
Review: This is by far my favorite of the three and one of my favorite movies of all time; definitely my favorite fantasy film. The scale, scope, and intensity of all the action has been amped up (to 11). The culmination of all the events in the past two films comes to a breathtaking conclusion that leaves the viewer immensely satisfied. The story jumps back and forth from mostly just two perspectives: Frodo, Sam, and Gollum making their final charge to Mount Doom, and the everyone else as they predominently contribute to the battle in the kingdom of Gondor. Aragon, Gimli, Legolas, Gandalf, and all the allies they've assembled meet up with Merry and Pippin at Saruman's ruined tower. Okay, this part really pisses me off! For some reason the theatrical version cut the death of Saruman which makes no sense since the audience is left wondering what the hell happened to him; I really don't understand the decision making here! Thankfully, the extended editions have the scene intact to bring proper closure to that story arc; I do realize that in the book Saruman did not actually die here, but for the film's narrative, this is probably the best place for it to go down. From here, Aragorn is convinced to take up the mantle as the king of Gondor with the reconstructed sword that was originally used to defeat Sauron. We learn that Gondor will be the main stategic battle for Middle-earth, and, with glimpses during "Two Towers," we learn that Sauron is marching the vast majority of his forces in an effort to conquer the kingdom. This army is fucking humongous! You have all kinds of mercenaries and evil humans, Orcs, Trolls, the Nazgul, and all manner of beasts. Knowing they are hopelessly outnumbered, Aragon, Gimli, and Legolas seek to gain the assistance of a cursed army of ghosts who are damned for their cowardice ages ago; of course Aragorn is able to unite them with the promise they will be redeemed after the battle! Gandalf, Merry, Pippin, and virtually everyone else are left to fight at Gondor including the likes of Eowyn and Faramir (Boromir's brother) who have grown to be very important characters in their own right. The battle at Gondor is the definition of epic and may be even more impressive than that little word can describe! This is one of the most awesome battle scenes in film history with just so much happening, amazing set pieces like the fight again the leader of the Nazgul, the Witch-king, and a great number of powerful moments that emphasizes just what makes this franchise so legendary. As with the other films, we see all the heroes get a chance to shine which helps build our growing love for these characters. And with any epic battle worth mentioning, right when all hope is lost and defeat is certain, Aragorn and crew arrive with the ghost army to save the day! I did feel this was a bit of a copout since the ghosts cannot even be hurt, but it can be forgiven because I suppose they are no different than any other magical creature of this realm. While all of this was occuring, Frodo and Sam have been betrayed by Gollum who has offered them up as a meal for a giant spider known as Shelob. Surprisingly, they are indirectly saved by Orcs, but Frodo has been stunned by the spider venom. At this point, they are in Mordor which is heavy in all manner of evil beings, but Sam is able to get Frodo free from the Orcs safe and sound as they make their final trek up Mount Doom. At the exact moment that Frodo and Sam are dodging the eye of Sauron trying to make the final run, Aragorn and pretty much everyone left able to carry a sword have gathered at the main fortress of Sauron to challenge his army directly and to bide time for Frodo and Sam to destory the ring. This trip up Mount Doom and all the accompaning scenes are really moving as you feel their strength to keep pushing forward despite how tired and weak they are. Frodo is so worn out from the ever pressing power of the One Ring that Sam is literally carrying Frodo; the music here is also one of the highlights of an already astounding soundtrack and incredibly moving enhancing the scene so much! The edge-of-your-seat climax involves frequent cuts back and forth to the final battle with Aragorn at the Gates of Mordor and Frodo and Sam trying desperately to just throw that damned ring in the volcano of Mount Doom! Frodo, within a fingertip of destroying the ring, has finally succumbed to its temptation which coincides with Gollum reemerging to fight Frodo for the ring. Everything is going wrong as our heroes are just about to be defeated by Sauron's army as Frodo pushes Gollum, who has gained the ring after biting off one of Frodo's fingers, into Mount Doom thus destroying the One Ring once and for all! Luckily Sam has saved Frodo from meeting the same fate as Gollum and the ring. With the ring finally destroyed, Sauron is blown up brilliantly as his legions are also destroyed without his evil to sustain them. After what was in actuality years of traveling, the journey has finally come to an end with glorious victory as Middle-earth has been saved! Gandalf uses giant eagles to save Sam and Frodo and all of our heroes come together for a celebration at Gondor as Aragorn gets with his honey, Arwen. Sadly, Frodo feels so distraught over the journey that he decides to go to a sort of higher plain of existence with the Elves where he can be free of his troubles. It is a heartbreaking conclusion as we feel the victory, but weigh in on all that was lost in the effort. We don't get closure on all the characters (you do in the book), but we can assume they went off on their own continuing adventures while the remaining Hobbits lived happily ever after so to speak. And so ends the legendary tale of the Lord of the Rings! This is one of the most moving and powerful franchises out there with every single aspect of filming being the highest quality especially the storytelling. I would like to give one final acknowledgement to all of the actors in this franchise as they have marvelously brought to life each of their respective characters! If you haven't watched these films yet, do it now! Or better yet, if you can find the extended editions of each, put on a diaper, prepare a lot of meals, and strap yourself in for a 12+ hour adventure like you've never seen before!
Notable Moment: When Frodo gives into the final temptation of the One Ring and he, Sam, and Gollum struggle over its fate. The music is beyond epic at this point with Aragorn and his soldiers seemingly within defeat at the same time of these events.
Final Rating: 10/10
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