"Fellowship of the Ring"
We see the history of Middle Earth and how evil almost triumphed and at the moment of triumph, the evil one is cut short. Some things that are best remembered are forgotten in time. The story which is adjusted for a different media than the book must in was being different in form and timing. However, the essence of the book is captured in this story of the fait of Middle earth and man is placed in the hands of a mild rather small creature called a hobbit. Galadriel," For the time would soon come when hobbits would shape the fortunes of all."
Defiantly need to see the extended version as even then many things were left out as Tom Bomadil. The story goes much smother than trying to make sense form the theatrical version to someone who has not read the book.
I will not go through the story as the thrill of discovery is worth the viewing however, they could not have picked better actors for each character, especially Christopher Lee. He adds richness to the character of Saruman. Gandalf reminds Frodo to spare Gollum as Bilbo did. At other times as in Bible stories, evil intentions can bring about good situations.
There is a great attention to detail; many times, they go out of the way to match description of the book. At other times the add what is needed to show the tale
The movie is fun to watch and interesting. What you may not see so readily is that the formula is that described by Joseph Campbell of the coming of age of a hero that does not realize he is until he must be proven.
The special features of the extended edition help understand what they tried to accomplish yet it does not really add or subtract from the tale.
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"The Two Towers"
This story picks up where "Fellowship of the Ring", left off. The fellowship apparently divided in its direction and even thought the immediate purposes diverge and converge the urgency of getting the ring to Mordor is ever present. We are lucky in the fact that J. R. R. Tolkien will completely follow each participant's path from beginning to end. All the wars are covered in detail and the progress of the ring bearer is chronicled. New creatures and old vermin reveal themselves.
As with Ramayana, we find that every creature has his/her function and that there is no black and white in this purpose. Frodo alludes to this when he thinks of Gandalf, Aragorn, and Gollum. Even Gandalf tells not to hurt Gollum as he may play a larger role in the story that one could imagine.
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"The Return of the King"
The greatest stories never end
Assuming you watch the first two thirds of this story that is sometimes mistaken for a trilogy, you will notice that it has been divided a little differently for this presentation. We find that Shelob (who you will be introduced has move to this second of the story as the Peter Jackson's adaptation of the works of J.R.R is presented is actually divided better here. In addition, Sam does not get the opportunity to try out his ring skills.
Mean while back at the ranch. Oops, Minas Tirith prepares for a major battle. Aragorn sees dead people. We see a flaming Denethor (John Noble). If they survive the battle then they must prepare to confront Sauron of Mordor to distract him from his real threat (Frodo).
The absents of the scouring of the Shire we still get the feel if not an added extra as the four Hobbits having been places and seeing sights that are unfathomable to the other residents of the Shire look knowingly at each other.
Comments on the four hours and ten minute version suggests that the is quit a bit more footage that is not seen here and may never be. This includes information on many of the characters after the final confrontation.
Do not miss all the great song that gives another dimension to this grate presentation.
So prepare to enter the Crack of Doom.
