Critic Reviews
Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, The (2003) Rank 5 Reviews
Expert Review Summary
based on (351) reviews
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Reviews by Score:
Fantastica Daily (Mervius)
The trilogy, leaving no loose ends, is almost more satisfying than we have any right to expect from Hollywood. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Fantastica Daily (Mervius)
Film Blather (Eugene Novikov)
The Return of the King runs for 200 minutes, and I estimate that I cried for 195 of them, give or take two, including through most of the end credits. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Film Blather (Eugene Novikov)
Eclipse Magazine (Sean O'Connell)
Surpasses the extraordinary visual standards set by its predecessors. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Eclipse Magazine (Sean O'Connell)
Looking Closer (Jeffrey Overstreet)
Jackson finishes the epic with a flourish that leaves all other big screen fantasies thoroughly humbled. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Looking Closer (Jeffrey Overstreet)
Rotten Tomatoes - Reviews from the Nation's Top Critics
"One of the most visceral theatrical experiences of all ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Rotten Tomatoes - Reviews from the Nation's Top Critics
Feo Amante (Kelly Parks)
Easily the best of the trilogy, it moves like lightning, bringing us to the most awesome battle on film. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Feo Amante (Kelly Parks)
Premiere Magazine (Glenn Kenny)
With The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, director Peter Jackson and his armies of actors and technicians have managed to do what the Wachowski brothers and George Lucas could not: make a perfect trilogy. The Return of the King is a ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Premiere Magazine (Glenn Kenny)
Tyler Morning Telegraph (Texas) (Jonathan R. Perry)
'The Lord of the Rings" saga ends as it began -- with elegant simplicity and heart. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Tyler Morning Telegraph (Texas) (Jonathan R. Perry)
BBC (Nev Pierce)
Majestic, moving and immense, The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King is about as awesome as cinema gets. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at BBC (Nev Pierce)
Contra Costa Times (Mary F. Pols)
Peter Jackson had truly taken me to the place J.R.R. Tolkien created. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Contra Costa Times (Mary F. Pols)
ToxicUniverse.com (John A. Nesbit)
Jackson's virtuosity in handling the myriad challenges of such an epic production places him as the Cecil B. DeMille of the new millennium ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at ToxicUniverse.com (John A. Nesbit)
About.com (Rebecca Murray)
Epic filmmaking and storytelling taken to the nth degree. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at About.com (Rebecca Murray)
Fresno Bee (Donald Munro)
The film is big and beautiful, like a landmark cathedral you can read about ad nauseam in guide books but that still awes even the most jaded traveler in person. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Fresno Bee (Donald Munro)
Movie Mom at Yahoo! Movies (Nell Minow)
Take a moment to breathe a sigh of relief and satisfaction before this movie begins. It may be your last breath for the next three hours. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Movie Mom at Yahoo! Movies (Nell Minow)
KBTV-NBC (Beaumont, TX) (Danny Minton)
Peter Jackson is a god among directors. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at KBTV-NBC (Beaumont, TX) (Danny Minton)
New York Times (Elvis Mitchell)
King is the product of impressive craft and energy. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at New York Times (Elvis Mitchell)
Unfashionable Observations
Peter Jackson’s The Return of the King is an exercise in no-holds-barred moviemaking. There is only one thing to say about Jackson: He is not afraid to take that extra step, to push the envelope just a little further, and to make a movie that is ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Unfashionable Observations
Film Threat (Clint Morris)
A masterful moment in cinema. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Film Threat (Clint Morris)
Empire Magazine (Alan Morrison)
The resounding climax to a landmark in cinema history. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Empire Magazine (Alan Morrison)
Arizona Republic (Bill Muller)
Not only has Jackson boldly and faithfully brought J.R.R. Tolkien's world to life, he's created the most epic and sweeping fantasy adventure of all time. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Arizona Republic (Bill Muller)
TheBoxSet.com - Complete Movie/DVD Review
The third and final installment of the J.R.R. Tolkien epic fantasy is The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. Nicely rounding out Peter Jackson’s monumental effort is this capstone film. Acclaimed to the tune of eleven Oscar nominations--and ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at TheBoxSet.com - Complete Movie/DVD Review
Tempi Moderni
È arrivato il momento in cui il cerchio (quello perfetto dell’Unico Anello) si chiude: la trilogia si è conclusa, e, per quanto ci addolori lasciare la Terra di Mezzo, questo malinconico commiato si concretizza in quello che è, con molta ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Tempi Moderni
USA Today (Claudia Puig)
The jewel in the crown of the masterful trilogy. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at USA Today (Claudia Puig)
MovieCrypt.com (Kevin A. Ranson)
... fans shouldn't mind seeing [multiple endings] since there will be no sequels for this timeless trilogy. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at MovieCrypt.com (Kevin A. Ranson)
Entertainment Today (Brent Simon)
...achieves a resonance not frequently matched in cinema of any genre -- its boundless fraternity and hopefulness make it truly something special. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Entertainment Today (Brent Simon)
EricDSnider.com (Eric D. Snider)
This is a trilogy to be treasured, and the final chapter is a fitting capstone. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at EricDSnider.com (Eric D. Snider)
Zertinet Movies (Steven Snyder)
Here, in scenes of quiet emotion, devastating violence, sweeping chaos and tranquil hope,is a profound conclusion to an unforgettable trilogy–the best American trilogy ever made. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Zertinet Movies (Steven Snyder)
One Guy's Opinion (Frank Swietek)
A masterful conclusion to a magnificent series, the cinematic trilogy against which all others must now be judged--a trio of films of astonishing vision and accomplishment. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at One Guy's Opinion (Frank Swietek)
Zap2it.com (Michael Szymanski)
As the journey comes to an end, it's hard as a movie buff to think of anything on the movie horizon that could be more exciting and well-executed than "Return of the King." ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Zap2it.com (Michael Szymanski)
Charlotte Observer (Lawrence Toppman)
Return is the equal of the magnificent opening episode, The Fellowship of the Ring . ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Charlotte Observer (Lawrence Toppman)
Los Angeles Times (Kenneth Turan)
As a model for how to bring substance, authenticity and insight to the biggest of adventure yarns, this trilogy will not soon, if ever, find its equal. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Los Angeles Times (Kenneth Turan)
Home Theater Info DVD Review
Some stories are so grand in scope that they cannot be confined to a single film. With Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy Peter Jackson had the correct approach. He fought to find a studio that would make the unprecedented decision to finance the ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Home Theater Info DVD Review
Home Theater Info DVD Review
For three years now the end of the year has brought an extended edition of one of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Now, with a bittersweet mix of emotions, the tale is told, all the editions have been placed on DVD and the Shire is at last at peace. As ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Home Theater Info DVD Review
Kidzworld
The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy has been the biggest thing to hit theaters ever. The Fellowship of the Ring introduced Gandalf, Legolas, Aragorn, Gimli, Frodo and the rest of the heroic hobbits as they began their quest to destroy the One Ring. In ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Kidzworld
Metro Weekly (Washington, DC) (Randy Shulman)
A spectacular ending to cinema's greatest achievement. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Metro Weekly (Washington, DC) (Randy Shulman)
Sun Newspapers of Cleveland (Gerry Shamray)
The Return of the King totally rules. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Sun Newspapers of Cleveland (Gerry Shamray)
NeonReviews.com
Of course, to watch this part of the saga, it implies that you've already seen the two previous movies, because the story doesn't do flashbacks to what's already happened. It's a long journey, I know, but at least it's well worth the trip. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at NeonReviews.com
Netflix (James Rocchi)
The big-screen, big-everything adaptation of the 20th century's most powerful fantasy epic reaches a stunning finale. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Netflix (James Rocchi)
Movie Views (Jamey Hughton)
As the cumulative effort of the “Lord of the Rings†trilogy, “The Return of the King†represents one of the most staggering works of film craft I have ever seen. It is a great film; certainly, one of the greatest moviegoing experiences of my ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Movie Views (Jamey Hughton)
Miami Herald (Rene Rodriguez)
A movie that exceeds even the most formidable expectations without straying from its singular path. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Miami Herald (Rene Rodriguez)
MovieJuice Satirical Review
Ah the ring, the ring, always the ring. Everyone is seduced by this ring. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at MovieJuice Satirical Review
Moviegnome.com
At about 6:00 on a cold December night, I found myself huddled in front of the theater with my friends. What would drive me to freeze for half an hour as I waited in the lineup? You guessed ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Moviegnome.com
Kalamazoo Gazette (James Sanford)
Jackson does a superb job of wrapping up the saga of the battle for Middle-earth. ...you can't help but gasp at the sheer spectacle of it all. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Kalamazoo Gazette (James Sanford)
Movie-Source
The trilogy is done, and it is everything it was expected to be. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King brings to an end the fabulous trilogy by Peter Jackson, assuring itself of a Best Picture nomination and hopefully a win this time around. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Movie-Source
Orlando Weekly (Steve Schneider)
The best-paced of the three. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Orlando Weekly (Steve Schneider)
ViewLondon (Matthew Turner)
The third part of Peter Jackson’s epic trilogy delivers everything we have been led to expect: stunning battle sequences, glorious scenery, jaw-dropping special effects and wonderful performances. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at ViewLondon (Matthew Turner)
Salt Lake Tribune (Sean Means)
[It] builds on the spectacle and drama of the first two installments, and brings it all home. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Salt Lake Tribune (Sean Means)
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle (Jack Garner)
The Lord of the Rings may sing the praises of kings and wizards, but it champions the courage, brotherhood and dignity of the common man (even if he is a Hobbit). ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Rochester Democrat and Chronicle (Jack Garner)
Q Network Film Desk (James Kendrick)
Grandly epic in scale, yet deeply human in emotion ... a fitting capstone to one of modern cinema’s greatest gambles. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Q Network Film Desk (James Kendrick)
Minneapolis Star Tribune (Colin Covert)
A magical movie in every sense of the word. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Minneapolis Star Tribune (Colin Covert)
Panorama (Louis-Jérôme Cloutier)
Aucun texte ne pourra jamais transmettre efficacement en mots la qualité de cette œuvre. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Panorama (Louis-Jérôme Cloutier)
Shadows on the Wall (Rich Cline)
So impeccably and artfully done that we can hardly breathe, immobilised by emotion, suspense, the sheer spectacle, the intimate drama. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Shadows on the Wall (Rich Cline)
Cinemaphile.org (David Keyes)
The movie truly is the most amazing visual spectacle ever seen on celluloid. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Cinemaphile.org (David Keyes)
eFilmCritic.com (Erik Childress)
Epic filmmaking in the achievement scales of Ben-Hur , Gone with the Wind and Lawrence of Arabia . ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at eFilmCritic.com (Erik Childress)
Window to the Movies (Jeffrey Chen)
Conclude[s] a trilogy of movies upon which unprecendented expectations have been placed, and [does] it smoothly, gracefully, and powerfully. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Window to the Movies (Jeffrey Chen)
Reel.com (Timothy Knight)
This sweeping and marvelously entertaining adventure is the work of a prodigiously gifted filmmaker operating at the very top of his creative powers. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Reel.com (Timothy Knight)
Cinema Confidential (Thomas Chau)
The Return of the King is a fabulous conclusion to the trilogy. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Cinema Confidential (Thomas Chau)
Denver Rocky Mountain News (Robert Denerstein)
I went along with the first and admired the second, but it wasn't until the third that I was swept away by the magnitude of Jackson's vision. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Denver Rocky Mountain News (Robert Denerstein)
The Massachusetts Daily Collegian (Johnny Donaldson)
Jackson not only delivers on the promise of the first two installments, he transcends each and every expectation that was laid down for him. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at The Massachusetts Daily Collegian (Johnny Donaldson)
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Duane Dudek)
This time around, the same jaw-dropping spectacle ... that previously was stunning is outright magnificent here, made exhilarating by the impending sense of closure. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Duane Dudek)
Dark Horizons (Garth Franklin)
A truly cinematic experience that you'll find practically impossible to forget and a more than fitting end to one of the greatest film franchises ever made. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Dark Horizons (Garth Franklin)
EDGE Boston (David Foucher)
Adheres to the values of its predecessors – it's brilliant, passionate filmmaking... even if it goes on far too long. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at EDGE Boston (David Foucher)
Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Eleanor Ringel Gillespie)
With The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King , Peter Jackson brings his epic series to a glorious finish. And in doing so, he's made the greatest movie trilogy in cinema history. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Eleanor Ringel Gillespie)
Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC) (Ken Hanke)
To put it simply, Return of the King is perhaps the finest movie of its kind ever made. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC) (Ken Hanke)
Daytona Beach News-Journal (Fl.) (Jeff Farance)
The whole gang is back, the action sustains a fever pitch, and the inventive imagery alone is worth double the ticket price. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Daytona Beach News-Journal (Fl.) (Jeff Farance)
Reno Gazette-Journal (Forrest Hartman)
If every film were this spectacular theaters and movie studios could raise ticket prices by $5 and I wouldn’t feel cheated. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Reno Gazette-Journal (Forrest Hartman)
Movie Parables (Michael Elliott)
Peter Jackson may very well have just completed the best movie trilogy ever made. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Movie Parables (Michael Elliott)
Toronto Star (Peter Howell)
Completes the picture, magnificently so, and all honour and praise are due the visionaries behind the project. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Toronto Star (Peter Howell)
Mark Reviews Movies (Mark Dujsik)
Brings one word repeatedly to mind: overwhelming ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Mark Reviews Movies (Mark Dujsik)
Killer Movie Reviews (Andrea Chase)
soul-stirring perfection [with] such a rich texture and depth that it is all but impossible to take everything in with just one viewing ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Killer Movie Reviews (Andrea Chase)
EnPrimeur.ca (Nicolas Lacroix)
Le seigneur des anneaux : le retour du roi représente le joyau de la couronne de Peter Jackson. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at EnPrimeur.ca (Nicolas Lacroix)
Sacramento Bee (Joe Baltake)
Insanely spectacular and never less than absorbing, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King not only fully celebrates J.R.R. Tolkien's classic literary work but fully explains Jackson's outsized obsession with bringing it to the screen. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Sacramento Bee (Joe Baltake)
Moviola (Jorge Avila Andrade)
'Una obra maestra que se ha ganado un lugar como uno de los puntos más altos en la historia del cine. Gracias, señor Jackson, por habernos devuelto la capacidad de soñar' ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Moviola (Jorge Avila Andrade)
Palo Alto Weekly (Jeanne Aufmuth)
An immense achievement founded on the enduring themes of loyalty, destiny, and hope. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Palo Alto Weekly (Jeanne Aufmuth)
Beach Reporter (Southern California) (Brian J. Arthurs)
We may never see anything like this ever again. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Beach Reporter (Southern California) (Brian J. Arthurs)
Seattle Post-Intelligencer (William Arnold)
A film that concludes the saga with a blissful unity and satisfaction, and sweeps us away with its nail-biting narrative flair and filmmaking verve. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Seattle Post-Intelligencer (William Arnold)
New York Daily News (Jack Mathews)
[Director Peter Jackson] can lay claim to one of the greatest achievements in film history. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at New York Daily News (Jack Mathews)
Film Quips Online (John R. McEwen)
Jackson and his company have set the bar so high for 21st-century filmmaking, it may be another millennium before it is surpassed. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Film Quips Online (John R. McEwen)
Aisle Seat (Mike McGranaghan)
Now that the ending has been presented, I am able to look back and realize just what an extraordinary filmmaking accomplishment Lord of the Rings has been. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Aisle Seat (Mike McGranaghan)
eFilmCritic.com (Brian Mckay)
minor quibbles aside, only the most cynical can resist being caught up in the sheer grandeur and majesty of this film ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at eFilmCritic.com (Brian Mckay)
Star-Democrat (Easton, MD) (Greg Maki)
... The Return of the King , is not only the best of the trilogy, but also one of the most amazing pieces of entertainment to grace the big screen. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Star-Democrat (Easton, MD) (Greg Maki)
South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Chauncey Mabe)
A grand, richly achieved fantasy epic that exalts such previously uncool virtues as honor, loyalty, self-sacrifice and chivalry. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Chauncey Mabe)
ReelViews (James Berardinelli)
An experience of epic scope and grandeur, amazing emotional power, and relentless momentum. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at ReelViews (James Berardinelli)
Montreal Film Journal (Kevin N. Laforest)
The most amazing thing about this cinematic journey, even more than the epic battles, is its overwhelming emotional sweep. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Montreal Film Journal (Kevin N. Laforest)
Sun Publications (Chicago, IL) (Josh Larsen)
I didn't know movies could get this big. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Sun Publications (Chicago, IL) (Josh Larsen)
FilmJerk.com (Amy Lawrence)
I don't think anyone will be disappointed with this magnificent ending to Jackson's masterful telling of Tolkien's series. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at FilmJerk.com (Amy Lawrence)
Detroit News (Tom Long)
It reminds you of the power of film like no other movie in memory. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Detroit News (Tom Long)
San Jose Mercury News (Glenn Lovell)
Combines the best moments of Fellowship and Two Towers and brings the Arthurian trilogy to a rousing, satisfying finish. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at San Jose Mercury News (Glenn Lovell)
Oscar Guy (Wesley Lovell)
Push the term 'fantasy' aside. This is one of history's greatest epics and a brilliant conclusion to history's best and most consistent trilogy. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Oscar Guy (Wesley Lovell)
New York Post (Lou Lumenick)
Towers above its predecessors with cleaner storytelling and a more satisfying balance between terrific acting and eye-popping effects. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at New York Post (Lou Lumenick)
Blunt Review (Emily Blunt)
This epic dazzles the mind's eye and astonishes with its shear girth of talent held within the frames! ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Blunt Review (Emily Blunt)
Greenwich Village Gazette (Eric Lurio)
One of the best movies of the decade. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Greenwich Village Gazette (Eric Lurio)
Newsday (John Anderson)
Jackson closes his trilogy with a movie far more humorous, good-natured and emotionally engaging than its predecessors. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Newsday (John Anderson)
Movie Criticism for the Retarded
Generally, just after I see a film for the first time, I have no problem opening up Notepad (yes, I still use Notepad for everything, so bite me) and starting a review. I don't set up an outline, I don't usually make notes, I rarely even read other ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Movie Criticism for the Retarded
Decent Films - faith on film (Steven D. Greydanus)
It’s hard to overstate the soaring achievement of Peter Jackson and company in The Return of the King, the third and final chapter of their historic adaptation of The Lord of the Rings. To call it the grandest spectacle ever filmed is no exaggeration; ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Decent Films - faith on film (Steven D. Greydanus)
Reel.com DVD review (Tim Knight)
It's official: director Peter Jackson has pulled off the cinematic equivalent of a miracle with The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, the last and indisputably best film in his epic adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's classic fantasy trilogy. This ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Reel.com DVD review (Tim Knight)
Slate (David Edelstein)
There's a sequence an hour into Peter Jackson's The Return of the King (New Line), the final film of his The Lord of the Rings trilogy, that renders any narrative confusions, any objections to the lack of fidelity to J.R.R. Tolkien's original, any ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Slate (David Edelstein)
The Cinema Source (Tom Johnson)
Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy supposedly began as one of the greatest cinematic gambles of our time. Financed at over 300 million, shot in one massive two year period and saddled with an unproven director and no A-list talent(at the time), ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at The Cinema Source (Tom Johnson)
Cinema in Focus (Wayman and Conklin)
ReelViews (James Berardinelli)
Leaving Middle Earth, Jackson is now headed for Skull Island and a remake of King Kong that already has me excited. He has not ruled out a return to this fantasy world - he would like to make The Hobbit with some of the same actors, ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at ReelViews (James Berardinelli)
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Reel.com DVD review (Bonnie Fazio)
In the final installment of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Frodo and Sam make their arduous way to Mount Doom to destroy the One Ring. Meanwhile, Sauron gathers forces for an assault on Minas Tirith, capitol of Gondor—but the members of the fellowship ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Reel.com DVD review (Bonnie Fazio)
Film Values/Family Values (H. Arthur Taussig)
Salon.com (Andrew O'Hehir)
And we'd have been poorer for it. With "The Return of the King," Jackson, his remarkable cast and his enormous ensemble of collaborators have found victory at the end of their improbable quest. Like the indomitable hobbit heroes Frodo (Elijah Wood) ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Salon.com (Andrew O'Hehir)
Filmchaw (Andrew Moxon)
Movieman's Guide to the Movies (Brian Oliver)
Bubakar Awards (Brian Owens)
Detroit Free Press (Terry Lawson)
It not only stands as fantasy filmmaking on a peak of previously unscaled proportions, it now officially takes its place in the Great Hall of Movie Mythology, the place we return to again and again to share our dreams. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Detroit Free Press (Terry Lawson)
Movie Gazette (Gary Panton)
AboutFilm.com (Frances Nicole Rogers)
The Jujube Review
"The Return of the King," the final installment of Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, arrives with the weight of enormous pressure: to improve upon the first two (excellent) films, to satisfy its fans' diverse longings, to avoid the ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at The Jujube Review
Aggressive-Voice (Scott Spicciati)
Aggressive-Voice.com - Movie Reviews
So we have come to the conclusion of Peter Jackson�s grand epic of Middle Earth brought to life from the pages of J.R.R. Tolkien. And �The Return of the King� is the way to end such an epic; a film for those of us who didn�t care too ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Aggressive-Voice.com - Movie Reviews
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The New York Times (Elvis Mitchell)
It's been a long time since a commercially oriented film with the scale of "King" ended with such an enduring and heartbreaking coda. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at The New York Times (Elvis Mitchell)
Los Angeles Times (Kenneth Turan)
As completely real on the psychological level as its up-to-the-moment visual effects have on the physical. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Los Angeles Times (Kenneth Turan)
Chicago Tribune (Michael Wilmington)
Like all great fantasies and epics, this one leaves you with the sense that its wonders are real, its dreams are palpable. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Chicago Tribune (Michael Wilmington)
New York Daily News (Jack Mathews)
The most emotionally satisfying because, in addition to having both more intimate drama and more spectacular battles, it resolves all of the issues raised before. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at New York Daily News (Jack Mathews)
New York Magazine (Peter Rainer)
Jackson is rare among the makers of epic movies in that he knows how to do the small stuff, too. The Return of the King has “heart”--how else could it pump out all that ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at New York Magazine (Peter Rainer)
Empire (Alan Morrison)
Those who have walked beside these heroes every step of the way on such a long journey deserve the emotional pay-off as well as the action peaks, and they will be genuinely touched as the final credits roll. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Empire (Alan Morrison)
Variety (Todd McCarthy)
Represents that filmmaking rarity -- a third part of a trilogy that is decisively the best of the lot. With epic conflict, staggering battles, striking landscapes and effects, and resolved character arcs all leading to a dramatic conclusion to more than ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Variety (Todd McCarthy)
Time (Richard Corliss)
The second half of the film elevates all the story elements to Beethovenian crescendo. Here is an epic with literature's depth and opera's splendor -- and one that could be achieved only in movies. What could be more ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Time (Richard Corliss)
The Hollywood Reporter (David Hunter)
An epic success and a history-making production that finishes with a masterfully entertaining final installment. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at The Hollywood Reporter (David Hunter)
Charlotte Observer (Lawrence Toppman)
Jackson had the vision, persistence, insight and patience for this mighty job, plus the smarts to shape stage veterans and overlooked film actors into a seamless cast. He's made himself as immortal as a movie director can be. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Charlotte Observer (Lawrence Toppman)
Miami Herald (Rene Rodriguez)
Feels like a miracle, a movie that exceeds even the most formidable expectations without straying from its singular path. All hail this King. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Miami Herald (Rene Rodriguez)
Baltimore Sun (Michael Sragow)
It rises, all on its own, to the realm of masterwork. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Baltimore Sun (Michael Sragow)
Monkeyboy Review (--)
Hartford Courant (--)
Kvikmyndir.com (--)
Chicago Reader (Andrea Gronvall)
Ties everything together with a dazzling synthesis of pagan animism, heroic quest mythology, orientalism, Pre-Raphaelite imagery, 1950s sci-fi creature features, and Hollywood war epics. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Chicago Reader (Andrea Gronvall)
LA Weekly (Scott Foundas)
The deep satisfaction of The Return of the King is in surrendering ourselves to the finale, in letting Jackson's superb storytelling (with due credit to co-screenwriters Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens) surround us like a blazing campfire tale -- which it ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at LA Weekly (Scott Foundas)
Film Threat (Clint Morris)
A masterful moment in cinema. Jackson has created a film that's deemed to be liked –- even loved -- by almost anyone of all ages. It's destined to become a classic series. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Film Threat (Clint Morris)
Washington Post (Desson Thomson)
This movie is not only a thrilling experience, it closes the book on a truly satisfying trilogy. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Washington Post (Desson Thomson)
Portland Oregonian (Shawn Levy)
From the acting to the special effects to the landscapes to the cinematography, editing and music, to the details of decor, wardrobe and armaments, we never once feel that we are in anything but the hands of an absolute master of the medium. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Portland Oregonian (Shawn Levy)
Premiere (Glenn Kenny)
A phantasmagorical slab of epic entertainment that satisfies on every conceivable level. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Premiere (Glenn Kenny)
Entertainment Weekly (Lisa Schwarzbaum)
The conclusion of Peter Jackson's masterwork is passionate and literate, detailed and expansive, and it's conceived with a risk-taking flair for old-fashioned movie magic at its most precious. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Entertainment Weekly (Lisa Schwarzbaum)
MovieJustice (John Adams)
eFilmCritic (Scott Weinberg)
Prior to the theatrical release of The Fellowship of the Ring, did anybody really expect that we'd be soon comparing this trilogy to those of Lucas and Coppola? (Those would be Star Wars and The Godfather, for those not paying attention...) That each ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at eFilmCritic (Scott Weinberg)
DVD Times - Extended Edition
The war is only just beginning as The Return of the King opens, but a cinematic legacy is drawing to a triumphant close. The trilogy behind him, Peter Jackson has become the most powerful director in Hollywood (whether Mr. Spielberg still holds that ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at DVD Times - Extended Edition
Los Angeles Daily News (Glenn Whipp)
Every bit as extraordinary as the series' first two installments. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Los Angeles Daily News (Glenn Whipp)
Aisle View at DVDtalk.com
It was with mixed emotion that I sat down to view Return of the King. Feelings of great anticipation and excitement were interrupted by feelings of sadness and loss: What will I have to look forward to next December? Is this the last good film that my ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Aisle View at DVDtalk.com
DVD Journal
And now that it's all over, a new perspective can be had on these films. It was easy to get caught up in the hype; since 2001 there's been new material to savor with a steady stream of theatrical and DVD releases. Ultimately — and this is something ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at DVD Journal
DVDFanatic.com (DVD Fanatic (Adam Rosenberg))
What does all this amount to? Well, buying this DVD set ensures that you have this great film as it was originally released in the theaters. The special features are no more than superficial additions to make the whole release seem cooler, but it’s ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at DVDFanatic.com (DVD Fanatic (Adam Rosenberg))
CultureDose.net (John Nesbit)
Whether Peter Jackson rightfully receives Oscar notoriety and glamour due him after completing his The Lord of the Rings trilogy with a rousing and heartfelt finale now remains irrelevant. The Academy crapshoot often shuns the most deserving work, and ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at CultureDose.net (John Nesbit)
Chicago Tribune (Michael Wilmington)
Both profoundly moving and deeply satisfying. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Chicago Tribune (Michael Wilmington)
Moving Pictures @ Cin3ma
The King has indeed returned and I have one thing to say… holy s**t. Actually, I have more--if you thought The Matrix Revolutions was big, the Return will stomp it with its mighty story-telling and spectacular special effects. Move over Wachowski ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Moving Pictures @ Cin3ma
eFilmCritic.com (Erik Childress)
Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Sam (Sean Astin) are getting closer to Mount Doom with everyone’s favorite corrupted creature, Gollum (Andy Serkis), whose opening backstory provides a disturbing glimpse into his madness for The Ring. The race of men must ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at eFilmCritic.com (Erik Childress)
Entertainment Ave!
What I will say, though, is that "Return of the King" was one of the best films I have ever seen. It wrapped up a story that needed closure, visually it was as good as anything I’ve ever seen, and you’ve got to give ultimate credit to the folks who ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Entertainment Ave!
Flipside Movie Emporium (Rob Vaux)
Every inch the finale this saga deserves, cementing its place as one of the seminal cinematic achievements of our time. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Flipside Movie Emporium (Rob Vaux)
Supercala.com (John Venable)
A fantastic ending to the greatest cinematic achievement of all time! YES! ALL TIME!!! ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Supercala.com (John Venable)
filmdeculte.com
The King is back. Aragorn is standing above the battlefield. With his loud, clear voice, he enthrals the few ones who were crazy enough to follow him. The long road that started in the comfort of the Shire has led to this turning point, where the world ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at filmdeculte.com
Boston Herald (James Verniere)
This is Jackson's greatest achievement: his uncanny ability, using every old and new cinematic trick in the book, to translate Tolkien's words into otherworldly yet eerily familiar images. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Boston Herald (James Verniere)
Cinema em Cena (Pablo Villaca)
É triste constatar que, a partir de agora, não mais teremos direito às nossas viagens anuais à Terra-média. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Cinema em Cena (Pablo Villaca)
Arizona Daily Star (Phil Villarreal)
Will undoubtedly last through the decades as one of the most ambitious and mind-blowingly successful celluloid projects ever undertaken. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Arizona Daily Star (Phil Villarreal)
UK Critic (Ian Waldron-Mantgani)
Ultimately this journey has been about the endgame, and now that we're here, we get a shattering sense of all that is at stake. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at UK Critic (Ian Waldron-Mantgani)
eFilmCritic.com (Scott Weinberg)
The Return of the King is one of the finest things I've ever seen. And that includes stuff like sunrises and babies and the original, unaltered Star Wars . ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at eFilmCritic.com (Scott Weinberg)
Houston Chronicle (Bruce Westbrook)
This film is everything a fan could want and possibly more. For three-plus hours, it entertains, enthralls and awes. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Houston Chronicle (Bruce Westbrook)
E! Online (--)
An excellent conclusion and a triumph of filmmaking, this journey may be at an end -- oh boy, what a way to go. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at E! Online (--)
mazzyboi's movie page (Angelo Aquino)
eFilmCritic Reviews
I admire The Lord Of The Rings more than I actually like it; there are parts that do it for me, but the genre leaves me cold. While I'm astounded by Peter Jackson's achievement, and never had less than a good time at any of the three movies, I'm glad ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at eFilmCritic Reviews
nofreelist.com
At last, I did it. I finally did it. It only took me three whole months, but I did it. Sure, I had to have three mates drag me, but I still did it. And, um... there might've been the odd kick and scream in there as well, but nevermind that, I still ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at nofreelist.com
Zertinet Movies Review
“Return of the King†is nearly 3 and a half hours long, and for almost any other movie ever made, this would be a criticism. Yet while constantly aware that the proceedings were running long, and that the story had been long in its resolution, I ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Zertinet Movies Review
Chicago Tribune (Michael Wilmington)
In "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King," a great mythic movie cycle gets the ending it deserves - and we can finally see this stunningly completed film trilogy for what it is: one of the major achievements of film history. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Chicago Tribune (Michael Wilmington)
Mediasharx (Dustin Gast)
Screen Rant (Vic Holtreman)
Cinema Source (Tom Johnson)
Reel McCoy (Patrick McCoy)
Pulp Culture (Franklin Harris)
Gandalf (Ian McKellen) and Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) race to raise an army to defend Gondor's capital city, Minas Tirith. But, as before, mankind's fate ultimately rests with two tired hobbits, Frodo and Sam, who are slowly making their way through ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Pulp Culture (Franklin Harris)
Flipside Movie Emporium (Rob Vaux)
"Such a little thing," Boromir said as he held the Ring in his hands, but he was wrong. Wrong about it, and wrong about the trio of films which tell its tale. Wrong about the creative minds that moved heaven and earth to bring them to us. Wrong about ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Flipside Movie Emporium (Rob Vaux)
CineMe (Daniel Meyer)
Qwipster's Movie Reviews (Vince Leo)
The Return of the King is the final chapter of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, ending the series by ratcheting up the action to a fever pitch, while also gearing up for a highly emotional summation. Again, I will try not to go into comparisons of the ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Qwipster's Movie Reviews (Vince Leo)
Screen Rant
After that? Man, where to start... keep in mind I didn't go in with a pad and paper, I'm just writing this off the cuff. oÂnce again we see the weakness of Man demonstrated, but there is also redemption. Most of the characters evolve, growing from ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Screen Rant
The Trades
In some ways, one needs to prepare the day before seeing "Return of the King" much like one would prepare a day in advance for surgery: You shouldn't eat anything after 6pm, nor drink after midnight. This method properly dehydrates your body so that ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at The Trades
MovieWeb (Brian Balchack)
Natural Born Viewers (James Chappell)
RopeofSilicon (Brad Brevet)
Bucket Reviews (Danny Baldwin)
Ain't It Cool News (Moriarty)
That�s hard to grasp right now. Intellectually, I can accept it. LORD OF THE RINGS was announced as three films. We�ve seen all three films. They�ve told the whole story. All of that makes perfect logical sense and isn�t the least bit emotional. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Ain't It Cool News (Moriarty)
Empire Movies (Blair Barbesin)
Almost Fabulous Movie Reviews
Minas Tirith was breathtaking (as was most of the scenery), Shelob was nasty, and the battle scenes were astounding. There's not much else I can add without major spoilers except that everything I said about the other two movies holds true for this one. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Almost Fabulous Movie Reviews
FilmFocus (Joe Utichi)
Peter Jackson and his team pull through once again and turn in the best film in a terrific trilogy. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at FilmFocus (Joe Utichi)
MovieMaze (Sylvere Stoermann)
Dallas Morning News (Philip Wuntch)
The director and screenwriter brings unity to a somewhat unwieldy story and handles the spectacle scenes with flourish and coherence. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Dallas Morning News (Philip Wuntch)
Eclipse Magazine (Andrew Hass)
May not be the best of the trilogy, and that extended ending is a bit much, but it's still much fun to watch. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Eclipse Magazine (Andrew Hass)
Laramie Movie Scope (Robert Roten)
Not one of the 10 best films of the year, but it would be no surprise if it walks off with many major awards. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Laramie Movie Scope (Robert Roten)
Sonic Cinema (Brian Skutle)
There are moments in “The Return of the King†of equal power and grace. Is “Return of the King†better “than one and two combined,†as Elijah Wood- whose work as ring-bearer Frodo Baggins has been under-the-rader, underrated, and ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Sonic Cinema (Brian Skutle)
The Lumière Reader
NEW ZEALANDERS too, like Americans, have reason enough to denounce Lars von Trier and his gospel of the anti-everything. This is, after all, a man who once proclaimed that Lord of the Rings can "kiss my [skinny white Danish] ass". While my assessment ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at The Lumière Reader
Channel4 Film (Matthew De Abaitua)
There are moments, early on, when you worry if it is going to turn out alright. Can he pull it off? Is there really a happy ending to this epic, the adventures of one director and his collaborators to craft a trilogy that will not only dominate the box ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Channel4 Film (Matthew De Abaitua)
Box Office Mojo (Sean Saulsbury)
The third and final installment of The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King has finally arrived. Director Peter Jackson's big screen rendering of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic trilogy is sure to please its fans but is not as consistent in quality as its ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Box Office Mojo (Sean Saulsbury)
BoxOfficeCritic.com (Eileen Peterman)
With The Lord of the Rings Trilogy Peter Jackson has created a cinematic masterpiece. Because all three films were shot simultaneously there is a continuity and a flow to the films not generally seen in film series. The undertaking of directing three ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at BoxOfficeCritic.com (Eileen Peterman)
The BigScreen Cinema Guide - Reader Reviews
In the third and final chapter of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, the forces of good and evil stage a final conflict for control of the future of Middle-earth. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at The BigScreen Cinema Guide - Reader Reviews
Choking on Popcorn - Sweet & Salty Movie Reviews
Nope, it’s not in The Return of the King this beautiful crucial scene in which Saruman’s power is overthrown by Gandalf and the palant’r is falling down on the steps of Orthanc, tower of Isengard. In fact: there is no Saruman (or Christopher Lee) ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Choking on Popcorn - Sweet & Salty Movie Reviews
Ain't It Cool News (Harry Knowles)
This is frankly one of the greatest films ever made. It towers over the other so-called epics of the year in a way that one could only imagine it was like when INTOLERANCE was released 87 years ago. What was it like in 1916 to see a film on that scale' ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Ain't It Cool News (Harry Knowles)
Ain't It Cool News (Neill Cumpston)
Whenever cool movie series get to the third movie they suck dicks like they�re trying to become Emperor of Dicksuck-ylvania. George Lucas had Star Wars, and then Empire Kicks Ass, and then all of a sudden it�s Planet of Furry Faggoty Fuckheads. Then ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Ain't It Cool News (Neill Cumpston)
Close-Up Film (Eleri Evans)
These days it seems the word epic is seldom used for its original meaning anymore. For example, films such as Stuart Little have been described in reviews as 'an epic adventure.' Like 'awesome' it is a word that has been sucked dry of meaning and ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Close-Up Film (Eleri Evans)
DVD Times review (Michael Mackenzie)
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King is a film that needs no introduction. The third and final part in New Zealand filmmaker Peter Jackson's big-budget movie adaptation of the novel by JRR Tolkien, it set box office records and was the winner ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at DVD Times review (Michael Mackenzie)
Jesusfreakhideout.com Movie Reviews
Finally!! I vividly remember sitting in the theater as The Fellowship Of the Ring drew to a close with Frodo and Sam peering out at Mordor and me being livid that the film was ending on such an unresolved note. Well kids, the third and final installment ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Jesusfreakhideout.com Movie Reviews
JackassCritics.com (Matt Fuerst)
nd boy are there some serious plotlines. You have got to admire Jackson for the the size of the undertaking. There is just a ton of story all crammed in here, really a ridiculous amount. I wasn't paying too close of attention, but at the very least, at ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at JackassCritics.com (Matt Fuerst)
Hollywood Jesus Visual Reviews
Sauron's forces have laid siege to Minas Tirith, the capital of Gondor, in their efforts to eliminate the race of men. The once-great kingdom, watched over by a fading steward, has never been in more desperate need of its king. But can Aragorn ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Hollywood Jesus Visual Reviews
JackassCritics (Grim Ringler)
The journey for Frodo and Sam, as difficult as it is physically is also starting to wear on their friendship as the ring begins changing Frodo moment by moment, turning his mind towards the lies that Gollum is telling him – that Sam wants the ring for ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at JackassCritics (Grim Ringler)
FilmGuru.Net
The Return of the King picks up where The Two Towers ended, with the fallout of the battle of Helm's Deep and a decision that needs to be made regarding the rising evil of Mordor. As Gandalf (Ian McKellen) races to Gondor to warn them of Sauron's ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at FilmGuru.Net
ScifiWatch
As the first film opened our hearts to the world of Middle Earth and the second had us raising or fist in defiance to Sauron, the third chapter, The Return of the King is the end of the roller coaster ride that began nearly four years ago and the film ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at ScifiWatch
FamilyStyle Film Guide Review
Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King, The ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at FamilyStyle Film Guide Review
Rainbow Network (Rachael Scott)
The final instalment of the much awaited Lord of the Rings trilogy won`t disappoint Tolkien`s devout followers. Ringmaster Peter Jackson has successfully completed one of the grandest undertakings ever made by a director in cinematic history. With such a ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Rainbow Network (Rachael Scott)
Entertainmentopia (Erich Becker)
After hundreds of millions of dollars, years devoted to special effects, and one of the biggest fan bases looking on, The Lord of the Rings trilogy ends with The Return of the King, what some, like myself, consider to be one of the pinnacle moments ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Entertainmentopia (Erich Becker)
Lawrence Journal-World (Jon Niccum)
These are the sins of omission, yet "The Return of the King" does contain some of the trilogy's worst scenes of inclusion. Most of these come during an interminable epilogue that suggests Jackson had trouble saying goodbye to the material. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Lawrence Journal-World (Jon Niccum)
The Nick Schager Film Project
With Christmas rapidly approaching, I don't have adequate time to give Peter Jackson's mesmerizing The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King its due. Nonetheless, I feel compelled to extol, however briefly, the virtues of this series' ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at The Nick Schager Film Project
Bryant Frazer's Deep Focus (Bryant Frazer)
This brand of strenuous adaptation is some kind of achievement, for sure. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Bryant Frazer's Deep Focus (Bryant Frazer)
The MovieHamlet (Stefan Hedmark)
So, we’re at journey’s end. Peter Jackson’s final chapter of his “Lord of the Rings†trilogy was hailed at the 2004 Academy Awards and many chose to see the overwhelming praise as some kind of summary reward for the whole trilogy. So do I, ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at The MovieHamlet (Stefan Hedmark)
The Onion A.V. Club (Keith Phipps)
In the third part of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord Of The Rings, the burden of carrying the ring of power weighs more heavily on Frodo the closer he comes to his final destination. No doubt Peter Jackson, the director who took on the monster task of ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at The Onion A.V. Club (Keith Phipps)
Exclaim! (Chris Gramlich)
Epic. Everything about The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Return of the King in particular, its third and final instalment for those recently coming out of comas, is epic. From the impossibly large but gripping battles to the rousing, ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Exclaim! (Chris Gramlich)
CHUD.com DVD Review (Nick Nunziata)
Now comes the last DVD until the inevitable triple dips in the near future, and I’m glad to say that the wait did me good. The Return of the King is a truly special film and one that seals the deal as good as it could have been sealed. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at CHUD.com DVD Review (Nick Nunziata)
Reeling Reviews (Laura Clifford)
McKellan and Astin are the two actors whose lifeblood pumps through this saga ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Reeling Reviews (Laura Clifford)
World Socialist Web Site
The Return of the King, the third movie in director Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy, has been released worldwide and established new records at the box office. Very few of its audiences would be new to the saga—the two previous films ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at World Socialist Web Site
Mixed Reviews (Gabriel Shanks)
Considering the mediocre year that 2003 has had at its movie theaters, there should probably be heralds playing trumpets at every showing of Peter Jackson's LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING. It is, without question, magnificent filmmaking, made ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Mixed Reviews (Gabriel Shanks)
Brilliant Observations on 1173 Films (Clayton Trapp)
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING (2003) *1/2 The first half, the half where they try to have a plot, is confusing for reasons including the fact that it's too dull to pay attention. Then finally they get a pretty good battle going, replete ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Brilliant Observations on 1173 Films (Clayton Trapp)
Apollo Movie Guide (Dan Jardine)
The third and final instalment in J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic story features a huge battle for Middle Earth, which takes place while little Frodo (Elijah Wood) struggles to destroy the all-powerful and dangerous Ring. Peter Jackson ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Apollo Movie Guide (Dan Jardine)
Michael D's Region 4 DVD Info Page (DarrenW)
Bigger than Ben-Hur and certainly far more tantalising than Titanic, the final instalment of the multi-award winning The Lord Of The Rings trilogy is finally here on DVD. The Return Of The King is of course mentioned in the same breath as those other two ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Michael D's Region 4 DVD Info Page (DarrenW)
Apollo Guide (Dan Jardine)
Captures the visual grandeur and thematic complexities of the novel well, while moving gracefully from moments of the intensely personal to epic scenes of staggering enormity. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Apollo Guide (Dan Jardine)
Juicy Cerebellum (Alex Sandell)
Jaws 3D . Alien³ . Matrix Revolutions . The Return of the King doesn't belong anywhere near that list of films. Return of the King delivers. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Juicy Cerebellum (Alex Sandell)
Salon.com (Andrew O'Hehir)
I love Jackson's "Rings" saga despite his propensity for whimsical animation whenever he tries to strike a chord of dread or menace. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Salon.com (Andrew O'Hehir)
Radio Free Entertainment (Andrew Manning)
The epic cinematic adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's literary masterwork comes to a satisfying conclusion with this third and final installment. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Radio Free Entertainment (Andrew Manning)
Jigsaw Lounge (Neil Young)
Planet Sick-Boy (Jon Popick)
Virtually the same film as The Two Towers , only with a resolution. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Planet Sick-Boy (Jon Popick)
The Onion (A.V. Club) (Keith Phipps)
All in all, it's a fitting conclusion to the series, and yet there are disappointments built in. For one, Jackson has opted not to film Tolkien's downbeat "Scouring Of The Shire" epilogue. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at The Onion (A.V. Club) (Keith Phipps)
Movie Marshal (Paul Boschen)
Rolling Stone (Peter Travers)
This is a film in which ideas resonate as well as action. Gandalf’s words to Pippin about death have a muscular poetry. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Rolling Stone (Peter Travers)
Chicago Sun-Times (Roger Ebert)
There is little enough psychological depth anywhere in the films, actually, and they exist mostly as surface, gesture, archetype and spectacle. They do that magnificently well, but one feels at the end that nothing actual and human has been at stake. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Chicago Sun-Times (Roger Ebert)
Boston Globe (Ty Burr)
Yet what I felt when the lights came up at the end of this visionary, titanic, relentless experience was something different: a strange relief that it was, at last, over. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Boston Globe (Ty Burr)
JackassCritics (Jackass Jon)
s I expected and have read for the last two weeks, this film is by far the best of the three and totally completes what I believe to be the best trilogy of films ever made. I don't know what will ever come close in the remaining time I have left in life. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at JackassCritics (Jackass Jon)
Film Blather Review
I've been known to get pretty emotional at movies on sporadic occasions, but this is something else. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King runs for 200 minutes, and I estimate that I cried for 195 of them, give or take two, including through ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Film Blather Review
Right Turn Clyde
Peter Jackson' Lord Of The Rings trilogy doesn't hit theaters until Summer 2001, but that shouldn't stop you from boning up on the Tolkien classic now. Thanks to Shorty's leave-no-hobbit-unturned overview, you can now appear smarter than the kids ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Right Turn Clyde
Slant Magazine - DVD Review
Frodo (Elijah Wood) is a complete and utter mess, making his way slowly to Mount Doom with Hobbit best-pal Sam (Sean Astin) and bi-polar freakazoid Gollum (Andy Serkis) in tow. The film begins with a sinister backstory that sets up the allure of the ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Slant Magazine - DVD Review
Movie Vault (Oktay Ege Kozak)
Everything in this film is perfect, and far beyond. The story is impeccable, the characters come full-circle in a beautiful way, the visuals are perfect and as for the battle sequences including what the characters go through during them; well, the ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Movie Vault (Oktay Ege Kozak)
16mm Shrine
Fucking END, already! Why would anyone make a movie this long? Immortality? I’m a busy guy! I don't have time for this. I had to do, like, three rails of PCP to get through the last Lord of the Rings without nodding off, and now I need to drink orange ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at 16mm Shrine
Oregon Herald (Mark Sells)
All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to you." Simple wisdom from Gandalf hides much larger ramifications in "The Return of the King," the third and final installment of J.R.R. Tolkien's classic trilogy "The Lord of the ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Oregon Herald (Mark Sells)
Movierapture (Keith Allen)
The movie's special effects are stunning, but much of the impact the director could have achieved with them is dissipated by his melodramatic sensibilities and inclusion of unsuccessfully humorous incidents. While the inept attempts at comedy ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Movierapture (Keith Allen)
Nitrate Online (Cynthia Fuchs)
This taut three-character drama forms only a third of Return of the King. The film includes two other plotlines that merge in conflagration. First is the king of Gondor to be returned, splendid Aragon (Viggo Mortensen), who rides with his fellows, pretty ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Nitrate Online (Cynthia Fuchs)
St. Petersburg Times (Steve Persall)
Leave it to the wise wizard Gandalf to put the concluding chapter of the Lord of the Rings trilogy in perspective: "The board is set. The pieces are moving. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at St. Petersburg Times (Steve Persall)
Static Multimedia - Extended Edition DVD Review (Sean Axmaker)
It's debatable whether final installment of Peter Jackson epic adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkein's trilogy deserved to sweep the Oscars. While it was generally acknowledged that the Oscars were less for the individual film than for the entire achievement, ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Static Multimedia - Extended Edition DVD Review (Sean Axmaker)
The Fresh Films Review (Norwegian)
Peter Jackson sier farvel til filmhistoriens kanskje mest ambisiøse prosjekt med dette hensynsløst lange og uforskammet selvhøytidelige tekniske mesterverket. For i form og innhold er The Return of the King ikke stort mer enn oppbygning av (og dveling ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at The Fresh Films Review (Norwegian)
hoopla.nu
The only major downside is that some of the characters are less well developed - Legolas, Gimli and Merry all miss out. Arwen is also only minimally involved, one of Jackson's better directorial choices. Pippin, on the other hand, who was previously ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at hoopla.nu
Rolling Stone
Long live the king! The Part 3 jinx that plagued The Matrix, The Godfather and the original Star Wars can’t contaminate The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. New Zealand director, producer and co-writer Peter Jackson does author J.R.R. Tolkien ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Rolling Stone
Cinema Blend - Extended Edition DVD Review
Already the longest of the three films in its theatrical release, Return of the King is also the most awarded of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Rightfully so. It is the culmination of the most massive, lovingly constructed, movie masterpiece of all ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Cinema Blend - Extended Edition DVD Review
Entertain Your Brain! - Review
I think visually this was the best one as well. The continued impressive presence of Gollum and the battle scenes were amazing. I think you will agree with me that the coolest part is when Legolas single-handedly takes out one of the elephant-like ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Entertain Your Brain! - Review
The Horror Review (Horror Bob)
Over all a masterpiece that will live forever in the times to come the trilogy of all trilogies, and yes I think it's a better trilogy than the original Star Wars films. Go check it out, see it a few times, and most of all enjoy it. It's not just a ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at The Horror Review (Horror Bob)
Crazy for Cinema
RETURN OF THE KING is an awe-inspiring, enchanting, suspenseful conclusion that left me overwhelmed, yet slightly disappointed. While Jackson and company employ their now obvious and vast talents to bringing Middle Earth to vibrant life, there is almost ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Crazy for Cinema
FilmHobbit.com
Return of the King is one of those "big" movie events that mega fans have been waiting their entire lives to see, while even those who didn't read the books have been waiting at least a couple of years. Oh, and maybe those sad souls who walked out of ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at FilmHobbit.com
Swimming to Casablanca - sprint reviews
The final chapter of the trilogy delivers. I was totally entertained by the battle scene. There are orcs, trulls, and mastodonic creatures out to destroy all human life on earth. Meanwhile, Frodo (Elijah Wood), Sam (Sean Astin) and Gollum (Andy Serkis) ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Swimming to Casablanca - sprint reviews
Worldwide DVD Forums - DVD Review
I remember back in 1997 when they first announced that The Lord of the Rings trilogy was going to be made into films, and that fellow New Zealander / director Peter "Braindead" Jackson was going to bring this epic tale to life. I was as excited as a ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Worldwide DVD Forums - DVD Review
The World's Greatest Critic! (J.C. Maçek III)
The Return of the King Being the Third Part of the Lord of the Rings is a true classic and an unenviable tome to try to adapt! That said, Director Peter Jackson along with fellow screenwriters Fran Walsh & Philippa Boyens have created just about the best ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at The World's Greatest Critic! (J.C. Maçek III)
Philadelphia City Paper (Sam Adams)
To say that the Lord of the Rings trilogy is a singular accomplishment in movie history is almost too timid praise; there are many things that have only been done once, and in many cases, it was one time too many. Likewise to say that it’s the great ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Philadelphia City Paper (Sam Adams)
The Phantom Tollbooth
The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King ends the Tolkien trilogy of man coming back to power. There are two good lines of dialogue in the film: "Courage is the best defense" (said against overwhelming odds) and the line by Sam (Sean Astin) when he ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at The Phantom Tollbooth
The Rewind Forums - 2-disc Special Edition DVD review
I remember back in 1997 when they first announced that The Lord of the Rings trilogy was going to be made into films, and that fellow New Zealander / director Peter "Braindead" Jackson was going to bring this epic tale to life. I was as excited as a ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at The Rewind Forums - 2-disc Special Edition DVD review
Jay's Movie Blog
It's me. I know it's me. It must be. I seem to be the only person I know who sees these movies and doesn't react strongly to them. As fine a movie is Return Of The King is, there were few moments in it that I enjoyed as much as the trailer for Sky ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Jay's Movie Blog
Mr. Cranky
Instead of ending his massive retelling of the Tolkien series with a bang, director Peter Jackson has turned "The Return of the King" into the fat, lumbering relative who won't leave when he's supposed to and simply lingers, sweating, on the living ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Mr. Cranky
The Net-Monster
One of the problems I've had with this trilogy is that by the time the next sequel comes out, I've already forgotten everything that happened in the previous movie. And yes, I know there's really no "3" in the title, but how the hell else am I ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at The Net-Monster
TheMovieBoy Review (Dustin Putman)
In the two years since the release of 2001's "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring," awareness and general fandom for the film adaptations of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic fantasy trilogy has grown to near-astronomical levels. At this point, to ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at TheMovieBoy Review (Dustin Putman)
Film-Critiques.com
An almost perfect film, but it is ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Film-Critiques.com
City Pages (Laura Sinagra)
A recent New York Times Magazine cover story promised that, for left-leaning yutes, joining the Howard Dean campaign affords the best chance to make smart friends, get laid, and do something meaningful in life. Yes, in this teched-up X-Box world of ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at City Pages (Laura Sinagra)
Montreal Gazette (John Griffin)
Film Threat (Mark Sells)
It's a bittersweet finale to one gigantic masterpiece, rich with character, ambience, and exhilarating action. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Film Threat (Mark Sells)
Sunday Times (Australia) (--)
Bullz-Eye.com (--)
Independent (--)
Film Snobs (Jimmy O)
Does this mean we can now kill George Lucas? ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Film Snobs (Jimmy O)
Jam! Movies (Mike Ross)
On the surface, The Return of the King has everything anyone would ask for in a fantasy adventure: larger-than-life heroes, vile villains, cool monsters and battles galore. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Jam! Movies (Mike Ross)
Film Snobs (Stephen Himes)
Jackson's movies are a triumph of cinematic voice, much like Tolkien's books are a triumph of literary voice. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Film Snobs (Stephen Himes)
eye WEEKLY (Jason Anderson)
Really, the film offers an embarrassment of riches to anyone caught up in Jackson's own mad quest to portray Tolkien's universe in all its manly glory. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at eye WEEKLY (Jason Anderson)
Matt's Movie Reviews (Matt Easterbrook)
Not to be missed -- a wonderful blend of Old Hollywood-style entertainment with modern technical skills, of brain candy and food for the soul. You'll never look at epics the same way again. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Matt's Movie Reviews (Matt Easterbrook)
MovieJustice (Joseph Kastner)
King makes many leaps and bounds above most of the films this year but fails to achieve the consistency and magnificence that The Two Towers accomplished. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at MovieJustice (Joseph Kastner)
Jam! Movies (Bruce Kirkland)
A wonderful film, bursting at the seams with action, adventure, a staggering battle scene, and enough sad emotional scenes to milk tears from a thousand cynics. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Jam! Movies (Bruce Kirkland)
Jam! Movies (Drew McAnulty)
Peter Jackson, you bow to no one. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Jam! Movies (Drew McAnulty)
Future Movies UK (Ed Colley)
Las Vegas Weekly (Josh Bell)
King is ... the final touch of an undeniable masterwork. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Las Vegas Weekly (Josh Bell)
Guardian [UK] (Peter Bradshaw)
No flabber has been left ungasted by Mr Jackson's mighty battle sequences, nor no gob unsmacked. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Guardian [UK] (Peter Bradshaw)
Cinema Signals (Jules Brenner)
At 210 minutes, some might wish Peter Jackson had been just a mite less enchanted by the Tolkien mythology, but I wouldn't have missed it for anything. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Cinema Signals (Jules Brenner)
Orlando Sentinel (Roger Moore)
The thrilling conclusion to what has become the film event of our time -- the definitive screen fantasy -- features more spellbinding moments, bigger battles, more emotion and more poetry than the terrific first two films in the trilogy. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Orlando Sentinel (Roger Moore)
TheMovieChicks.com (Cherryl Dawson and Leigh Ann Palone)
The final chapter has more emotion and expands on the character development, not just the action. It is a fitting end for our travelers. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at TheMovieChicks.com (Cherryl Dawson and Leigh Ann Palone)
Goatdog's Movies (Michael W. Phillips, Jr.)
Truly awe-inspiring. If it takes a while to get going, and seems to overstay its welcome with an overlong ending, I forgive it. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Goatdog's Movies (Michael W. Phillips, Jr.)
IGN Movies (Glen Oliver)
One of the most visceral theatrical experiences of all time. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at IGN Movies (Glen Oliver)
filmcritic.com (Christopher Null)
If you can make it through the slow parts, Return of the King rewards the patient with the most heart-pounding action of the year. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at filmcritic.com (Christopher Null)
Citysearch (Dan Fazio)
Globe and Mail (Liam Lacey)
A movie for our time, perhaps for all time, mostly a good time and definitely a long time. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Globe and Mail (Liam Lacey)
Scotsman (Alastair McKay)
Kansas City Star (Robert W. Butler)
It leaves us with precisely the same feelings of sadness and satisfaction as are evoked by J.R.R. Tolkien's original novels. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Kansas City Star (Robert W. Butler)
San Francisco Chronicle (Mick LaSalle)
A grand adventure with lots of fun things to look at. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at San Francisco Chronicle (Mick LaSalle)
MovieFreak.com (Sara M. Fetters)
And if, ultimately, The Return of the King isn't quite the thrilling conclusion we were all quite hoping for, it is still very much a rousingly successful end to what may be the most accomplished and satisfying movie trilogy of all time. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at MovieFreak.com (Sara M. Fetters)
Xi-online (Gerthein Boersma)
Wat kun je als recensent de nieuwsgierige Lord of the Rings fan nog vertellen over het derde en laatste deel van Peter Jackson's epische Tolkien-verfilming? Wat moet men met een kreet als "Aanrader!" of een aansporing als "Ik zou er heengaan!"? Het ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Xi-online (Gerthein Boersma)
Boston Globe (Ty Burr)
Audiences who don't have halberds to grind and who possess rear ends of steel and a taste for declamatory heroics will find themselves rewarded. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Boston Globe (Ty Burr)
National Post (Chris Knight)
Jackson has done a fine job, taking an immensely dense book and crafting a brilliant new look for a mythology that was born old. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at National Post (Chris Knight)
Movie Insider (Lynda Lin)
Slant Magazine (Ed Gonzalez)
More goose-pimply epic swirl and top-notch Uruk-hai smackdowns, but there’s also more of the dreamy Christian allegory that highlighted the first film. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Slant Magazine (Ed Gonzalez)
San Francisco Chronicle (Mick LaSalle)
Though an estimable success overall, The Return of the King has several scenes too many and too great a concentration on battles. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at San Francisco Chronicle (Mick LaSalle)
Chicago Sun-Times (Roger Ebert)
Return of the King is such a crowning achievement, such a visionary use of all the tools of special effects, such a pure spectacle, that it can be enjoyed even by those who have not seen the first two films. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Chicago Sun-Times (Roger Ebert)
Reverse Shot (--)
Watching a great tennis match can be exhilarating but we don’t call it an artistic masterpiece: why then should we treat The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King any differently? King could be the most exhilarating movie of the year; it’s ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Reverse Shot (--)
Philadelphia Inquirer (Steven Rea)
The Return of the King is too long...The various story lines...come together in stilted, episodic ways. The narrative is less-than-seamless. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Philadelphia Inquirer (Steven Rea)
The Globe and Mail (Toronto) (Liam Lacey)
The [final] battle is vast, and undoubtedly required thousands of hours of matching puppetry, robotics and computer code, but it is not without tedium. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at The Globe and Mail (Toronto) (Liam Lacey)
Popkorn Junkie (--)
Denver Post (Lisa Kennedy)
Confirms Jackson's reputation as a kinetic director who has made author J.R.R. Tolkien's work his own -- not as plagiarist but as a visionary. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Denver Post (Lisa Kennedy)
filmcritic.com
Peter Jackson returns with his third and final installment in The Lord of the Rings trilogy with the explosive – and exhausting – conclusion to his acclaimed series. Let’s cut to the chase: Jackson’s final entry is the best of the series, largely ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at filmcritic.com
St. Paul Pioneer Press (Chris Hewitt (St. Paul))
Has energy and power, particularly in a battle scene highlighted by spectacular shots of catapulting boulders. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at St. Paul Pioneer Press (Chris Hewitt (St. Paul))
Creative Loafing (Matt Brunson)
The material will satisfy those simply looking for thrills as well as those angling for more. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Creative Loafing (Matt Brunson)
Commercial Appeal (Memphis, TN) (John Beifuss)
Yes, good triumphs over evil, but watching the Rings series, we don't forget that real-life war and terror are accelerating outside the theater. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Commercial Appeal (Memphis, TN) (John Beifuss)
Movie Habit (Marty Mapes)
Looking at the sum of its parts, The Lord of the Rings is probably the best trilogy ever made ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Movie Habit (Marty Mapes)
Reel Film Reviews (David Nusair)
The movie's refusal to end will likely test the patience of even the most ardent Lord of the Rings fan, and it's a shame that the series ends on such a flat note. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Reel Film Reviews (David Nusair)
Perihelion Journal (Jay Antani)
If this wasn't quite the best movie of 2003, it was definitely the most fun to be had at the movies all year ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Perihelion Journal (Jay Antani)
Combustible Celluloid (Jeffrey M. Anderson)
Deseret News, Salt Lake City (Jeff Vice)
Even the weakest of these movies is head-and-shoulders above the vast majority of films churned out these days. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Deseret News, Salt Lake City (Jeff Vice)
Ozus' World Movie Reviews (Dennis Schwartz)
A colossus in technological filmmaking. A trilogy for the ages, where the whole is greater than its parts. I'm usually annoyed with films that can't tell their story without a sequel, as the other LOTR films suffer because they are missing a conclusion. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Ozus' World Movie Reviews (Dennis Schwartz)
Rolling Stone (Peter Travers)
Pops your eyes, excites your senses and brings you in as close as a whisper for scenes of startling emotion. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Rolling Stone (Peter Travers)
Critic Doctor (Peter Sobczynski)
Still a pretty stirring epic and is a worthy conclusion to the saga. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Critic Doctor (Peter Sobczynski)
Hollywood.com (Kit Bowen)
With a sweeping narrative, mind-blowing battle sequences and gut-wrenching performances, could there be a grander finale to a classic epic? Not in this millennium. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Hollywood.com (Kit Bowen)
Seattle Times (Moira MacDonald)
A rich, layered tale of a king, a wizard and two little hobbits whose courage saved their world. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Seattle Times (Moira MacDonald)
Poffy The Cucumber's Movie Mania
Okay, tattered robes deployed? – check; multiple story lines at the ready to entwine and entangle viewers? – check; sets constructed on a budget which would've stamped out hunger in Ethiopia? – check; everyone smeared in poo? – check – let's ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Poffy The Cucumber's Movie Mania
SPLICEDwire (Rob Blackwelder)
Jackson's vision, and his capacity for bringing it to life... are unquestionably worthy of very high praise, (but) I never got the mind-blowing 'Wow!' I'd wanted... ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at SPLICEDwire (Rob Blackwelder)
Philadelphia Inquirer (Steven Rea)
[The] trilogy is, by any measure, a crowning moment in cinema history ... So why is the final installment, less than awesome? ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Philadelphia Inquirer (Steven Rea)
TV Guide (Maitland McDonagh)
Despite its length, the film only starts feeling as long at the end -- or, more correctly, ends. Serious fans of the novels will be prepared for the serial codicils, but the uninitiated are likely to think the film is over several times before it ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at TV Guide (Maitland McDonagh)
Lobo Howls (Judith Wolfe)
Film Threat (Kevin Carr)
If The Return of the King was 2 1/2 hours long, it would have rocked. It would have been better than The Two Towers, which is the best film in the series. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Film Threat (Kevin Carr)
JoBlo's Movie Emporium (JoBlo)
What can I say about this movie that hasn't already been said? Well actually...quite a bit! How about the fact that it's a decent film, but overrated...at least by all those who deem it to be "perfect". I'm sorry, but this film -- as great as its ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at JoBlo's Movie Emporium (JoBlo)
Eclipse Magazine (Michelle Alexandria)
Is a seriously flawed piece of work that is missing that certain element called "believability." It's visual eye candy without the chocolate center. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Eclipse Magazine (Michelle Alexandria)
IndependentCritics.com (TC Candler)
Okay... here goes. I am preparing myself for another year of vicious, profanity-laden and hysterically defensive e-mails from the rabid fanatics who refuse to believe that these 'Lord of the Rings' movies aren't beloved by everyone. I have received ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at IndependentCritics.com (TC Candler)
d+kaz. Intelligent Movie Reviews (Daniel Kasman)
Observer [UK] (Philip French)
A very fine achievement, moving, involving and, to many people, even inspiring. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Observer [UK] (Philip French)
DVDTalk.com (Jeffrey Robinson)
It was about two hours too long for me to sit through in a theater. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at DVDTalk.com (Jeffrey Robinson)
Boxoffice Magazine (L.J. Strom)
Despite maddening liberties and narrative asymmetry, Return works well enough on its own terms of rousing, whistle-stop spectacle. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Boxoffice Magazine (L.J. Strom)
Science Fiction, Horror and Fantasy Film Review Database (--)
The Return of the King genuinely was the best film of its year. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Science Fiction, Horror and Fantasy Film Review Database (--)
Jam! Movies (Louis B. Hobson)
It's unquestionably the best movie about the battle for Middle-earth ever made, but it's far from the best film ever made. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Jam! Movies (Louis B. Hobson)
Qwipster's Movie Reviews (Vince Leo)
The Return of the King is the final chapter of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, ending the series by ratcheting up the action to a fever pitch, while also gearing up for a highly emotional summation. Again, I will try not to go into comparisons of the movie ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Qwipster's Movie Reviews (Vince Leo)
Providence Journal (Michael Janusonis)
Epic pageantry is what some people will come to see, and they won't be disappointed. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Providence Journal (Michael Janusonis)
Film Threat (Kevin Carr)
Still a good movie, but it's weak on plot compared to its predecessor. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Film Threat (Kevin Carr)
iofilm.co.uk (The Wolf)
The journey ends, the adventure closes, the king is crowned. It has been, all said and done, a magnificent achievement. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at iofilm.co.uk (The Wolf)
Austin Chronicle (Marc Savlov)
As the capstone to one of the single greatest achievements of modern motion-picture history, The Return of the King is generally peerless. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Austin Chronicle (Marc Savlov)
JoBlo's Movie Emporium (JoBlo)
A decent film, but overrated. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at JoBlo's Movie Emporium (JoBlo)
ToxicUniverse.com (Jeremiah Kipp)
filmsgraded.com (Brian Koller)
What we have here is neither a bad movie nor a great one, but a sort of good movie that provides grand entertainment to the credulous looking for escape. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at filmsgraded.com (Brian Koller)
Hollywood Report Card (Ross Anthony)
This is a long film, not to be squeezed in, but rather planned for. Best screened on a light day. Big action, amazing visuals, but not without flaws. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Hollywood Report Card (Ross Anthony)
Christian Science Monitor (David Sterritt)
An uneven movie with yawns aplenty. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Christian Science Monitor (David Sterritt)
Film Freak Central (Walter Chaw)
Sometimes intoxicating, occasionally exhilarating. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Film Freak Central (Walter Chaw)
Christian Science Monitor (David Sterritt)
Well, here I go again. I'm sure "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" will be a smash hit, but as with the trilogy's earlier installments, I can't work up much enthusiasm for it. I'm not pleased to say this, if only because my cool response to ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Christian Science Monitor (David Sterritt)
Film Freak Central (Bill Chambers)
An incurable film until such time as Peter Jackson is moved to shorten its deadening coda ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Film Freak Central (Bill Chambers)
Film Threat (Peter Lowry)
Eye-candy and grand events with no real substance. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Film Threat (Peter Lowry)
F5 (Wichita, KS) (Jake Euker)
When we talk about Jackson's directorial style, what exactly are we talking about? The ability to juggle a production this size is a feat, but what else does he bring to it? ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at F5 (Wichita, KS) (Jake Euker)
Worcester Telegram & Gazette (Daniel M. Kimmel)
In spite of the fact that the film will likely bust box office records, this reviewer is duty bound to report that it fails in almost every aspect. ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Worcester Telegram & Gazette (Daniel M. Kimmel)
Yellow Cubicle Reviews
This is bad. I've seen bad movies in my time, xXx, Terminator Woman, Memento, but this tops the list and can only be compared to the likes Pearl Harbor and Bicentennial Man. The most obvious reason for this is Peter Jackson's inept ideas about what ...read the complete Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King movie review at Yellow Cubicle Reviews
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