The mistake that I have found many people making about these films is to treat them as seperate movies, which really is not the way to look at it. Having now seen all three films it becomes very clear that Peter Jackson was trying to create one story throughout, as had JRR Tolkien when he first wrote the book. It is worth remembering that Tolkien wanted to publish his book in one volume, but that he was overuled for practical reasons by his publisher. You get the feeling that Peter Jackson would very much have liked to create one Movie, but again the practicality of that was not feasible.
All this aside, this Film of awesomely Epic proportions is a masterpiece of cinema and has probably spoiled every film that I will watch for the next few years, because inevitably I will compare it to this. The sheer massive scale of what has been produced is fantastic visually whether CGI or unembellished photography and the performances by the the various Actors, is absolutely Spot on. Peter Jackson picked his cast with due care and dilligence and the book has become even more enjoyable to read as I fit various performances by the actors, into the characters in the book.
Peter Jacskon has taken some liberties , but has remained completely true to the core themes of Tolkien's work.
I could sit here and write a review for hours, but I will sapre you all that doom and simply say that for those who have not seen these films I promise you it is well worth the effort. For those of you have seen the films but have not seen the Special edition Extended versions again I urge you to see them, it is well worth your time.
This gets about 7 Stars out of 5