What's the point of writing something about ROTK? Everyone knows it's a great one, without even having seen it. But, it's too good to not blog about. And what's the point of seeing ROTK without getting the chance to say: so I just saw the best movie ever made?

Okay: I just saw the best movie ever made. No acting awards here, but if you think the Battle at Helm's Deep was aweso-spectacular, then wait til you see the Battle for Middle Earth. Helm's Deep was but a skirmish.

Of course, everyone awaits this great final Battle, and Jackson does not disappoint, almost to the extent that Frodo and Sam's journey is but a distraction, a necessary intermission, because otherwise it would all be just one glorious battle scene after another.

Indeed, the battle for Minas Tirith and across Pelennor Fields (where I was nearly brought to tears seeing Faromir lead his small army to certain death) was to me the single most breathtaking sequence of fictional events committed to film. With armies of Orcs, Haradrim and Easterlings clashing with the forces of Gondor and Rohan (the blonde muscular riders of Rohirrim), the King of Gondor's mighty Ghost Army ala Pirates of the Carribean, Legolas' single-handedly taking down a Mumakil (reminiscent, albeit, of Luke Skywalker taking down an AT-AT Walker) and Eowyn's dont-even-flinch duel with the Witch King (the movie's single most memorable moment -- cheers and applause all around the theater), amidst trolls with large hammers, trebuchets and catapults, horses, axes, arrows, Gandalf working his staff -- I am at a loss for words. This movie is amazing.

There are, fortunately, other memorable moments in the film. Fortunately, I say, because the thing lasts for more than three hours. Like the first two movies, these three hours go by really fast. When Aragorn first unsheaths the sword that would make him King, Eowyn getting busted, lighting the Beacons of Gondor, the Steward of Gondor's chin at the business end of Gandalf's staff, and, perhaps most memorable, Frodo becomes Little Miss Muffet, Sam the man, Merry and Pippin busting the line ahead of everyone else to lead the charge against thousands of orcs.

I was kinda surprised with the giant eagles bit, but, that's in keeping with the book. And Faromir's near-early death was really twisted, almost necrophilia. I'd like to read that part of the book to understand it better.

And, Jackson delivers an ending well worth it, again keeping with the trilogy. Remember, he is ending three movies, so I disagree with those critics who said the epilogue (or epilogues?) was/were too long. These were necessary, but maybe the fades to black throws you off a bit. One more worthy note: never mind the breathtaking scenery and Minas Tirith, the music was splendid!

Having saved a bundle (cheap lotteried tickets from the Graduate Council) we can actually see it again. Jackson has delivered, and he is money in the bank from hereon in.