Your favorite LOTR film (and reasons why)

[Wombat]

A tough decision, but in the end I went for FotR because it started the sense of wonder that has followed through in all three films.

Having survived the Bakshi abomination way back when, I was very, very nervous about anyone doing justice to LotR, much less as live action. I mean, how could it possibly be done? All my fears were swept aside with that first film -- I knew I was going to watch all three films multiple times on the big screen, which is nearly unprecidented for me.

The happiness of The Shire, the horror of Weathertop, the claustrophobia of Moria, the grandeur of the scenery, not to mention superb acting on all counts -- it is rare that I become this involved in a film. Equally, with rare exceptions like The Princess Bride, I tend to be very upset with film adaptations of books -- they always seem to lose the soul of the book. While I may quibble with many of Jackson's choices, overall the trilogy stands up well, nay brilliantly on its own merits.

So, in the end, I choose FotR for being the starting point. Any of them would do for me, however

 

[Storminator]

I put down RotK. Of course, it ended about 20 minutes ago, so perhaps I'm biased.

Theoden's speech and the charge of the Rohirrim were two of the most impressive things I've ever seen on film. When Theoden goes down the line knocking spears with his sword, I'm thinking "this is why you work so hard to be a hero, to earn a spot in the van of the king's charge." The guys in the back rows, they never get to feel that moment.

And if ever there was a man to ride with, it's Eomer. That guy just looks pure badass.

PS

 

[Hypersmurf]

When Theoden goes down the line knocking spears with his sword...

I was reading somewhere that that was Bernard Hill's idea. Apparently he saw a Props Dept rack of Rohirrim lances, all sitting at a uniform slant, and thought "You know what would make a great 'kingly' moment..."

He pitched it to Peter Jackson, who liked it... and then realised it meant he had to get a whole lot better at horseriding...!

-Hyp.

 

[Buttercup]

Two Towers is my favorite. It's odd, because it's the book I like the least. When reading it, I tend to skim large chunks.

But the movie really nailed the scenes w/ Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli running across Rohan. Theoden King was portrayed brilliantly by Bernard Hill. I really cared about the people of Rohan. And Gollum! What an amazing accomplishment he is. Generally speaking, tTT was so rich with character development, that it made the biggest impression on me.

Don't get me wrong, I love FotR and RotK too. Just not quite as much.

 

[Mystery Man]

As with the books, my favorite is the Fellowship. I like beginnings.

 

[Krug]

RotK. I like endings.
And the extended version is going to kick ass even more.

 

[Tarrasque Wrangler]

Return of the King.

I'm all about the payoff, although it helped that the "sales pitch" (the first two films) were so well done.

 

[Silver Moon]

Err, can I put in a nomination for the animated version of "The Hobbit"?

 

[Buttercup]

Oh, geez. SilverMoon, now I'm going to have to kill you.

 

[Pants]

Tough call between FotR and RotK. I've always loved FotR the most out of the books and I really think that the movie provides the feelings of wonder, dread, and excitement. So chose FotR.

The other two are still great movies though.