[HCIsland]

I think there's a practical issue here as well. To faking a sword stab is easier, you stab behind the guy and he fakes the hit. I axe is more difficult though as there is far more impact. It would likely look ridiculus if John swung behind his target, stopped the blade himself while the actor faked the blow.<P>Having a head come off would be a good add on, but there likely is a committee out there counting how many heads come off per movie and if there were to many it would likely seem gratuitous. I guess they want to save the good blows for Aragorn, but you're right, seeing Gimli score an impressive hit would be nice.<P>H.C.