[Lyta_Underhill]

I think, if anything, I enjoyed the movie more than I did the first time I watched it, although Maril's point about choppy editing is well taken. The transition between Merry and Pippin scenes and Frodo and Sam left me wondering why Pippin was clambering up rock, until I realized it was Sam! And the preparations for Helm's Deep and Aragorn's over the cliff ride do drag a bit. <P>And I find that I still can't get over the Faramir thing, although I forgive Frodo quite easily. Sure, Faramir and Frodo's exchanges have been messed up to lessen the forthrightness on both parts, and there is not the deep connection forged there that I loved from the books and Faramir just suddenly lets them go after bringing them all the way to Osgiliath...etc etc. I'm sure everyone has heard this before, but I believe the basic underlying flaw is Faramir's character and not Frodo's (whew!). It is clear to me now that Faramir does this for favor with Denethor and has not even thought it through, but I'll lay off it for now! <P>I found that Aragorn and Legolas seemed somewhat silly, especially with Legolas pausing on a run across the fields to say "A red sun rises; blood has been spilt this night." And then they keep on running...heh heh. And the whole bit with Aragorn's seeming death over the cliff was unnecessary IMO. Another silly line, delivered in a silly way, "We're not alone," with portentous undertone, Frodo to Sam at the beginning. I expected the ominous music to swell...<P>And it seems that we'll have to squint from now on whenever Gandalf the White enters the scene! Speaking of that, why does, Gandalf shines, but Legolas, Haldir and the Elf legions do not? Maybe they need to break another Elf-lightstick in their armor? <P>I found that, even with the pratfalls and comic relief, Gimli I liked more than I remembered. He was fierce at Helm's Deep and faithful all along; his friendship with Legolas shows through nicely. <P>And I did notice the draining of the initiative from Merry and Pippin; however, they hinted well at Pippin's part in leading the Three Hunters on their trail and also of persuading the Ents to go to war. This illustrated his growth appropriately, I think, although I felt for Merry; he seemed to be beating against a wall, almost whining about the Ents not going to war, rather than speaking of the changes that have come to the world and the treason of Isengard, etc. Merry did not come off as erudite, although he sure knows a lot about the "shepherds of the trees!" I really got a feeling for the danger of Fangorn forest and felt a connection to Treebeard, especially when Pippin's sentiments seem to mirror his. Once Merry convinces Pippin, Pippin "convinces" Treebeard. Although not canon, it is an elegant parallel. <P>I do wonder about Elrond's running off to the Havens part in the middle of the story, though. I didn't so much mind Arwen's part in it, but it seemed to make Elrond look very short sighted, especially when Galadriel voices her thoughts on this matter. It just makes the Elves seem indecisive. No wonder Arwen wanted to run off to be with Aragorn! I find the whole "should I stay or should I go" conflict to be a bit tiresome, as I had thought it all settled long ago when Arwen bound herself to Aragorn. Grumpy old Elrond! <P>I rather enjoyed the Frodo/Sam/Gollum trio the whole way along, even though Faramir having to learn of the Ring from Gollum was a bit disturbing. And it is clear to me that Frodo did NOT offer the Ring to the Nazgul at Osgiliath; rather he was about to don the Ring and was trying to keep himself from doing it. Where would Frodo be without Sam? I do take exception to Frodo's attacking Sam, though! <P>On the thought of Elijah not having the feel of Frodo due to not reading the books, however, I cannot fault an actor for avoiding source material sometimes. I take as my example Jonathan Rhys-Meyers as Steerpike in Gormenghast, the BBC adaptation. He purposefully did not read the text in order to draw the character in his mind firsthand, from direct experience. He does an outstanding job, IMO. Except for the Faramir scenes, I do not find Frodo's character lost in Elijah's portrayal. I simply find there to be more sensationalism added, and that is the fault of the scene writers, really. His relationship with Gollum/Smeagol is heartbreakingly true to me!<P>More thoughts later! I know I've gone on quite long enough already!<P>Cheers,<BR>Lyta