For days now I’ve been averting my eyes at first notice of movie reviews when the words “Lord of the Rings: Return of the King” or “Cold Mountain” appear. I’ve been stung many times before, the impressions of others tainting my movie-watching affairs, so now I’ve finally learned to ignore all writings in favor of my own experience. If you haven’t yet watched the two films mentioned above, LOOK AWAY! Consider yourself forewarned…

Return of the King: Dying to see this finale of the superb Tolkien trilogy before Christmas, my husband and I waited in line for over an hour (which is nothing compared to the Kerns & Koenigs, I mean, uh, die-hard fans) with previously-purchased tickets clutched tightly in hand. The movie was fabulous. Easily one of the best movies of the year and definitely the most fulfilling movie experience I’ve had, well, maybe ever. The thing is, I love these characters. My chest swelled with pride at Theoden, arousing his army to war; this was also the first of many moments tears threatened to spill onto my cheeks. I breathlessly anticipated Eowyn’s defeat of the Nazgul — and was a little disappointed that her fabulously amazing lines were cut short. In the novels, my favorite lines are Eowyn’s response to the Nazgul King’s taunt, “Thou fool. No living man may hinder me!” To which the brave lady replies, “But no living man am I! You look upon a woman. Eowyn I am, Eomund’s daughter. You stand between me and my lord and kin. Begone, if you be not deathless! For living or dark undead, I will smite you, if you touch him.” Booyah! I’d name my first daughter Eowyn if I could… Sigh. Back to the movie… My hat is off to all involved in creating the city of Minas Tirith — it was incredible, far more perfect than what my puny imagination envisioned. The signal fire scene was superb and quite stunning as well. I could go on and on, but I’d need to see the movie again to do it justice. Lastly, I really loved the ending. I’ve heard a few complaints at the hobbits return to the Shire (which I oddly enough did not like in the book, but adored in the film) and at Sam’s return to his family’s hobbit hole. Loved it, loved it, loved it. The lines about Sam “being whole” left me satisfied at the knowledge of Frodo sailing to the Undying Lands. And the music at the end, leading into the credits? Made me want to weep. I could almost cry now just thinking about it. What do I think of this movie? Extremely satisfying.

Cold Mountain: I picked up this novel from the library a few months ago. Sadly, it sat on my shelf and was returned unread. But come on? Nicole Kidman, Jude Law, Renee Zellweger, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Natalie Portman and Giovanni Ribisi? I don’t need to be asked twice to see this one. The acting was fantastic. At one point I almost laughed out loud thinking that Kidman, an Australian, and Law, a Brit, were playing great Southerners. Nicole is, as always, incredibly beautiful and Jude Law is, well, let’s just say that even if this flick was horrible, I wouldn’t exactly consider it “suffering” to watch his his face for two and a half hours. He’s a hottie. But the movie wasn’t horrible, even though much of it’s focus was. The miserable aspects of this film, the truths of war and a war-torn land, might leave one in despair if not for the redemptive aspects of the movie. But the redemption, found in true love and beauty, justice and creation, make the journey worthwhile. It’s a tale that made my soul ache, resounding and captivating in it’s conclusion. Renee Zellweger’s Ruby was loads of fun, helping to balance the darkness with a little levity. Hoffman also was excellent, albeit disturbing. Overall, the movie was great and I really enjoyed it. (I did not, however, enjoy the middle aged ladies behind me who were, out loud, urging Inman to “Kill him! Kill him!” Call me crazy, but their outcries did little to make me feel like I was in Cold Mountain, North Carolina, and a lot to remind me that I was at East Park’s five o’clock matinee.)