This third and concluding chapter in the "Ring" series draws together the quest that was begun with the fellowship of nine in the original film. As Mordor prepares to launch war on Middle-Earth, Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Sam (Sean Astin), under the mis-direction of Gollum are nearing their destination, Mt. Doom, where the one-ring can finally be destroyed. Gollum, whose mind has long been corrupted by the ring, has devised a plan to kill Frodo and Sam so that he can re-claim the ring for himself.

Elsewhere, Aragorn (Viggo Mortinsen), Theodin (Bernard Hill), Legolas (Orlando Bloom), Gimli (John Rhyes-Davies) and the powerful wizard Gandalf (the incredible Ian McKellan), are preparing for the ensuing battle that is about to be unleashed on the kingly city, Gandor. In a desperate effort to raise an army, this small alliance of man, elf, dwarf and wizard set out to recruit every able-bodied man to fight in a war that will decide forever the fate of Middle Earth.

The massive scope of this film is, at times, unbelievable, in that it is far more colossal than any depiction of war ever seen on screen. The battle sequences, which contain armies in the tens of thousands, are filmed with a level of complexity that put audiences on the battlefield with the characters on screen. At the same time, the film balances the intense war sequences with the tender and intimate relationships that defined the fellowship from the very beginning.

As Sam and Frodo, in the final third of the film, are about to enter Mt. Doom, Frodo collapses, and, in a performance worthy of the Oscars, Sam consoles his friend, and then lifts him onto his shoulders to help Frodo complete the journey they set out on together. The moment is tender, in spite of the intense situation they find themselves in. It is that balance of humanity and action that makes the movie more than a fantasy story, but rather a true epic in every sense of the word.

Everything, from the ground-breaking special effects, to the costumes, weapons, sets and set-pieces are so well thought-out, so completely and meticulously detailed, that Middle Earth truly feels like a real place; like something lifted out of history instead of simply a fictional world created for a movie. The beautiful city of Gondor is breath-taking: set in the side of a mountain, it looks like one of the great cities found in Italy during the hightimes of the Roman empire. In contrast, the horrific realm of Mordor oozes with the abysmal darkness of an evil that is both ancient and powerful.

If there is going to be a set of films that will define as this time-periods classics, then the entire "Lord of the Rings" series could very well be the ones, with "The Return of the King" standing as a pinnacle in the achievements of one director's vision to bring to life one of the most beloved, most read novels of all time. Already, this film has been recognized by every major film association, sweeping awards in both the Golden Globes (winning the best picture amongst others) as well as the highest achievement in film, the coveted best picture Academy Award (in addition to a phenomenal 10 other awards including best director (Peter Jackson)).

Critics from around the world have celebrated this film, and almost universally it is agreed that this is one of the great ones, and as a film, even amongst the other installments of this trilogy, it stands alone. Aptly named "The Return of the King", its majesty is untouchable...and it truly is the crowning masterpiece of the "Ring" series, and, undeniably, one of the greatest films of our time.

-Scott Kolecki

Although Jackson, Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens have tinkered with the specifics of the entire three-part cycle by increasing Arwen's role and moving some events here and removing some characters there (in this film's case, Christopher Lee's Saruman and Brad Dourif's Grima Wormtongue), their screenplay captures the essence of Tolkien's beloved fantasy classic. And Jackson's steady direction results in wonderful performances from Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Viggo Mortensen, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler, Orlando Bloom and the rest of the cast.

The Return of the King begins where The Two Towers left off as Gollum (Andy Serkis) leads Frodo Baggins (Wood) and his loyal companion Samwise Gangee (Astin) into the evil land of Mordor, ostensibly guiding the two hobbits to Mt. Doom, the only place in Middle Earth where Sauron's One Ring can be destroyed. In reality, Gollum is taking his two charges into Cirith Ungol, where Shelob the Spider has her dark lair. Gollum, who had once been a hobbit but was corrupted by the power of the Ring, hopes the spider will kill Frodo and enable Gollum (who is, most assuredly, insane with lust for Sauron's powerful gold band) to reclaim "the precious."

Meanwhile, the forces of good and evil are massing for the ultimate clash of arms as Orcs and evil men face off against the combined forces of Rohan and Gondor. Under the leadership of Aragorn (Mortensen) and with the assistance of the wizard Gandalf the White (McKellen), the last kingdoms of Men in Middle- Earth must make a last desperate stand against the forces of darkness and pin their hopes for survival on the actions of the Ringbearer and his faithful friend.

Although the 340-minute running time is challenging -- theatergoing audiences would be well advised to avoid liquid refreshments unless they have to run to the rest room in mid-screening -- and there are multiple story threads that need to be wrapped up neatly, The Return of the King is the best of the three Lord of the Rings films, and definitely the best movie of 2003.