Film Forum

Episode Recap

Episode 2

1/20/2004

Films Reviewed: Cold Mountain and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

Commentary: Wizards, Sorcerers and Magicians

Featurette: The FX in Peter Pan

Regarding Cold Mountain:

Matt: A wannabe epic that almost succeeds at doing so.  If it had remained a modest film (and had Renee Zelwegger shown up earlier), it would have been.  But I was glad I saw it, if only for the psychotic rooster.  Three stars.

Aron: I liked this one, too.  All the performances were inspired, and some of the actors were unrecognizable (especially Natalie Portman).  Not a threat to Gone with the Wind, but good in its own right.  Three stars.

Average Rating: *** (out of ****)

Regarding The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King:

Aron: Peter Jackson saved the best for last.  Everything comes to a head and it pays off in spades.  Look for lots of Oscar nominations out of this one.  Four stars!

Matt: I have to agree with Aron.  This is the payoff picture, which is not to slight the first two by any means.  One whole work finally completed and we are going to miss seeing these films each Christmas.  Four stars!

Average Rating: **** (out of ****)

Commentary: The Wizard of Oz, Merlin, Dumbledore, Tinkerbell and other magical people discussed. 

Featurette: The flying FX in Peter Pan