This is a comparative essay between two writters' views on "The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King." While both critics were happy with the outcome, one was far more pleased than the other.

The two views, presented by Ty Burr and James Bernardinelli, on "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" are not radically different. The authors were both pleased with the movie, yet they held different appreciations and expectations. While James was more on the ecstatic side, Burr was left disappointed in a few areas. Both opinions could agree that the ending of the trilogy successfully met expectations provided by the two previous movies. "…

…an attempt to not let go of his long held dream. After their last points made, the two reviewers gave their final sentiments. James continued to glorify the movie calling it "the event of the year" (Bernardinelli369). Burr left on more of a pity note, "If King isn't everything I had hoped, the film maker still deserves an Oscar for the combination of artistry and orneriness it took to get the entire project made" (Burr360).