At The Movies

The Return of the King Runtime: 98 Age Rating: TV-G Release Date: May 11, 1980 Based on a Book: The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien Studio: Rankin/Bass Productions Franchise: The Lord of the Rings Franchise Position: 3 "A Hobbit faces the powers of darkness as he tries to destroy the Ring of Doom." Ratings: My Rating: 6.6/10 The Dove Foundation: N/A IMDb: 5.7/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 67% (Critics), 39% (Audience) Metacritic: N/A Plot Summary: In this animated television film, Frodo Baggins continues his quest to destroy the One Ring. The story follows his journey to Mount Doom, facing numerous challenges and the ever-present threat of Sauron's forces. Alongside him are his loyal companions, including Samwise Gamgee, as they strive to fulfill their mission and bring peace to Middle-earth. Critics Review: The Return of the King (1980) received mixed reviews from critics. While some appreciated the film's animation and faithfulness to J.R.R. Tolkien's work, others fe...

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Runtime: 201 Age Rating: PG-13 Release Date: December 17, 2003 Based on a Book: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien Studio: New Line Cinema Franchise: The Lord of the Rings Franchise Position: 3 "The final confrontation between the forces of good and evil in Middle Earth determines the fate of the One Ring." Ratings: My Rating: 8.8/10 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 8.9/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 93% (Critics), 86% (Audience) Metacritic: 94 Plot Summary: Frodo and Sam near the end of their journey to Mount Doom, facing the immense weight of the One Ring and the treachery of Gollum. Meanwhile, Aragorn, Gandalf, Legolas, Gimli, and the people of Middle Earth prepare for the ultimate battle against Sauron’s armies. The story concludes with epic battles at Minas Tirith and the Black Gate, acts of heroism and sacrifice, and the fulfillment of prophecies, culminating in Frodo’s triumph over the corrupting influence of...

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Runtime: 235 Age Rating: PG-13 Release Date: December 18, 2002 Based on a Book: The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien Studio: New Line Cinema Franchise: The Lord of the Rings Franchise Position: 2 "The fellowship is broken, and the members must face new perils as the forces of Sauron and Saruman advance across Middle Earth." Ratings: My Rating: 8.7/10 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 8.7/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 95% (Critics), 96% (Audience) Metacritic: 87 Plot Summary: The fellowship has fractured following Boromir’s death, and Frodo and Sam continue the perilous journey to Mordor, guided by Gollum. Meanwhile, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli assist the kingdom of Rohan against Saruman’s forces. Epic battles, including the defense of Helm’s Deep, and the unfolding of strategic alliances reveal themes of loyalty, courage, and perseverance. Frodo struggles with the corrupting influence of the ring, while Gollum’s conflicted guidance p...

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Runtime: 178 Age Rating: PG-13 Release Date: December 19, 2001 Based on a Book: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien Studio: New Line Cinema Franchise: The Lord of the Rings Franchise Position: 1 "Frodo Baggins embarks on a perilous journey to destroy the One Ring and save Middle Earth from the dark power of Sauron." Ratings: My Rating: 8.4/10 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 8.8/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 91% (Critics), 95% (Audience) Metacritic: 92 Plot Summary: Frodo Baggins inherits the One Ring, a powerful artifact that could allow Sauron to enslave Middle Earth. Guided by Gandalf, Frodo joins a fellowship of nine companions—including Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Boromir, and his fellow hobbits—to take the ring to Mount Doom for destruction. Their journey is fraught with danger, including treacherous landscapes, orcs, and the treacherous influence of the ring itself. The fellowship bonds over courage, loy...