Went to see Lord of the Rings, Return of the King New Years Day. Though I am not a rabid fan, I haven't even read the books; I've always had a passing interest in LOTR and Tolkien. I've understood the supposed allegory in the tale and have an appreciation for the use of fantasy/myth to tell the story. Having seen the first two installments, Fellowship of the Ring and Two Towers, at home on DVD, I wanted the full experience with the final episode.
I pretty well followed the story line through yet still have had difficulty in some areas making the allegorical connection. Though Peter Jackson and the actors claim to remain true to Tolkien's work, I've no doubt that a reading of the full work will help. Though I don't have it in my library, I intend to acquire it. I've also begun checking out resources on the web to try to fill in the gaps. To that end, FaithandValues.com seems to have an extensive site dealing with LOTR. After doing all this, I'll rent the DVDs and view the whole work again to see what I've gained.
I know that seems like a lot of work, my wife will undoubtedly think I'm nuts for investing so much into this, but I do feel that a literary work as important as this requires some personal effort to gain the most from it. Not all things come easy, nor should they.
I will have to say the movie seemed to have several false endings that of themselves left you pretty satisfied, but then the cinematic experience continued through another part of the story line to wrap up more ends. When we finally reached the real conclusion, I wasn't so sure I was really there, or if more was to come. I supposed had I read the book and known the tale, would have been prepared for the bumpy start/stop ending. Be sure to empty your bladder and watch how much you drink during this film. Its 3-½ hours is a test for both butt and bladder.
The one line that stood out for me was when Sam and Frodo are making the final assault on Mordor and Frodo is so exhausted he can go no further. Sam, who has been a faithful friend, companion and protector of Frodo this long journey but does not have his friends resistance to the ring, declares, "Though I cannot carry the ring, I can carry you" and with that picks up his friend and begins making his way up the steep, rocky crag of the mountainside.
I see in those words the depths of true, committed and wise friendship. We may not be able to carry our friends (and family's) burdens for them, nor should we. But we can commit ourselves to be strong and true to them, carrying them through the darkest of times. We must know those times when our friends have to carry the burden themselves and be there to encourage and support them in their personal struggle. In that struggle they may find in themselves the strength to move forward and learn to reach out to God for his strength. In doing so they, and we, grow deeper and stronger in our faith and character.

For good reviews of the trilogy check the following:
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Background on J. R. R. Tolkien