[Gryphon Hall]

Here's something I hope would cheer you up :<P>The advanced screening for TTT was shown on December 19, 21, and 22. As originally scheduled, only one showing per day. The first day was packed. The second day, 21, they had to show it thrice because the third floor of the mall where it was being shown (the first showing was made elsewhere) was literally bursting with people begging to see it. The third and last day of the advanced screening was just the same.<P>I watched during the 2nd day, but before that, I had been reading the reviews on the Downs and I must admit I was afraid that TTT was not as good as it was hyped up to be. I am SOOO glad people can be wrong, even Downers. The audience, nay, congregation watching the movie hung onto every scene (except for the occassional geek who thought it was cool to give running commentaries ).<P>There were tears in everyone's eyes (even that of the geeks) for the emotional moments, and genuine cheers during the battle with the wargs, and later in Helm's Deep.<P>Later, people lingered in the theatre and outside the lobby (where a crowd was still gathered waiting to see the movie), talking excitedly about TTT.<P>Alas! The thing that really ruined it for me was when everyone hooted at the emotional scenes between Frodo and Sam at the end. I know <I>some</I> people want to give it some <I>other</I> meaning, but GIVE ME A BREAK! Frodo and Sam just don't have that kind of relationship! It's just Father and son, people!