[Tuor of Gondolin]

An excellent, and entertaining, post here.
I agree that PJ botched the development
of Gimli. Overall, I thought there was a decline
in the quality and accuracy of the films, as
you have alluded to. I didn't like hyperGaladriel
reacting to the Ring temptation. I would have
preferred a more understated version
(although, paradoxically, I really
liked hyperBilbo wanting the Ring in
Rivendell). In general I find some
of PJ's declared necessary book departures
to be in error and leading more to slapstick.

One big plus for movie FOTR for me is
Boromir, much more likeable and sympathetic
then the book one, although I find very
questionable his even hinting at agreeing to
Aragorn's claims before running the claims past daddy.

One flaw of the films is PJ's making many
characters caracatures (can you say "Denethor"?)
and, of course, beginning here, Gimli.

I did like the way the extended dvd expanded
Celeborn's role and the inclusion of the flet scene.

I thought Galadriel's farewell to the Fellowship, music
and filming was a highlight of the films, although I
wonder if noncatholics/Christians were put off
by a possible reading in of a religious allusion
to Mary here (the pose and costuming, for example,
is quite close to statues of her).