I've seen it twice, and I've been mulling it over. I really like this installment, but not as well as FotR. Can't quite put my finger on why though. I think it may be because this movie seems to stray much farther from the books than the first one did. I find Faramir's actions even more jarring than I did the way the movie presents Aragorn as casting aside and being totally against, being King. Of course, it may just be because I've had a year to deal with the stuff that bugs me in FotR and the stuff that bugs me in TTT is still fresh.
I'm not sure, but I think the reason PJ made so many changes, especially with Frodo and Faramir is because in the books, so much of what happens in showing how the Ring is affecting Frodo is done through thoughts and long descriptive passages. Since you can't show thoughts in a movie, you have to create action. And I think that's what PJ was doing. Why else haul Frodo and Sam to Osgiliath?
And then we have Elves at Helms Deep.... again, I think this was a way to show things to the audience. I heard so many people say, after the first movie, that Legolas was visibly shaken at the death of Gandalf and Boromir because Elves are Immortal and don't understand death. ARGH! I'm glad that PJ was able to illustrate to the viewers that have not read the books that this is absolutely not true! In fact, the total opposite. The "long sorrow of the Elves" is almost palpable in the books, and I hope some of that was picked up in the death scene of Haldir, in Elrond's foretelling to Arwen, and in the sorrow of Legolas. There is so much undercurrent in the books, that it's almost impossible to present it in a movie, but I do feel that Peter Jackson and company are at least trying.
Now of course, the reason that the Elves didn't come help in the books was that they were fighting the enemy themselves in their own lands. Mirkwood, where Legolas came from, was where Sauron's stronghold was before revealing himself and taking back Mordor. His fortress of Dol Guldur still existed and was still a danger to all those that lived in the north. Not to mention the Misty Mountains were crawling with Orcs. I wasn't all that happy with the movie giving the impression that the Elves just didn't care and that's why they didn't send help. Again, so much complicated history and no way to adequately present it. Yes, the Elves have their own problems and sorrows, but a lack of care for Middle Earth was never one of them.
A few "huh?" moments: Gandalf never said a word to Aragorn and the guys about Merry and Pippin. It was just like they forgot all about them. I know there a scene somewhere on the cutting room floor with that tid bit, but it was a bit jarring.
Eomer's horse troops running straight down that really steep hill straight into thousands of Orcs with pikes. Say what? I know Gandalf did a little spell type thing there right as they were ready to hit, but still!
I thought Saruman's thrall over Theoden was a little over done. Came off a bit heavy handed to me.
Aragorn going over the cliff. Seemed like the whole purpose was so they could insert some Arwen action. [bleah] Yes, I know he saw the Orcs coming on the way back, but they knew they were going to be attacked anyway. Whatever.
Things I liked: More Elves!! Yay!
Gollum. What a masterpiece! I was totally enthralled by the battle between Slinker and Stinker. I just wish the audiences I see it with would stop laughing at all his scenes. I didn't find his scenes funny, but pitiful and sad. All the laughter really ruins the experience for me.
The scene between Arwen and Elrond. I've really not liked the insertions of Arwen into the movie, but this scene worked. Probably because, for me, it's one of the most heart wrenching moments in the writings that make up the books. The scene, taken straight from the appendices, really got to me. and the fact that most of the scene was carried by Hugo Weaving helped. The man has a great voice.
That's it for now. Next up: wondering if they'll go for the cheap and easy happy ending for RotK, or if I'll get my emotional investment out of these movies with a realistic ending that sticks with the spirit of the books.
(Oh, and my official prediction for number three: Arwen will never make it to the Havens, instead going off to help Aragorn and replacing the roles of her brothers from the books.) (I'll grin and bear it I guess)
(lil update: CPO Sparkey has an interesting take on Two Towers)