I thought the first one went kinda slow, but maybe they were just getting their feelers out for doing this type of film.  The 2nd was great and I thought the 3rd was even better.  I actually while on vacation went to see Return of the King at the theater on Dec 26th which was I believe the first day out.  Was part of what made that vacation great.  Action flicks are the best, keeping you interested at every turn.

Though Golem is my fav character, or Sneevle(what ever the hell his name was).  He scared me when I was a kid, watching the Lord of the Rings cartoon movie. I was so glad to see it all explained in the end.

Have a nice day, I think I should goto bed now...  Darn it I was trying to get to bed earlier!!!