I haven't read the books yet - Mister has, for many years. Anyhow, I've really enjoyed all three movies. I did think the ending of #3 was a little too drawn-out, and I did have to look at my watch once, which is usually not a good sign, but I was curious how long I'd actually been sitting there.

I thought the giant spider was great, and I especially appreciated the opening scenes that explain how Smeagol became Gollum. Gollum is one of my very favorite characters - I can't help feeling terrible sorry for him. Plus, Andy Serkis is just plain awesome.

Action sequences were great, especially the cavalry charges!

I still maintain, though, that the greatest action scene ever in a major motion picture is the chariot race in Ben Hur. Those guys didn't have the benefit of CGIs, and did a remarkable job with what was available at the time.