[I grew up in the 1970s and “Star Wars” was probably our defining cinematic experience, or perhaps “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” (I’m quite sure it wasn’t “Star Trek: The Motion Picture.”) The reason CD is almost certainly correct is that the source material for this trilogy is the pinnacle of modern English-language literature. Peter Jackson turned out to be an excellent interpreter as well as an expert technical director, which even the original Star Wars couldn’t boast.

I agree with everything CD says here, but it’s interesting to see how completely the consensus has formed on the greatness of LOTR. At the times the films came out, there was some significant griping about Jackson’s artistic license with Tolkien’s literary canon. All is forgiven now, as it should be. — Ed]