the Lord of the Rings movies were better than the books, for me. I really didn't have the patience for the books. I usually enjoy books much better than the films though. Unless they do a really good job with casting and not cutting to much out or adding to much, then the movie's usually ruin the book for me. The most satisfied I've ever been with a book that was made into a movie was Holes. Oh and the Muppet Christmas Carol. 
love that movie.
love that movie.