Rate the Cast's performance.

[Boromir88]

Acting was definately one of the strong points in the movies. There were a few weaker roles, but for the most part the actors/actresses had a solid performance, and some went above and beyond. I have an extreme amount of time on my hands, so I'm going in deep depth in rating the casts. You can simply rate your favorite and least favorite actor/actress, if you don't have a lot of time. Feel free if I miss anyone to add to the list, or you may have a lot of time on your hands where you can rate them like myself. Basically, just do whatever floats your boat.

Men:

Sean Bean (Boromir)- 10/10, I love whatever role this guy is in. He always does a nice job, and I think he portrays Boromir's character perfectly. If you haven't seen National Treasure yet, it's worth the price of admission just to hear the dialogue between Bean and Nicolas Cage.

Bernard Hill (Theoden)- 10/10, similar to how I feel about Bean. Whatever movie he's in I love. I especially love Theoden's lines, they are so full of chutzpa, and he says them so well you just want to get up and scream "Death!" with him. I often find myself saying Theoden's lines as my favorite lines from the movies.

John Noble (Denethor)- 10/10, despite the portrayal of Denethor's character, John Noble does a wonderful job of playing a scumbag you want to hate. He gets so into it with the quivering lip, and his deep, slow-low toned voice makes him sound mean, yet crazy.

Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn)- 9.8/10, Viggo put up a strong performance. The reason he's not quite a 10, I would say because some of his lines, but you really can't blame all that on Viggo, never the less, he does a nice job stepping out and replacing whoever was supposed to be the first Aragorn.

Karl Urban (Eomer)- 9.6/10, no doubt the highlight of his performance is the anguish on his face when he sees Eowyn on the battlefield. :wipes eyes: He can even turn some of the more questionable lines like, "I don't doubt his heart, only the reach of his arms," and make them sound good. He says that line in such a tone that makes you chuckle, or atleast made me chuckle.

Brad Dourif (Grima)- 9.1/10, he has experience in playing this kind of role (also does the voice of Chucky, in those series). Just that kind of role where you want to punch him in the face. He says hits the line so wonderfully, its got that vile, degrading sound it. "Lathspell I name you, ill-news as an ill guest."

John Bach (Madril)- 9/10, I love this guy, Faramir's little lieutenant. As a secondary, not to important role, he isn't going to be a 10, but I love his performance, as well as his voice. I feel bad for him when Gothmog shoves a spear through him in ROTK.

David Wenham (Faramir)- 8.4/10, a solid performance by Mr. Wenham, but as discussed in another thread, he just seems like he's searching for pity because of his father. Some things he says sounds a little robotic too, he just stares straight a head, "Then it is forfeit." Still I think he had an good let's say B performance.

(I would include the actors who played Hama and Gamling, I just don't think there are enough lines, or we see them enough to judge them).

Women

Miranda Otto (Eowyn)- 9.1/10, I think she did the best out of the women characters. I love her lines between her and Bernard Hill, it seems like a daughter-father sort of relationship, and with her parents dying when she was young that's how I pictured it.

Cate Blanchett (Galadriel)- 8.2/10, a good performance, and her beauty has some part to play in this. There were sometimes like Faramir though where she just sounded like she had the script in her hands, and was reading it, lacking emotion. But, maybe I interpret this wrong, maybe she isn't supposed to have emotion.

Liv Tyler (Arwen)- 6.8/10, again her beauty has a part to play in her ranking, since she is a beautiful lady. I think she does one of the weaker jobs in all the movies. "If you want him come and claim him," gah.

Elves

Hugo Weaving (Elrond)- 8/10, he is a really good actor in The Matrix series, where he delivers that computerish sounding tone. I think since I love him in those movies (and really the only actor I like in The Matrix), he reminded me a lot of Agent Elrond, where at times I just wanted to shout out "Mr. Baggins, I've had my eye on you for some time now."

Craig Parker (Haldir)- 8/10, same rating as Hugo, I think for the most part Mr. Parker did a good job, just doesn't have a big enough role to rate his performance accurately compared to Hugo. Still a nice job, and like Madril, I feel bad when he died.

Martin Czoskas (Celeborn) 7.2/10, he has such an annoying voice I cringe when I hear it. Luckily he doesn't have too many lines, or I would have rated him lower.

Orlando Bloom (Legolas) 7/10, I think, along with Liv, he does one of the weaker jobs in the movies. I will say I like Bloom better in LOTR, then Pirates of the Caribean and Troy, since the monotone voice fits better with Elves then it does with Pirates and Trojan warriors.

Dwarves

John Rhys-davies (Gimli)- 8.5/10, Davies is one of my favorite actors I loved him in Indiana Jones. I think with what he was given, he does a good job of playing as the comic relief. Some of his actions are just so stupid, but can't blame Davies fully for that.

Hobbits

Andy Serkis (Gollum)- 10/10, I was watching what sort of things this guy had to go through while performing and it is amazing. The filmed the scene in TTT, with Gollum bellying down the stream chasing a fish in the winter time. What the team had to do was defrost the frozen river, and snow around it, then Serkis had to go down the river in freezing cold. Also, he had to do it multiple times to get it the way Jackson wanted it. Another comment on Serkis because I love his voice on Gollum. He said he treated Gollum's personality as "a drug addict hooked on marijuana, only he's addicted to the Ring." I whole-heartedly agree and he nailed the role.

Sean Astin (Sam)- 9.7/10, I think does the best job of all the hobbit actors, and he really shines in ROTK. I've been impressed with the movies Astin has been in (The Goonies, Rudy, 50 first dates). I think he's a talented actor that has even better days ahead for him.

Ian Holm (Bilbo)- 9.5/10 I loved him in Brazil, and I loved him again here. I absolutely love how he gets when he is in his hole struggling to give up the ring. He slips off into this gollumishy sounding tone, excellent credit to Jackson and Holm for doing that.

Billy Boyd (Pippin)- 9.3/10, I love the interactions between him and Dom, it really captures the close friendship between these two. I think he does another nice job in ROTK, with the scenes between him and Gandalf, and him and Faramir.

Dom Monaghan (Merry)- 9.3/10, I can't rate one higher then the other, they both do a great job with the dialogue between them. I really love the scene when Gandalf rides off with Pippin, and Merry goes up to the tower to watch him off. :wipes eyes again:

Elijah Wood (Frodo)- 8.3/10, I've seen Elijah do better, example The Faculty, but still another solid B performance. He rolls his eyes too much for my liking.

Wizards

These next two have had years of experience in acting, and arguably do the best performances in these movies. I love how they brought in these two, for they really bring a lot to these movies.

Chris Lee (Saruman)- 10/10, I loved his voice scene in the EE, he nailed it just the way I imagined it. We see all aspects of Saruman's voice, the powerful (pep-talks to Dunlanders and Uruk-hai), the persuasive (Gandalf), and the pitiable, spare me (Voice of Saruman). Lee, understands Tolkien, and understands him well, arguably one of the best actors of currently alive.

Ian Mckellan (Gandalf)- 10/10, another actor who is arguably the best actor alive. I don't really know how to describe Mckellan, because like Chris Lee, he covers all the aspects of Gandalf. We see the more fun-loving Wizard in the beginning, also the angry/punishing wizard, "Fool of a Took!" Then the compassionate wizard, the scene with him and Pippin. I was dissapointed that Gandalf basically cried, and was owned by the WK, but I can't give Ian points knocked off, he just does such a wonderful job.

Overall Grade: 9.4/10

If you don't have time like me, then simply name some of your favorites, rate them, and say why, or some of your least favorites. If you want to, I would love to see you rate the cast like me, and see what others made of the Casts performances.

[dancing spawn of ungoliant]

If we're talking purely about the actors' performances ignoring things such as poor writing (at times) in dialogue and PJ's choices to change the story, I have to stand up for some "low-rated" characters and toss my opinion of some others.

First and foremost I'd give Viggo Mortensen 10/10. Despite he has some stupid lines he delivers them with an appropriate tone for his character. Not only is he a perfect ranger but when time comes, also an authoritative king. He has such a versatile voice. His way to express irony is subtle yet effective and his grief and anger feel very real...

...unlike Sean Astin's. Every article seem to be praising his performance as Sam. I liked him, yes, and I don't know anyone else who would have fitted for that role. But he was the only character that popped me out of the movie and made me think about Astin's acting. Hence this grade 9.2/10.

Liv Tyler...well, I don't think that she was a bad choice for Arwen, on the contrary. She is independent and a sweet girl at the same time. Her dialogue with Elrond in RotK "whether by your will or not, there is no ship now that can bear me hence" makes me cry every time. To me many of the cons came from vacant writing. I'd give her 8/10 because her voice is a bit too monotonous.

I agree with Boromir88 about Marton Csokas. His performance makes me think what on earth Galadriel did ever see in him. FotR EE makes his appearance a little better but stil, phew! Maybe 7.2/10 is all he deserves.

When I read LotR for the first time, I had terrible difficulties to picture the elves in my head. Then I saw FotR. To me Orlando Bloom did fill the void concerning elves perfectly. His posture and gestures are lofty enough and he moves very smoothly. Bloom has a quite interesting voice, though. One could say that it's a bit monotonous (as Boromir88 mentioned) but I think it gives the feeling that he's living in his own world (check up the chapter in TTT about how elves don't necessarily sleep but their thoughts wander like in another world) and only partially cares about common things that are going on. His character speaks very much with his eyes and I think he handles that well. Much because of my first argument, I give him 9/10.

My least favourite was the Mouth of Sauron (played by Bruce Spence) who looked good only because his magnificent costume but his gestures were clumsy and I didn't even like his voice. From sheer acting I'd give him only 4.5/10.

[AbercrombieOfRohan]

The only actor I really want to comment on is:

ORLANDO BLOOM: 8/10 He's a Hollywood case, really beautiful but can't really deliver a strong performance. Kinda like Ben Affleck. Ned Kelly really helped to redeem him in my book (if you dislike Bloom I would suggest that you see this movie because he does a really fantastic job.) Perhaps the elves were supposed to be in their own little world, but he was a little bit too... feminine. That might be no fault of his though.

[Nukapei]

I agree with dancing spawn of ungoliant's assessment of Liv. She had the whole "aloof Elf princess" thing down perfectly, and she can't help having crummy lines. And, yeah, her voice is a bit monotonous, but that goes with the whole elf thing. I also agree with his assessment of Orlando Bloom of 9/10. I think he delivered some of the best acting, and I'm not just saying that because he's nice to look at. The way he could have such vivid facial expressions, without actually changing his expression very much. And he, too, has the whole Elvish feel down pat.

I actually think that one of the worse acting in the entire movie trilogy came from Hugo Weaving as Elrond. Yes, the guy can act; and, yes, he's convincing. But he's just so serious. I know the whole fate of the world thing is serious, but he just came across as too stiff and formal, almost depressed. Fate-of-the-world or not, Elves are a lot more cheerful than that! I don't know, I just wasn't impressed by the way he did Elrond.

[Linnahiril Tinnufinwen]

I would have to say that my favorite actors were John Rhys-davies and Sean Astin. It is amazing to me what Rhys-davies was able to accomplish, despite the fact that often times he was standing by himself in front of a blue screen. Since he was six feet tall, his scale double would be on set with the other actors, and then they would film Rhys-davies in front of a screen and then put him in later. They even made a comment in on of the "making of" programs that the audience's understanding of the Dwarven culture (for those that have not read the books) comes entriely from Rhys-davies' portrayal of Gimli. There are no other Dwarves in the LOTRs Trilogy, yet one feels as if they know the entire culture because of this actor's performance. At least, that is what I think. 10/10 for John Rhys-davies.

As for Sean Astin, his portrayal of Sam is very touching. Both in look and in manner, he embodied almost everything I ever pictured Sam to be. Astin portrayed Sam's loyalty, determination, and pure heart without being overly "gushy." He was brave at the proper times, and would cry at the proper times. Everything he did made sense to me, and I really believed he was Samwise Gamgee. My one and only little complaint, and it is a rather petty one, is that Astin's accent would occassionally slip, and he would speak in his normal American accent. For this, I take off only .01. Therefore: 9.99/10 for Sean Astin.

Call me crazy, but my least favorite actors were Liv Tyler and Viggo Mortensen. Liv Tyler is a beautiful young woman, and very Elf like in appearance, but for some reason she simply did not seem like Arwen to me. Perhaps it is her voice, which at times can be a little weak and breathy. I really cannot pinpoint exactly what bothered me about her performance. It just did. Still, I think she did the best she could do. 5.5/10 for Liv Tyler.

Viggo Mortensen, although his portrayal of Aragron is "servicable", simply did not have the power and kingly-ness that I thought the true King of Gondor ought to have. His voice lacked command and often times sounded frog-like. His "British" accent would go in and out, and sometimes he didn't even pronounce words very well. Now, perhaps this is the result of poor writing, I'm not sure. Characters such as Theoden, Eomer, and Sauruman had much more command and presence than did Mortensen's character. Again, however, I think Mortensen did the best he could. 6.3/10 for Viggo Mortensen.

[Dragon Reborn]

Before I start I would just like to say that no matter what actors were playing what characters, the whole audience can never be satisfied all the time, and well done to PJ for an excellent job. Much of the time acting is in the eye of the beholder. Also, when you look at actors with smaller roles, this is tricky because they may not have had enough imput to be able to make an impression on us in the first place.

To Linnahiril's comments on Aragorn- I thought he had great power and kingly-ness, especially the part when he actually put on the crown. I thought he was perfect for the role, and I ask ye peoples, who would we have Aragorn be if not Viggo? 10/10, I didn't think his voice ever sounded "frog-like". I particularly admire his sword-fighting skills! I find myself really in the moment when he is in fighting scenes.

Sean Bean, as others have agreed, was a magnificent actor. He played much better acting than Elijah Wood, who despite what I have heard from others, did not I believe play his part to its full requirements. Sam was kind and determinedly loyal. I thought he was great at showing the audience of the true nature of a determined hobbit. 10/10

Andy Serkis also did an excellent performance, and earns a 10/10. What can I say? Smeagol's unique voice he gave was perfect, the graphics were brilliant, and he put a lot of effort into his role.

I had better say someone who I was dissappointed in now, hadn't I?

Well, I think I would give Legolas a 6/10. I do believe his acting is somewhat disguised and overrated because of his looks. To be that attractive is clearly one of the reasons why Orlando has such a big approval, and good for him! Elves are meant to be beautiful. But I will rather lamely add the reason for his low rating is because his acting was missing something. I'm not sure what, and I am having troubles trying to figure out what this is, so if you think you know what it is please help me out!

Originally Posted by Nukapei

I actually think that one of the worse acting in the entire movie trilogy came from Hugo Weaving as Elrond. Yes, the guy can act; and, yes, he's convincing. But he's just so serious. I know the whole fate of the world thing is serious, but he just came across as too stiff and formal, almost depressed. Fate-of-the-world or not, Elves are a lot more cheerful than that! I don't know, I just wasn't impressed by the way he did Elrond.

Long-time lurker pops out of the Lounge to say..yes! It's unfortunate, because Weaving is a talented actor and has a wonderful vocal range. They just didn't use him to best advantage. He came off as a caricature, pompous, stiff, and silly, which is not how I have ever envisioned Elrond. Too bad, because Elrond is a fascinating character. Weaving could have done better and I was surprised that his performance left me so cold.

Ok I agree with a lot of you.

Like Orlando, I mean don't get me wrong he is hot but he just doesn't strike me as elvish more like a mortal. He just wasn't what I invisoned Legolas. 5.5/10

John Noble was ok I thought he really had the venom in his voice but some things made me think twice about him. In ROTK, when faramir was brought to Minas Tirith He mad it seem like Denethor was really sad about his son when in the book I got the impression that he was more sad that his family would no longer be stewards of Gondor. 8/10

Liv Tyler. Now this really isn't her fault but I just can't get over it. In the book Arwen wasn't mentioned very much, They gave her more credit than I think she should of had. But I really didn't think she did all that good in the movie not including what I just mentioned. 5/10

well I really don't have time for more.

[Beanamir of Gondor]

AHHHHHH Abercrombie you did NOT just relate poor Orli to Ben Affleck!! Mr "Gigli" B.A. doesn't even deserve being mentioned in this thread among John Rhys-Davies, Ian McKellen, and Christopher Lee, much less being compared to poor Orli-boo. Even I can't descend to that level. I will agree that Orli isn't the best dramatic elf actor yet. And Legolas was a little bit feminine. But come on, take a look at Figwit in ROTK and then say something about feminine. I still rate Orli an 8.5/10.

Anyway, let's just leave it at I disagree with Boromir88 (about the usual thing, I have to defend Faramir, my fave character) that I thought David Wenham did a really great job. Having seen some of his other films, I have to rate him at least a 9.8/10, if not a 10/10. Not just an actor can take a full face shot for thirty seconds and turn absolute stony silence into breaking down into grief. And make the audience cry, too.

[Boromir88]

I'll just say that Orlando Bloom is better as an elf, then he is as a greek warrior, or a pirate.

Beanamir, we all have are different views, and perceptions, I respect that.

[Lalaith]

When it comes to John Noble, Miranda Otto and Bernard Hill, it's very hard for me to rate them as I think the acting was great but the parts were just wrong, wrong, wrong. These (particularly Theoden and Denethor) just weren't the people I got to know in the books.

Judging on acting alone:
least favourite - Elijah Wood. I really liked him in Ice Storm but now I can hardly bear to look at his picture he annoys me so much. I wasn't too pleased with Dominic Monaghan as Merry but that was more a case of miscasting than bad acting.
best: Ian McKellen, Karl Urban (a perfect and under-used Eomer)
Honourable mention to Cate Blanchett as Galadriel, a damn difficult role and she carried it off well.

[Evisse the Blue]

Originally Posted by Lalaith

Karl Urban (a perfect and under-used Eomer)

Yes, under-used, definitely.

I realized I forgot Orlando Bloom, and according to my post, he would have been included in the 10/10 category, but for the sake or justice I cannot put him on the same level as Ian McKellen for instance, especially since I gave Cate Blanchett a 7...
Orlando Bloom (Legolas) - 7/10 Like someone said before, he's lacking something. I can't find any specific fault with him, except for the corny lines he's forced to utter (that not being his fault), but his performance, though not bad, falls somewhat flat. I like his posture and his fight scenes. His looks are against him, though.

I forgot someone else whom I like very much and she wasn't mentioned before. Her role is not big, but she makes the most of it:
Sarah McLeod (Rosie) - handles her part most graciously. She is very much the cute and adorable hobbit, without being dull or cringe-worthy, as she might have been. And she has awesome chemistry with Sean Astin. The very last scene with her, Sam and their kids, the famous "Well I'm back scene' is in my top 5 best scenes of the trilogy.

Personally, i think you are all being a bit too hard on orlando bloom, it WAS his first role in a movie. also, think about this: SILENCE IS OFT THE BEST HONOUR. by that I mean: although there are only a few lines for him to say, his expressions and the way he moves himself show greatness. i would rate him a 9 or 10.

Liv Tyler:Grace, beauty, and really working that voice, i would give her a 9 or 10 as well.

Viggo Mortensen: He did a great job as aragorn, but i think that certain scenes of his should have been left out.

and also, just a bit of info: a friend of a friend of mine trained all the horses for the movies. hehe.

[dancing spawn of ungoliant]

Nit-picking...

it WAS his first role in a movie

No, it wasn't. Click. Anyway, welcome to 'Downs orlandoscowgal! Enjoy being dead!

[Turin]

Just to point out...

What I have observed from reading the posts is that all those who speak about how the movies are "sooooo perfect" have inadvertantly criticised them, especially blaming poor delivery on "bad" lines or poor writing. Yeah.. the films were still REALLY perfect! (not)

Anyway....

Main characters:

Elijah Wood - normally an ok actor, but I think he was out of his depth in this role. He seems far too young to play Frodo and has a whiny type of voice that just irritated the hell out of me, and yes, his eyes do roll a lot.

Sean Astin can't act, but was redeemed by a better character depiction than most. At least he had a few decent lines, and it is always going to be favourable when you are in an emotional scene such as when Sam carries Frodo on his back.

Dominic Monaghan came off IMO as the most convincing hobbit out of the 4, though still was not happy with his lines or lack of sense, though granted he could hardly be blamed for THAT.

Pippin (can't remember the guy's name) - awful. Despite a crap characterisation by the writers, I just couldn't buy into the guy's depiction of Pippin. Don't know why... maybe it was his Scottish accent, or his facial movements.

Ian McKellan did an excellent job as Gandalf, but again, hampered by poor characterisation and inconsistencies in several places.

Christopher Lee Excellent! I've always rated his acting ability and he's character is not let down at all, except when the writers have interfered.

Viggo Mortenson I think he was average. As with Elijah, I think he was out of his depth playing such an important character. He just resemble and kingly, noble and stern character that he is in the book. I think his accent was also a hindering factor.

John Rhys-Davies how does one comment on a person's acting ability if the only thing one is shown is his character being a prat and a laughing stock? Too many lame comic-relief moments didn't allow JRD to to demonstrate his good acting skills. Plus, ill decision to use a scottish accent!

Orlando Bloom looks half-decent (only half, mind you) as an elf, until he has to move, talk and act.

Bernard Hill His acting is always good, although I would have liked to have seen him looking a bit older and having a white beard, as depicted in the book. Good job.

John Noble again, how do you comment on acting skills when the whole characterisation is so bad?? Fair enough it wasn't his fault, but "overacting" is a word that springs to mind when I think of him.

Liv Tyler Like Bloom, looks good as an elf, until she starts speaking. Another one with an irritating voice.

Eowyn Good. She comes out as one of the stronger actors in the movies.

Gollum/Andy Serkis the CGI was excellent, though maybe not MY cup of tea. Didn't agree with the voice, but can't really complain. Good job.

Minor characters....

Sean Bean A good actor and did a good job as Boromir, both stern and proud, but tragic.

Faramir Looked like Boromir's younger brother, but I don't think the material did him any favours; couldn't really expand the role.

Mouth of Sauron What a joke!! Scary? More like a bloke with dental problems and a bad neck! Appalling.

I think my opinions (and I freely admit it) come from a combination of: depiction of characters compared to the book; my visual representation of characters; the scriptwriters' portrayal of the characters, including the lines they were given; and of course, the pure "acting" involved. It is not meant to be another criticism of the movies: just my own views regarding the characters.

[Eowyn Wenhamir]

Aww, poor Billy Boyd. I liked Billy as Pippin, mostly because he managed to pull off the adorable naivety that only Pippin (and Sam, a little) seemed to have in the books. I would give him at least a 7/10.

I was extremely disappointed with the way Merry's character was written. Dominic Monaghan managed to pull off the scenes with Eowyn in ROTK well, and his anger in TTT at Treebeard was well-done. I think Dom's problem was a problem of bad writing, because he's an actor of considerable, untapped talent, as far as I'm concerned. I give him a 9/10.

As usual, I give my David Wenham a 10/10.

[Ainaserkewen]

Hugo Weaving (Elrond)- 8/10

Ah, I will beg to differ from your lack of a perfect ten my dear Boromir.

Of course I do agree with you that he did a superb job as Agent Smith, however I disagree and add that he was one of the strongest actors in the Lord of the Rings. Elrond as a character has always seemed to me the most difficult to grasp. The books offer many detailed descriptions of his personality and experiences, but the character he could've been if acted by someone else would have been extremely hum-drum. Mr. Weaving has the extreme ability to make characters his own. After the Matrix, he certainly wasn't what we were expecting as Elrond, but through the dialog and facial expressions he re-defines our vision of the Half-Elf. He has made this character into the entirely-different-than-anything-we've-seen-before guy that he ought to be. Just as he played the Agent program run amuck, he's added life to an otherwise mysterious role. Hats off to you Mr. Weaving.

Just a quick note on Orlando's performance: Mr. Bloom was exactly what he needed to be to play Legolas. He was unknown, had great fan potential, and a good actor despite some set backs. The Movie Legolas was created without the actor, but the actor made it work.

[Boromir88]

Turin:

John Rhys-Davies how does one comment on a person's acting ability if the only thing one is shown is his character being a prat and a laughing stock? Too many lame comic-relief moments didn't allow JRD to to demonstrate his good acting skills. Plus, ill decision to use a scottish accent!

John Noble again, how do you comment on acting skills when the whole characterisation is so bad?? Fair enough it wasn't his fault, but "overacting" is a word that springs to mind when I think of him.

I'd like to know how does their portrayal have anything to do with their acting skills? As you said, their characterization isn't their fault, it's the writers/director, but in both Noble and Davies you seem to say that just because they were portrayed wrong that that effects their acting. If Jackson intended Denethor to appear absurd, spiteful, horrible father, incompitent Steward, then I think Noble did a hell of a job. If Gimli was supposed to be made into a laughing stalk, then he did a hell of a job (I was even laughing, especially at the lines "He's got my axe imbedded into his nervous system!" and "That still only counts as one!") I do think the scottish accent was...uhhh...not a great fit.

In Noble's case, I don't see how he overacted (and he could have, it just must be an opinion). Take the first Romeo and Juliet (I believe it was 1936) the actress who played Juliet, that was her first movie, all other things she did was on stage, now that was overacting, and it did effect the movie. I didn't see that quality in Denethor, he came out exactly as I think Jackson was intending, a hateful, incompetent, down right scum.

Edit: Imladris, ok you got me, for most the movie he was a blacksmith, but by the end he was a pirate . True, Paris really wasn't a classification of a "warrior." I did like that movie though, I love Bean, Pitt, O' Toole (good to see him back), and Bana.