Okay. I would like to point out that I saw RotK at one of the first two premiers in THE WORLD in Halifax, NS, at 12:01 AM (Which is 11:01 PM on the 16th EST) on the 17th.
Secondly. Shadow, I completely understand what you mean by the movie losing much of it's point from the books. If you analyze it carefully you realize that the entire character of Aragorn has been changed. Also, Elves at Helm's Deep? Huh?
Anyway. Fact of the matter is, a movie is never supposed to be a perfect reflection of the novel. If you go into the Lord of the Rings movies expecting JRR Tolkien, you will be very disappointed. Expect instead a movie loosely based on those novels, and you will be pleasantly surprised.
"Useless action"? Well, maybe some of it. But other parts are incredibly well choreographed battle scenes, that look beautiful. I cried when Eomer arrived at Helm's Deep in the Two Towers. I like cavalry charges (maybe why I think The Trooper rocks!).
The costumes of the movie are beautiful and completely accurate. The Elvish speech used is (supposedly) perfect. The attention to every detail is amazing. Even most of the actors are wonderful. Fellows like Ian McKellan and John Rhys-Davies are some of the best actors in the world, and they delivered their roles amazingly well.
I guess what I'm trying to say is, if you don't like the story, watch the battles. If you don't like the battles, pay attention to the story. If you don't like either, hey, the music is amazing and the scenery rocks!