timdiggerm said:

Perhaps the problem with the ROTS sequence isn't that the CG isn't realistic enough...

On the other hand, I had no problem with rushing forward and plunging over the edge of the abyss with Gandalf and the Balrog and thought it was fantastic, which perhaps goes to show that even impossible shots have their place - in moderation. The ROTS battle just goes on and on and on.

Yep, that's it. And in any case I don't think CG lives up to the realism of models. Nor is a shot made on a computer as impressive as a shot with real models, cameras, lights, ect.

And as for the moment mentioned from LotR, it works because of the emotion invested in the characters and that the film has had time to build to this moment. Also the GC CG looks great. Starting a film off with weak CG in a total CG sequence mixed with a total lack of emotional investment in the characters or scene leaves me with nothing to feel but "Hey, this looks fun. Wish they'd hand the xbox controller to me!"