When, for example, Legolas leaps onto a Mumakil, it's not just one spectacular shot but a swiftly intricate set piece that focuses on the elf archer until he has figured out how to bring the gigantic beast to the ground.
Here again, live action merges seamlessly with digital artistry -- human horsemen by the thousands riding against swarms of Sauron's orcs, whose ranks are augmented by mountainous, mastodonish creatures called Mumakil, plus Fellbeast dragons that swoop down on their prey like Stuka bombers.