I thought that the films were a 2D representation of a 3D world. That is, I think much of the depth is lost in the movies that was apparent in the books. In the books Gimli is a wise and respected character. He makes allusions to Gondolin, Nargothrond, and the Silmarils. The Gimli of the films makes jokes. Also Aragorn was shown as a man, who although, was revered and respected was still portrayed as a regular man. Denethor seemed more regal than Aragorn, yet Aragorn is of the lineage of Elendil who was of the lineage of Elros who was the son of Earendil.