I won't waste my or your time by telling you the plot, because pretty much everybody knows it, and even if you didn't you probably wouldn't be looking here for an explanation. So let me just make it quick and let you know that if you have an open mind and enjoy watching movies, this will quickly become three of your favorite movies. If doesn't matter how old you are (just be old enough to watch PG-13 movies), if you're a boy or girl, if you liked the books or not, what you are like or what job you have, because ANYONE can LOVE these. You don't even have to like fantasy to be found in front of the TV panting over these DVDs with a big bowl of popcorn in your hands. I'm thirteen and I watch at least one of these movies every weekend. The extendeds are better, simply because it's more. These movies are fabulous. Just have an open mind and give it a chance and soon you will gain a deep appreciation for Tolkien/Jackson's work.