Actually, at first glance LOTR may seem to have very basic good and evil themes but there is a lot of subtlety hidden within. Theoden and Denethor are very conscious that they are employing the same methods of violence that Sauron is using, and intentionally keep Merry and Pippin close by to remind them that while they are employing the same methods of the enemy, there are elements of innocence (the Shire, Hobbits) that would be destroyed unless they act. In the same sense that Elrond, Gandalf, Galadriel and Aragorn ask incorruptible Frodo to bear the burden of the ring, Theoden and Denethor keep the other Hobbits and their innocence close at hand to keep their own corruption at bay. I don't think that Jackson did a good job of conveying this in the movies, but it is definetly there in the books. Also, the Ents reluctance to become involved, and the Elves decision not to be too greatly involved parallels real life events at that time. Each race of Middle Earth weighs the consequence of a decision to be involved and decides their own levels of participation. You have to consider when the books were being written (WWII timeframe), Tolkien intentionally put in parallels with current events in his writing, as different nations had to decide their levels of involvement at that time.
Incestuous relationships (yawn, Le Mort D'Arthur) and egocentric "chosen one" themes have been done before. One could argue we are reading a "chosen one" story now with Naruto, but I think folks are in for a shock before we are done, and I hope Kishimoto is brave enough to risk pissing off some of his fanbase in this Sidhartha like tale.
