They're slower for sure, but they've got some great moments and some of the most memorable moments from the trilogy imo.
Po-ta-toes, the two-way conversation with Gollum and the Samwise speech about hope, which remains my favourite scene in the entire trilogy. Plus we get to meet ma boi Faramir, who's wearing a hood no less.
That is an important message of Tolkien, too! But the intrusion into Mordor highlights that the Sams of this world (the working class people) are the real heros whose contribution is crucial. In the end the war is not won by the wizards or the warriors, but by Sam's ability to carry on under all circumstances and to draw Frodo with him.