The point of Faramir's story in the books is integrity in the face of great temptation. "But fear no more! I would not take this thing, if it lay by the highway. Not were Minas Tirith falling in ruin and I alone could save her, so, using the weapon of the Dark Lord for her good and my glory. No, I do not wish for such triumphs, Frodo son of Drogo." It's not supposed to be tragic in the book. What the GP comment was saying is "Poor Faramir, the movie took part of his integrity when they had him take Frodo and Sam to Osgiliath"
Legolas' shield stunt was over the top.
especially considering there were no elves there at all!
?
In the books the elves didn't come to support the men at Helm's Deep. The battle played a much smaller part in the books than it did the movies - probably because the middle one needed a climax.
As far as Legolas's action scenes, are you referring to the elephant? That one was CGI, but the scene of him sliding down the stairs on a shield was actually a practical effect done with wire work. The only CGI in that scene was the removal of the wires I believe.
Yes, Faramir's story is tragic but I think that's kind of the point of his story; isn't it?