Jon Monsarrat review: a must-see even for non-fantasy types

Rating: 10/10 (22 December 2002)

Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers is very much like the first film, "Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring". It is a little less personal, because the danger much of the time involves huge groups of people and a war, rather than individuals. Additionally, some of the personal interactions and dramas (Thorien, the Ents, the humans of Rodan) didn't come across as powerfully as in the first film. And there was perhaps a bit too much plot crammed in. For all these reasons, I think I prefer the first film over the second.
Least impressive were the Ents, the tree creatures, who seemed a little like comic relief rather than real creatures. Most impressive was Gollum, the best animated character we've seen yet in movies, and who is used stunningly for dramatic effect, unlike his predecessors (Jar-Jar Binks in Star Wars I and Jurassic Park's dinosaurs) who were eye candy with no depth.
Despite being a die-hard LOTR fan, I did find the endless war scenes a little long and repetitive. During one scene, there are two cute kids who are supposed to be frightened to death. But one child actor (the boy) is sort of smiling impassively rather frightened, yet the camera lingers on him. Why? I think those are the director's kids.
All summed up, this is a must-see. If you're only going to see one fantasy film in your life, this series is the one. A warning, though -- it is very long, so be ready for that.
Who should see this film:
-- Everyone (but not tiny children), a must-see
-- Nasty little hobbitses
I'll give LOTR II a well-earned 10 out of 10.