A staggering achievement in cinema.

Rating: 10/10 (14 December 2003)

Quite simply, this is one of the most incredible pieces of cinema ever committed to film. From the very first moment the direction and action grab you by the throat and refuse to let go until long after you've left the cinema. The film's epic proportions and feel as well as it's intense emotion are perfectly controlled by one of the greatest director's that cinema has ever seen. As an adaptation it's not without it's flaws, leaving many of us -who've read Tolkien's novel- with questions still unanswered, even having watched the special extended edition. Yet, over all, the changes made and omissions from the book are used to good effect in the exciting retelling of this chapter of the classic tale.

Superlative acting from a perfectly cast body of actors adds to the magic of this already classic film. A score to die for and Jackson's sweeping direction create a world that is utterly involving and even believable. 'The Two Towers' is unparalleled in cinema history -except, of course, by it's predecessor 'The Fellowship Of The Ring'- and sets new standards in film effects and story telling. The film is a cinematic journey of rich emotion and spectacular action which can not be praised highly enough. Of course, it does have it's faults in storytelling and even the odd CGI shot, but these pale in comparison to the depth and magnitude of the overall picture.
Unlike some recent film successes, 'The Two Towers' rightly deserves it's place among any list or collection of cinema's greatest films. Only the most threatened critic or hardened cynic could fail to be moved by this stunning movie creation. Sheer brilliance.