A great film-remember it is an adaptation though

Rating: 10/10 (1 January 2003)

As you have probably already heard, Two Towers is a big hit and has been reviewed well by almost all who have seen it.
Yet there seems to be this group of people who rubbish it simply because it varies from the book. I agree a few changes were largely unnecissary but the most only add to the story. This is a film, not a book and must appeal to not only those who read the books but who haven't and I think it does admirably.
The film is three hours long and holds you for all of that time, even seeing it a second or third time. It is a vision splendid and will certinly go down as one of the most visually magnificent films ever made. New Zealand is simply stunning, every new scene brings another massive and beautiful vista. Edoras must be mentioned as possibly one of the most beautiful locations every filmed, a hill in between two massive mountain ranges. And the end, oh the end. I have simply never seen anything like it. You must repeat must see this on a huge screen. The thousands of troops marching and fighting on mass is amazing and breathtaking. I originally thought a large CG army would look fake but it doesn't. It looks truly real. The final ent battle is a treat and it is quite an achievement to make the ents creatures you don't laugh at at first sight. They do look ridiculous but not much can be done with tlaking, walking trees. Peter Jackson has pulled of a feat of amazing daring to create truly gritty, real fighting and has to be congratulated. If he doesn't get a best director oscar for at least one of the LOTR films the academy will be truly out of touch.
I will not say whether it is better or worse than last year's, it is merely a continuation of one gigantic 9-10 hr epic that will surely be one of the best in cinema's history. Be glad that Jackson had the daring to change some of the story-it creates some originality compared to Harry Potter which simply copies the books, no wonder people don't see it a second time. It is simply boring (and in this case impossible) to copy the book completely. Bring on Christmas 2003 and PJ get ready to shine some oscars as at the end of next year the academy will simply have NO choice but to lavish them upon you because of the MASSIVE public and critical support for your work. I have absolutely no doubt that "Return of the King" will be the best of the trilogy and will be one of the best films ever made. Can't wait!