Gripping film that lives up to the first despite complaints

Rating: 10/10 (2 January 2003)

Having seen THE TWO TOWERS I found myself fairly speechless. The movie delighted me. I thought I'd have an impossible time sitting through a three hour movie (even though I loved the first). I found myself to not be bored or even confused throughout the entire time. That in itself is an accomplishment. Peter Jackson did an amazing job of keeping the storyline clear amongst all the action. Often it's easy to lose track of what's going on, but TTT really avoided that problem. Overall I give it a 10/10. I realize a perfect rating is probably not the wisest to give. Because I have yet to see THE RETURN OF THE KING, I do not know if TTT is really the best of the trilogy. I did enjoy it even more than THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING, if that is possible, though that movie is tremendously enjoyable too.
I'd like to comment on some of the other comments I've read. Regarding Erowen's large role in the film compared to the book. I have yet to read the books, so I can't really compare her place in each. I do think it's probably a shame that so much time was devoted to developing her relationship with Aragorn, causing much else to be left out. It stinks when movies add characters/create new events...but this is an adaptation of the books. Sometimes things in the books have to change to make sense on the screen. And sometimes Hollywood wants to flesh out interesting characters/scenarios that they think will play well on the screen, such as has been done with the trilogy. Also, this film lacks the character development that I thought it would have. Frodo clearly is slipping more and more into the evil grips of the ring, but that is not nearly as explored as it was in the first film. None of the other characters are explored as much either, although Gimli is given a chance to show his sense of humor (I do hope we get to see some depth in Legolas too, although the cold/distant feeling he gives off is really rather appropriate for an elf). These are issues with the movie, but seeing as how it was able to accomplish as much as it did in the time it did, they are easy to set somewhat aside.
Regardless of the many changes that have been made, I think the films are excellent. I am waiting in great anticipation for the final movie. I can hardly imagine how I'll stand waiting a year! I guess that's what the novels are for, right??
I recommend these movies to anyone over the age of 10 or so. They are great adventure stories. They're a little heavy on the violence at times, but outside of a few unique moves made by Legolas (i.e. when he mounts the moving horse, when he 'skateboards' down the stairs, jumps on the cave troll's head), the violance does not seem so stylized or glorified even, as it does in most movies. TTT is a film worthy of Tolkien's novels. I'm sure the changes would have pained him some, but seeing the characters come to life as fully as they did, seeing Middle Earth become such a reality, is truly breathtaking, something Tolkien might have appreciated as well.