An epic fantasy/action movie. A great achievement.

Rating: 9/10 (6 February 2003)

Upon first viewing of this movie, i came away from the theatre disappointed. I had just finished re-reading the book and all the characters and events were fresh in my mind. I expected to see on film the exact images i had read on paper. Unfortunately this soured my movie experience and i seemed to spend most of the time looking for all the changes and debating with myself if i agreed or disagreed with them. I guess i fell into the trap and even thou i knew, i did not heed the words 'The Two Towers the Movie - based on the books by Tolkien'.
Anyway finally went and watched it again. Sat back, relaxed, cleared my mind and went for a ride. The amazing detail that went into all the scenes is just mind blowing. The battles were fantastic. As an fantasy / action epic this movie gives you everything you would expect and more. The downside is that some of the new characters do not get a chance to develop fully with the exception of Gollum. He was cleverly portrayed and all to entirely believable. There were several scenes that did not feel quite right like at the end with Farimir and Frodo.
Overall a highly enjoyable way to past 3 hours. If you like to escape into a fantasy realm you can't go wrong.