A true classic

Rating: 10/10 (20 October 2017)

The second chapter of the Lord of the Rings trilogy may very well be better than the original. It's such an intense journey for all the characters and the excitement hardly lets up. The resurrection of King Theoden is a highlight and the grand finale with Helm's Deep is so epic and masterfully staged.
It manages to capture the actual dread of a bleak, nasty and massive battle. Also, one of the greatest accomplishments is undoubtedly the character of Gollum. They not only made us believe that he exists but more importantly they made us care. It's a stunning middle chapter that rivals the finest sequels in movie history. (The extended cut is an absolute must. Not least of all for the brilliant character development of Faramir.)