Has "middle child" syndrome, but a GREAT film!

Rating: 9/10 (23 December 2002)

TTT is an excellent continuation of FOTR and sets up what we all hope to be a monumental conclusion in ROTK. For me, its function as the "bridge" in the LOTR story is TTT's weakest and greatest achievement.
TTT continues the story seamlessly from the first film. Without any sort of recap, we are thrust right into all of the protagonists' storylines within minutes of the opening title. At the same time, the film introduces a host of new major players: Gollum, the Rohirrim, Theoden, Grima, Eowyn, who begin to interact with & deflect the trajectories of FOTR protagonists. New expositions, surrounding the state of affairs in Rohan, Gondor & Fangorn, quickly set the table for the drama of TTT and beyond. We are completely engrossed in the new dramatic environment, leaving the FOTR behind as valuable backdrop for the new action. It's remarkable how efficiently this is all accomplished.
TTT's weakest moments are at its end. The film must somehow provide a climax to resolve the 3-sided plot threads that have been engrossing us for over 2 hours. What happens to the defense of Rohan & the "world of men", to Merry & Pippin's recruitment of the Ents to fight, and to Frodo, Sam & Gollum's attempts to enter Mordor? While all three story-arcs do have great climaxes, in particular the battle at Helm's Deep, there is no real dramatic resolution. There is even less than in the book, where at least a certain closure is achieved in the confrontation with Saruman & Grima at Orthanc.
I guess what all this indicates is that TTT is a masterful "prequel" for ROTK. We have so many "loose ends" that require resolution! In addition to the three major plot lines of the broken Fellowship, we still have the Arwen/Aragorn question, as well as new ones like Faramir's fate and Eowyn's dilemma!
I should add that, as has been said by many, that most everything about the film, the cinematography, acting, CGI, special effects, art direction, casting, musical score, etc. is top notch & at least the equal of FOTR.
So, all in all, while it really cannot stand on its own in the way that FOTR was able, TTT acts as an excellent appetizer for the grand finale, ROTK. Cannot wait!

P.S. - I should add that a minimum of 2 viewings is required, especially if you had titanic expectations, as I did, from loving the 1st film or Tolkien's books. The 1st time around, I just could not take in the picture as pure cinematic experience, and not worrying about the deletions, changes, additions, etc. to the novel, of which there are admittedly many and of varying value.
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