The worst movie I have seen this year...

Rating: 8/10 (17 February 2003)

I was really looking forward to The Two Towers. I thought that "Fellowship of the Ring" was good, but just so-so. Certainly not worth all the hype and Oscar nominations.
This film bored me to tears for the first 2 hours. The last hour was good - if only the rest of the film could have been as interesting. I literally almost walked out of the theatre during the first two hours - and I NEVER walk out on movies.
I can't believe it was nominated for Best Picture this year. I can't believe that everyone who voted for it actually SAT THROUGH it! No way!
Yes, the cinematography, sound, and other technical aspects are all top notch. But that doesn't make up for the flaws, namely:

lack of a plot - or at least an understandable plot

lack of a reprise (however briefly) of what happened in the first movie to remind stupid people like me where we are in the story. I couldn't follow what was going on.

way too too too long

many elements seemed stolen from other films - perhaps they were visualized as they were in the book, but since I haven't read the book I don't know. Moving trees like in "Wizard of Oz". Gollum is the same as Dobby from "Harry Potter". The dwarf with the height problem is really identical to Hagrid from same "Harry Potter". Even the big elephants reminded me of the huge walking things from "The Empire Strikes Back."

If you want to see beautiful footage of New Zealand, watch the Travel Channel.
The ONLY saving grace out of this whole movie was Sean Astin, whom, as in the first one, is the only one who seems to be really emoting and who seems to understand what he is saying. He is a great actor.
I want my 3 hours back!!!