An epic to end all epics

Rating: 10/10 (30 December 2002)

Seldom have I ventured into a film armed with expectations and come out in awe of its achievement. Unlike the low-brow Attack of the Clones and Spiderman, this film is intended for a more mature audience, knowing that it is the middle installment of an incredible trilogy. The effects are second to none, and whilst the storyline dies indeed stray a bit from the original text, it is a stand-alone film.
Whilst some may gripe at the interpretation of some of the characters (Faramir for instance), one cannot complain that this lessens the impact of the film.
Peter Jackson is to at least be commended for showing both the spanse of Tolkien's vision, and at the same time display the raw beauty of New Zealand.
This second installment is in many ways indescribably imaginative. Full marks to all.