Excellent sequel that develops the characters (spoilers)

Rating: Null/10 (2 February 2004)

In many ways, "The Two Towers" is the most difficult of the "Rings" trilogy, possessing the same problem as "The Empire Strikes Back" in that it contains neither a beginning nor an end. Indeed, the story of "Two Towers" moves alot slower and goes through fewer events than its predecessor. What it does do very well here is to develop the existing characters to the point where they're ready for what happens at the end.
The group of warriors that set out to destroy the One Ring has collapsed and the survivors have been split apart. Merry Brandybuck (Dominic Monaghan) and Peregrin Took (Billy Boyd) elude capture by the Orcs and flee into the woods where they discover Gandalf (Ian MacKellen) really survived his encounter with the Balrog dragon. King-to-be Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) leads Legolas (Orlando Bloom) and Gimli (John Rhys-Davies) towards the city of Rohan, which is in danger of being captured by the wizard Saruman (Christopher Lee) and his army. Meanwhile, Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Sam (Sean Astin) proceed towards Mordor, intent on destroying the ring. They're accompanied by Gollum (Andy Serkis), the Ring's former owner, a crazed, duplicitious creature hell-bent on regaining his "Preciouuussssss"......
It goes without saying that viewers will have had to have seen the previous picture to understand this one. The interpretation of the book is accurate, although the key battle at the Helm's Deep sanctuary is given more emphasis in the film, and the final hundred pages have been clipped out for inclusion in "Return of the King". The script holds the story up well, and does a fine job of exploring established characters whilst at the same time introducing new ones.
Of the new characters, Bernard Hill is convincing as Rohan's King Theoden, conveying well the stature of an aged, embattled but natural leader. Miranda Otto makes a striking impression as his beautiful daughter Eowyn. Brad Dourif has an all-too-brief cameo as Saruman's creepy servant, Grima Wormtongue.
Yet is Andy Serkis as Gollum who makes the most memorable character. Although Gollum's outward appearance is digitally generated, it is Serkis who provided both his movements and his voice. He really makes the part his own. Gollum is a pathetic, devious, snide, disgusting yet pitiably conflicted character. He is positively a joy to watch.
As for the others, Viggo Mortensen gets some good material as Aragorn, the quietly noble ruler-in-waiting caught in a love triangle between Eowyn and Arwen (Liv Tyler), his Elf lover. John Rhys-Davies and Orlando Bloom develop a wonderful little-and-large comic rivalry as Gimli and Legolas. Wood and Astin are both good, painstakingly depicting the agonizing hardship of the two companions.
Technically, the film is consistent with what has gone before. Cinematography maintains the distinctive blend of location and digital shots. Notable scenes in this film include an eerie sequence across the Dead Marshes, the battle at Helm's Deep and the final onslaught on Saruman's lair.
A good follow-up, with enough it to whet the appetite for "Return of the King".