The Middle of The Ring

Rating: 10/10 (9 November 2009)

"The Fellowship has broken, but the quest to destroy the 'One Ring' continues. Frodo and Sam must entrust their lives to Gollum if they are to find their way to Mordor. As Saruman's army approaches, the surviving members of The Fellowship, along with people and creatures from Middle-earth, prepare for battle. 'The War of the Ring' has begun," according to the DVD sleeve description, the film was "Nominated for six 'Academy Awards' including 'Best Picture'."
"The Two Towers" begins with a reprise of one of the first film's worthiest recreations of Tolkien text, beloved Gandalf falling to his apparent death; then, the film outdoes its predecessor again, and again, and again. The scene-stealing creature "Gollum" (superbly voiced by Andy Serkis) is an especially well-realized highlight. It was this chapter being so successfully received that insured "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy could be considered a classic.
This installment is as well-produced as "The Fellowship of the Ring" (the three films were shot together); but, with story, pacing, and characterizations much more suited to epic cinema. Peter Jackson's direction is most outstanding, the use of Howard Shore's music is much improved, and Michael Horton is a welcome addition to the editing team. Even the alterations of J.R.R. Tolkien's original work are satisfactory; sometimes, we all must meddle in the affairs of wizards.
********** The Two Towers (12/5/02) Peter Jackson ~ Viggo Mortensen, Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Andy Serkis