Absorbing three hours

Rating: 9/10 (12 March 2003)

Much better than the first in the trilogy, this makes three hours pass in a flash, with excellent performances and superb effects. Andy Serkis as (the voice of) Gollum is terrific, and the new characters - Grima Wormtongue, Eowyn, Theoden, Faramir - emphasise the darkening tone.