Breathtaking sequel-flawed but altogether amazing ***1/2 out of ****

Rating: 10/10 (26 January 2003)

Lord of the Rings, the epic trilogy composed originally by J.R.R. Tolkien, is in the process of becoming moviemaking history. The Fellowship of the Ring, the first novel/movie of the series, was an awe-inspiring, terrifying, and powerful film. Its post-9/11 themes of good vs. evil, hope, and faith were inspiring and heart-wrenching. The acting was superb, the special effects were amazing-nearly every aspect of that film was miles above average. Peter Jackson had done it. He had pulled off what could not be done: creating the greatest fantasy novel of all time and making into an incredible fantasy film. Now came the real question: could he do it again? Ultimately the answer is a well-affirmed "hell yeah." The Two Towers begins in glorious fashion: a recap of Gandalf's battle with the Balrog. However this time, we watch as he tumbles into the center of the Earth, battling the flaming, snarling creature. When the scene concludes, there are some minor problems. The first couple of scenes with Frodo and Sam feel a bit strained, almost edited too much. The terror of the Ring is gone, as well is the fear of Sauron. However we do have the introduction of the splendid Gollum, and now the story takes on a new life. Meanwhile, Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas are busy hunting down a band of Uruk-Hai holding their friends captive. Blood is shed and confusion enters and now we have three separate story lines: Aragorn, Gimli, Legolas, and Gandalf (in case you didn't know he's not dead), Merry, Pippin, and the Ents (a dull story until an ultimate payoff), and Frodo, Sam and Gollum. Gandalf and his three companions venture into Rohan, where lies King Theoden. After a glorious exorcism and an emotional heartbreak, Gandalf begins consulting Theoden on a plan to defend his city against Uruk-Hai that are just itching to attack. Eventually, Saruman (the creepy wizard gone bad, allied with Sauron) launches his army of 10,000 Uruk Hai against the band of 300 civilians who have retreated to Helm's Deep, a sort-of fallout refuge for Rohan. Now for the analysis: Storyline: Alright!! Things are differentc than from the books!!! GET OVER IT!! The major changes are not so bad anyway. Faramir has now become a violent power-hungry slug that is even worse than his brother Boromir, who at least evoked some emotion and humanity. This is an awkward change, however with the removal of Shelob from the end of the movie, the action in Frodo and Sam's storyline would be nonexistent. There had to be a change. And for the people upset over the elves aiding at Helm's Deep: elves rule. Overall the plot is coherent and interesting. Acting: GOLLUM!!!! Jesus that CGI is incredible. He looks unbelievably real, and the acting is phenomenal. He might not deserve the Oscar but Serkis does deserve the recognition. Viggo Mortenson gives an awesome performance as Aragorn, the wily, reluctant, romantic hero who is grappling with his destiny as the future king of Gondor. He might very well come away with a Best Actor or Best Supporing Actor nomination. Ian McKellen HAS GOT GANDALF DOWN. Too bad he's not in more of the movie, or he would be another lock on a BSA nod. Elijah Wood and Sean Astin turn in solid performances as Frodo and Sam, respectively. Astin's speech at the end is quite a 9/11 allegory. Bernard Hill is wonderful as King Theoden, and Mirando Otto is lively and Leia-ish as Eowyn. Cate Blanchett is barely in the movie, as is Hugo Weaving, but Liv Tyler still manages to impress. I never thought she could pull of Arwen but she does do it pretty well. Orlando Bloom and John Rhys-Davies give jolly, but ferocious performances as Legolas and Gimli. Gotta' love a dwarf with an axe. Wenham is average as Faramir, not nearly as human as Sean Bean's Boromir. Christopher Lee is barely in the movie, as is Brad Dourif, but they both deliver freaky performances nonetheless. Merry and Pippin and Treebeard at first seem a bit annoying, but the assault on Isengard is a spectacular, oddly moving event. Special Effects: GREAT!!! END OF STORY!! OSCAR GUARANTEED!
The Two Towers proves to be a great film. It's moving, glorious, and pretty in its stunningness. There are moments that will make your heart cry out in joy, and there are times where you will remember things that don't seem so distant in today's world. What a great film...