... One Giant Leap For Mankind, Hobbitkind, and Elfkind

Rating: Null/10 (22 December 2002)

Entrancing? Inspired? Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious? How else can you describe Two Towers? When completed, these three movies will permanently change the way people view film possibilities.
That said, I do think Two Towers had a one or two rough spots. Peter Jackson smoothed over the scant few jagged Fellowship edges with his extended cut. I have confidence he'll do the same here. The Two Towers still stands as a wholly enjoyable theatrical experience.
But speaking as a more casual LotR reader, I've enjoyed all of the story changes that Jackson ultimately ran with. I see the Lord of the Rings epic in the same way I view Arthurian Legend. It's like spoken word: mutable and open to interpretation ... so long as the epic's roots aren't forgotten. That's not going to happen anytime soon.
When great stories are "re-imagined" by someone who actually has imagination, it only enhances the original stories.
I only wish Jackson had more freedom to play fast and loose with plot possibilities and characters ... without risking the wratch of a hundred million Tolkien fans. And speaking selfishly, I wish Arwen played more of an pro-active role in Two Towers; I liked the heroic Arwen from the Fellowship better than the 2-D character in the books.