Maginificient in every aspect

Rating: 10/10 (18 December 2002)

After seeing the Fellowship of the Ring at the end of last year and feeling quite content to rank it as one of the best films I have ever seen, I was most intrigued to see what Peter Jackson and his ensemble would serve up this year. Although the Kiwi has taken on a pure labor of love, it is clear to see from the films and the supplementary material on the special edition Fellowship DVD that his enthusiasm and love for such a great story flowed into his cast and crew and have allowed them so far, to produce what I personally believe are two pieces of cinematic history.
The Two Towers picks up where Fellowship left off and does not dissappoint, in fact it only adds to the magic contained in the first film. Although there is a slightly darker air than the first (and rightly so, as the shadow further advances from the East), there is still humour, and plentiful emotion as the main protagonists of the splintered fellowship continue on their respective quests, with the addition of further memorable characters. The one incredible example being that of Gollum. Note - if any Star Wars fans (I was one of them prior to Episode I and II) wish to see a believable CGI character, please go along to see this performance!
Coupled with this, we are also treated to much more wonderfully choreographed and action on an epic scale. No more needs to be said than that, except I refuse to believe that anyone could see the Helm's Deep sequence (the word epic just about covers this!) and not be impressed!
All performances are once again heartfelt and impressive, Howard Shore's score is once again a wonderful key into unlocking the most emotional and inspirational parts of the film, and lest we forget, the star of the first film, the New Zealand landscape, is once again present in even greater splendour this time around!
I can't think of a bad thing to say except this...I have to wait a whole year now before I see Return of the King!