Peter Jackson has created another masterpiece that surpasses the awe-inspiring Fellowship

Rating: 10/10 (18 December 2002)

I have just returned from seeing "The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers", and I am still breathless. Now, first off let me state that I loved FotR. I saw it five times in the theatre, and believe it to be one of the greatest movies of all times. For 364 days I have been anxiously awaiting the release of "The Two Towers", with mixed excitement and apprehension. I asked myself How could Peter Jackson ever surpass FotR. Well, Two Towers does just that. It is, without a doubt, the single most spectacular film I've ever seen. The battle of Helm's Deep is the most detailed, astounding, and exhilarating fight ever put on film. Braveheart, Gladiator, Star Wars, Ben-Hur, even The Mines of Moria in Fellowship, can't hold a candle to this. The story is spectacular (I myself chose not to read the first book until i'd seen the movie, and ditto with this one) and from the opening frames, I sat in awe. I know most of the reviews say so, but I'll just reiterate: The CGI Gollum is one of the best visual effects i've ever seen. Some of the scenes where we see Smeagol held captive by the dark, manipulative Gollum practically brought tears to my eyes. I felt so much pity and mixed adoration/fear over this creature. The criss-crossing storylines were well handled, with not to much time spent in one place, at any one time, and having seen the exhibit here in Toronto, I was thrilled to see the sets of Edoras, Helm's Deep and Isengard on the screen. I have money set aside to see this at least four more times. One viewing, or two for that matter cannot do this triumph justice. Peter Jackson is a genius, truly. Every award this film wins, it deserves. I was bitterly dissapointed when Fellowship lost to the well-acted, moving, yet highly flawed A Beautiful MInd, but this year I'm prepared for such a shun. If you haven't seen this movie, get off the computer right now and buy your tickets. If you liked Fellowship, this film will blow you away. Fair warning though, if you haven't seen the first chapter, go out and rent it before seeing this movie, you'll be lost without it. One of the greatest films ever made, and I can't wait another year to see The Return Of The KIng. When the triloyg is finished, I'm sure it will be the greatest cinematic achievement of all time.