Once is not enough...

Rating: 8/10 (2 January 2003)

The Two Towers, the sequel. Not only a sequel, but part two of three. One has to remember that when they sit down with their popcorn. This movie is pretty fast paced, fast cut, and overall intense. The battle scenes are epic and the dialogue scenes have loads of information to digest. If you haven't read the books (like myself) but are familiar with the story, you're in luck. You'll learn something and possibly even walk away a bit confused. The most intriguing and the most emotional, for me, are the scenes involving Gollum/Smeagol (Slinker & Stinker). Tears and laughter want to explode at the same time while Gollum and Smeagol have at it with one another. An internal turmoil that has been there for hundreds of years. And the CGI, well, nevermind that. You'll forget in an instant that Gollum is computer generated. Unlike Dawby the house-elf.
There are many scenes that were added in apart from the books, and many parts of the books that aren't in the movie. The transition from book to film is not always easy. Suspense (aka Hooks) is a key form to action flicks. It's necessary. Internal and external struggle are also key parts in screenplays/movies. As is romance. (yawn) But, it has to be done.
There were a few scenes where the CGI jumps out at you and you can tell that something is outta whack, but those brief instances are quickly forgotten or dismissed. There are many heavy action/battle scenes and several breathtaking topography shots. All of it is amazing. It's well acted, well conceived and overall a great MOVIE! I say it like that so the purists will not turn beet red and explode with anger. Yes, it's a fact, it is not 100% true to the book. But, the story is the same.
I recommend seeing it at least TWICE. You'll get a lot more from it because the brain can only consume so much. Once is definately not enough. Besides, if you leave TTT without wanting to see it again or craving the next release, you're just NOT getting it...