Compelling: No. Interesting: Yes.

Rating: Null/10 (18 December 2002)

The second installment of LOR is much more disappointing than the first respectably stellar edition. The additions, deletions and widebreadth poetic license taken with the screenplay for the Two Towers is nothing short of astounding -- and to the film's detriment. The actual book was much more compelling, its prequel FOTR being the more informative. The slow stop and pan cinematography in this feature detracted from what should have been building moments in the story. The new characters are barely likable as scripted, save one fair shield maiden, and after the inappropriately (and newly) created scenes with our 2nd Ambassador from Gondor, I cannot imagine anyone having a desire to visit that fair city. The scenery was still breathtaking, the animatronic spectacular (especially the trees) and the storyline began and ended intact. Summary: While FOTR left me breathless for TT, TT leaves me in trepidation for ROTK. If you need to visit the restrooms during this lengthy installment, never fear, you really won't miss much.