Don't read this if you are unaware of what happens in Return of the King!!!

Rating: 10/10 (20 December 2002)

To begin, let me state that I am a huge fan of the Lord of the Rings and have been ever since I first read the books at the age of 16. Now, having read the books multiple times and thoroughly enjoying the first installment of Peter Jackson's epic adaptation, I was more than eager to see what the second would have to offer. And I was NOT disappointed. Words cannot do justice to this film, it has to be seen to be believed.

My initial impression on leaving the cinema was that it was truly a fantastic film. There were, however, some small areas which I would love to be able to question Peter Jackson over. They were not failings within the film but I am intrigued as to why some scenes were there whilst others were not.
Why did we have Aragorn going over a cliff and then being presumed dead? Not part of the book and it doesn't seem to contribute anything to the story. The only reason I could think of was to illustrate the firm friendship between him, Legolas and Gimli at that stage and possibly to emphasise that Eowyn is falling in love.
Why did Frodo and Sam go with Faramir to the city? I can't think of a single reason for it other than to increase the screen time of David Wenham.

Why were we missing several crucial chapters towards the end?! I was sitting on the edge of my seat, convinced that there was more to come when the final credits came up! Where was the reunion between Pippin, Merry, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli? Where was the episode with Gandalf facing Saruman? And Pippin looking into the palantir? I can only guess that these chapters will be covered in the next film; I can't imagine that they will be left out entirely. If this is the case then the third film will have a lot of ground to cover. We have yet to meet Shelob and witness the final battle where the Nazgul is slain, not to mention the destruction of the ring. Does this mean that the film will end abruptly when the war is won? Will we fail to see Frodo and his friends return to Hobbiton and what happens there? Or will they somehow manage to fit it into those 3 hours and still see Frodo passing away to the Grey Havens? OH the mind boggles!!!!
My main point of contention has to be with Faramir. He was always one of my favourite characters in the book but in the film he appears to be a replica of Boromir. This is not true of the character. "Unlike they were, and yet also much akin."
Please don't misunderstand me; none of the things above lessened my overall enjoyment of this film, they simply intrigued me and I would love to know why certain decisions were made by the production team.
The Two Towers stands apart from any other film. It is a visual masterpiece and a thoroughly enjoyable way to spend 3 hours; I do not begrudge a minute of it and I can guarantee that I will be going to see it again. The battle sequences were simply amazing and I can't possibly end without mentioning how completely fantastic Gollum was! He was absolutely hideous but then completely pitiable at the same time; perfect characterisation.

Thank you Peter Jackson for this film! I loved the books long before the film and I love these films just as much. I can't imagine anyone doing more justice to Tolkien than as has been shown in these two films. I can only hope that Return of the King will be just as good, I have very little doubt that it will be.
p.s. The Ents are awesome! Oh how I love Treebeard!!