And the Oscar goes to....Smeagol!!!!

Rating: 10/10 (19 December 2002)

The sense I got from watching this film was that I was seeing the middle part of a movie. The action speeds up with a minimum of exposition, and I think in the end we will have to see all three pictures in order to understand Peter Jackson's vision.
The most satisfying aspects of this film are the performances of the newer cast members. Miranda Otto as Eowyn is a very human, down to earth rival to the ethereal elven maid Arwen (Liv Tyler). Bernard Hill is near-perfect as Theoden, the aged king of a threatened realm. Karl Urban is surprisingly good as Eomer, the valiant nephew of the King. But the most startling performance comes from Andy Serkis, the human 'template' for the character of Smeagol/Gollum. Playing his role in a motion-capture suit, Serkis brings a human aspect that has been lacking in CGI characters since their inception. Mr. Lucas should take notes: you need a *human* to make a character human.
By far the best moment comes from cast veteran Sean Astin as Samwise. Hi s speech at the climax of the movie may come across as cornball to some, but it is the best expression of what is worth fighting and dying for. Taken into the context of current world events, the speech becomes a timely message, reminding us that there are reasons to fight the good fight that have nothing to do with religion, revenge or even patriotism. It's an interesting point that Sam's speech inspires someone to commit an act of treason in support of Frodo's cause.
This is the second part of a three-part masterpiece. Peter Jackson should get a special achievement Oscar for all three films. I never thought that I'd see a performance worthy of Best Supporting Actor from a CGI character. Gollum definitely deserves it. Yoda should still get the MTV award for best fight scene, though.