The Rings Saga Continues Successfully In The Two Towers

Rating: 9/10 (23 May 2004)

Peter Jackson's The Two Towers successfully continues the epic saga that is The Lord Of The Rings. The film introduces several new characters that play key roles in this film as well as the third film. Theoden, Eowyn, and Faramir are the main ones. Bernard Hill, Miranda Otto, and David Wenham are all effective in their roles, especially Otto as the daughter trying to show her worth to her father and Aragorn. The film also treats us to the two wonderful computer generated characters of Gollum and Treebeard. The film opens with a brief bit recapping the end of the first film. Then in this film, the fellowship is split into three groups of characters. Frodo and Samwise continue their journey alone with Gollum; Pippin and Merry are captured by the Uruk-Hai warriors before meeting up with Treebeard; and Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli travel in search of Pippin and Merry, but end up being drawn into other adventures. The film blends these story lines for the duration of the film. As in the first film, the action, cinematography, costumes, crafts, score, sets, special effects, technical wizardry, and weaponry are all tremendous. The film culminates in the dramatization of Helms Deep, a tremendously exciting battle sequence. It ends with the realization that all of Middle Earth is now in great danger and faces perilous times, setting the stage for the third film. The film is not without its weaknesses. Gandalf disappears for several stretches during the film and he was one of the main characters of the first film. The hobbits become more like instruments that serve the plot instead of characters that create it. Frodo's and Samwise's scenes with Gollum are a little tedious at times. Pippin and Merry have little to do once they meet Treebeard. Aragorn is more of the main protagonist in this film, while Legolas is just a skillful fighter and Gimli more and more like comic relief. The great battle itself (it's progression, complications, and conclusion) is somewhat formulaic in retrospect. However, none of these things detracts from the enjoyment of The Two Towers and the spectacle that the Lord Of The Rings has become at this point. It is still an outstanding film in every respect. There are also numerous scenes that one can perceive as modern political parallels in the film, including Treebeard's decision to involve his friends. Once again, as in Fellowship Of The Ring, the film's pacing makes the long running time seem shorter than it is. The film won Oscars for Sound Editing and Visual Effects. ***1/2 of 4 stars.