A Brilliant Sequel

Rating: 10/10 (5 January 2003)

Peter Jackson and co. have brilliantly brought to life the second book in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, which has traditionally been my least favorite installment. Somehow, they've managed to navigate through the story's scattered plotline to produce a compelling movie whose graceful transitions increase the audience's emotional investment in each of the characters. Although Aragorn is brooding and beautiful, the character development of Gollum (or Smeagol) makes him the favorite of the movie. Jar Jar Binx would envy the world's love for this CG character. Other than the tree-hugging, hippie-loving sentiment portrayed by the Ents, this was a fabulous film. (Just kidding- I love Treebeard)