Visually arresting, so-so on the scrpting.

Rating: Null/10 (20 December 2002)

No doubt about it, TLOTR will be an epic franchise. Everything about the films is BIG- big landscapes, big battles, big score, and TTT is no exception. Its a big movie that impresses us with its grandeur. So, why so small on the script? The plot is fine as the movie starts off with the gang as each doing their part to help defeat the forces of Saurumom & Sauron. But I have to say, the flaws that I felt were in FOTR are still present in TTT- namely the heavy handed, over serious, stilted dialogue, and for the most part zero character development, and lack of character depth. Now, if you just judge LOTR as an action film franchise(along the lines of say Indiana Jones) then sure, its good fare. But for all those who claim these movies are(and will be-ROTK) the epitome of great filmaking, Im sorry but with flaws like these, that cant be the case. But I will say this, I did enjoy TTT more than I did Fellowship. TTT was better paced and more focused since Peter didnt have to bungle his way through the se- up of the story and character introductions. Second, the mood of the film is more desperate and intense, as all the major characters do their part to fight the forces of eeevil. And thirdly, the fight sequences are far far better this go round, better filmed and better directed. I gather that this is due in fact b/c the overall quality of the CGI is so much better that Peter can take the time to really let the scenes develop, and not just cut and slash his way through scenes so that the questionable cgi is just glossed over. Helms Deep just kicked major butt, as well as the Ents rampage. The only letdown I can see is the other cities of Middle EArth- if they are supposed to be the great human cities (Roham, Gondor) then maybe Saurumon is right to get rid of humans, b/c they looked like some backwater village. But, the character of Gollum made up for this, he was by far the best and most realized character in the movie....sad to think that, considering he is a cgi creation, but oh well. Overall, I think the tighter pacing, vast cgi improvements and epic battle scenes saved the film and I could enjoy it regardless of its flaws. So, I deem TTT( and so far the whole LOTR franchise) as a great action flick, great fantasy flick, decent bit of cinema- 3.5 out of five