Visually Stunning but ultimately overrated

Rating: 8/10 (22 December 2002)

Simply put, The Two Towers is an extrodinary accomplishment in cinematography and visual effects. This trilogy is so impressive, it makes the latest Star Wars trilogy look flat and uninspiring--with Peter Jackson, George Lucas has met his creative equal. However, as a realist, I must say that cinematography cannot carry a film alone. The only problem I have found with Two Towers is that I don't feel that it carries enough momentum to its climatic ending. This may have to do with the several stories the director is trying to juggle, but there isn't enough build-up to the final battle scenes. Nevertheless, this is a good movie, but perhaps not a great one. The third and final part of the trilogy will likely be the best.