Entertaining, but ultimately not a great film

Rating: 8/10 (22 December 2002)

SPOILERS INCLUDED
Let me start by stating that I enjoyed the film, but was disappointed with several of the choices made by the film makers.
First the highlights: the striking debut of Eomer (played wonderfully by Karl Urban) although sorely underused, King Theoden (Bernard Hill, very good) the Elves fighting at Helm's Deep, and Gollum (a true cinematic feat). I was mesmerized by everything about Gollum, but especially his face and eyes, I really felt like I was looking at a real living breathing being. Other high points include the stunning New Zealand scenery, the armor and swords of the Rohan people, and the fortress at Helm's Deep.

Disappointments: 1) Considering the meticulous planning that went into the Battle of Helm's Deep, I was not pleased with the editing of the battle sequence. The constant cutting back and forth between the battle scenes and the other story lines, especially Merry and Pippin, diminished the sense of excitement and dread it should have invoked. Why not spend a good fifteen straight minutes just on the battle, and really allow the audience to be drawn into the events.
2)I was also disappointed that we did not see a longer sequence showing the Rohan horsemen battling the Uruk-hai when they rescue Helm's Deep.

What I disliked: 1)The entire sequence involving Aragorn's fall from the cliff and the implication that anything terrible had actually happened to him. These scenes were obviously designed to further explore his relationship with Arwen, but it felt out of place and seemed like a cheap way to wrangle an emotional response from the audience.

2)I understand the importance of the Ents, but I found the scenes with Treebeard and the two Hobbitts to be almost unbearable.

3)The voice over by Galadriel describing the war raging in Middle Earth, as much as I love Cate Blanchet, her scene was unnecessary, since we as an audience clearly know what is already transpiring.
4)The treatment of Eowyn's character, after a great initial introduction where she demonstrates real strength, she is then relegated to pinning for Aragorn. Why not focus on her frustration at not being able to fight along with the men and being cast aside with the other women and children.

If I were to grade the Two Towers I would give it a B-, whereas FOTR receives a solid A.