The masterful middle.

Rating: 9/10 (22 July 2017)

It is hard to tell the middle of a story. I've always thought that middles lack the novelty of beginnings or the satisfaction of endings. However, "The Two Towers" does a wonderful job of continuing the various plot threads of Middle Earth without starting or ending them. From the psychologically raw tale of Frodo, Sam, and Gollum to the heroic epic of Rohan to the Blakean ecological tragedy of the ents, Tolkein and Peter Jackson a vast story in this incarnation of his saga.
Gollum is a disturbing treasure, and any scene involving him is indisputably well-done. That's not to say that his mere presence doesn't disgust, but his role is indispensable. In terms of the smaller details, the design work done in Rohan is magnificent. Low-key and fitting with their lack of worldly sophistication, it is nevertheless done with pride. It would have been a great movie without the little details like that one, but it wouldn't have been as good as it is.
The film certainly has its flaws, many of which have since become clichÃ©s. Legolas's pre-modern AK-47 in the form of a bow and arrow is both silly and unnecessary. Many of the extended fight scenes feel redundant, and after you see the first several orcs getting decapitated, what's the added value in seeing ten more? Clearly greater than zero, at least according to Peter Jackson.
Note: I watched the Extended Edition, and it was an absolute delight. I haven't seen the shorter version in several years, but if you can spare the time, I would recommend the longer one.