MOVIE - THE LORD OF THE RINGS: The Two Towers (Part II) - Review Rating $$$$$ $$$$ (OUT OF 10)
STARRING - Elijah Wood, Sir Ian McKellen, Sean Astin, Sala Baker, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Billy Boyd, Martin Csokas, Brad Dourif, Bernard Hill, Christopher Lee, Dominic Monaghan, Viggo Mortensen, Miranda Otto, John Rhys-Davies, Andy Serkis, Liv Tyler, Karl Urban, Hugo Weaving & David Wenham.
DIRECTOR - Peter Jackson (Heavenly Creatures, The Frighteners, Dead/Alive)
The second film in the trilogy based on the Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien.
After I went to see the first film, The Fellowship of the Ring, I decided it was time to read the actual books. The books, which are not always easy reading, nevertheless convey a magical, value laden timeless epic. The power of the story explains why The Lord of the Rings has had such staying power. Peter Jackson, who directed and co-wrote the script, should again be praised for having the courage and common sense to stay true to the original manuscript. Other recent films, most notably The Sum of All Fears and The Bourne Identity (you could include Spiderman in this group as well), messed with the original concept significantly enough that they lacked all credibility.
The Two Towers is the most action orientated of the three books/films. There are spectacular battles and multiple story lines interwoven into the plot. The filmmakers ability to convey the beauty and darkness of Middle Earth is aided by spectacular special effects. Though much of what you see are special effects they are so well done that you accept this mythical world and its creatures at face value. The effects never look cheesy and add greatly to the story. In fact, the creature Gollum, is a computer animation that puts Yoda and Jar Jar Binks to shame. Even the tree Ents of Fangorn Forest are brought to life in a convincing fashion.
The comparison, to Star Wars, doesn't end there. Star Wars is actually Lord of Rings "lite" set in space. While Lucas's imagination is almost equal to Tolkien's his storytelling ability is greatly inferior. The Lord of the Rings is much more powerful and a true epic. The teenagers in the Lord of Rings not only fight off the dark side but aren't tempted to succumb to its lure, as the future Darth Vader is in Star Wars Episode II, over petty issues. The future of Middle Earth and personal sacrifice for the greater good is what drives The Lord of the Rings. The selfish always arrive at a well deserved end.
Three things to note about The Two Towers: 1) its over 3 hours long (though it won't seem like that due to its excellent pacing and action); 2) there's alot going on so if you're not familiar with the story I'd advise renting the Fellowship of the Rings first to refresh your memory; 3) the battles are very graphic and the creatures are gruesome so though its a great story The Two Towers is not appropriate for younger children (approx. 9 yrs. old and younger) who may have nightmares for weeks after if they see it.
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers will move you emotionally and keep you on the edge of your seat. The lessons conveyed are as relevant today as when they were first published. This is moviemaking magic at its best.
Alternative Reviews:
http://www.suntimes.com/output/ebert1/cst-ftr-lord18f.html
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/TheLordoftheRingsTheTwoTowers-1118285/
Official Website:
http://www.lordoftherings.net/
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2003
David Schwartz.
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