The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers

[PorcheRacer]

What do you get when your mix great acting, groundbreaking special effects, battles that make “Gladiator” look like Sesame Street, Oscar worthy direction by Peter Jackson & an engaging storyline? The answer my friends, is The Lord Of The Rings series. The first one Fellowship Of The Ring rose above and beyond anyone’s expectations and raked in $313,364,114 million dollars at the domestic box office, appeared on countless Top Ten Of The Year lists and was nominated for 13 Acadamy Awards (took home 4) and in my personal opinion – it was a great movie.

One year later comes the highly anticipated “middle” section of the trilogy. Does it live up to the massive expectations set by the first one? Well, there’s more story, bigger battles & new characters but that doesn’t nessarcily add up to a better movie but in this case it does. The story is broken into three parts; Legolas, Gimli & Aragorn are searching for Merry & Pippen who have found there own adventure while Sam Frodo continue there quest to destroy the ring. Epic battle sequences ensue.

You can tell that Peter Jackson is a fan of the Lord Of The Rings books and the fantasy genre altogether because there is not a cheap looking special effect or a phony looking set in the entire movie. Peter Jackson and everyone else working on this movie deserve Academy Awards…even the actors. This isn’t a “Star Wars” movie where the actors and story play second fiddle to the special effects. Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Liv Tyler, Orlando Bloom and every other cast member are all excellent in their respective roles.



Now, I can’t very well write a review for “Two Towers” and not mention Gollum. He is 100 x better then other computer generated “creatures” seen in other recent fantasy movies (Jar Jar Binks, Dobby). Played by Andy Serkis, Gollum is a big part of this movie and if he didn’t work then a big part of the movie wouldn’t work. In the hands of a hack like George Lucas then Gollum would have been farting and cracking jokes all the time but in the hands of Peter Jackson Gollum is shown as a disturbed and lonely creature that you actually begin to feel sorry for.

If you’re a fan of the fantasy genre or the LOTR books then you’ve already seen this movie and if your not a fan of the fantasy genre or the LOTR books then you probably think this movie looks “stupid” or “boring” but in my opinion it is neither and I haven’t read the books and I’m not big on that particular genre and I aboslutley loved it and was never bored once. If you’re a fan of movies in general, I highly recommend this movie, but I also recommend you see “Fellowship” first. 10/10

[RickySlade]

One of the best movies of 2002, The LOTR: TTT is a tremendous epic. Perhaps, one of the most visually stunning and beautiful movies, Peter Jacksons' directing is amazing. Viggo Mortensen gives a GREAT performance and goes above and beyond everyone in the movie. Elijah Wood and Sean Astin are also good because they pretty much carry half of the movie by themselves along with fabulous work by Andy Serkis. The LOTR: TTT is probably the best sequel of all time and ROTK will probably make it the greatest triolgy of all time. The LOTR is a history making group of films.

Like Porche said.....I haven't read the books, nor am I a particular fan of this genre but The LOTR is an EXTRAORDINARY piece of film making.

**** out of ****

[Jon Lyrik]

Last year's best film, TTT is a triumph in filmmaking. Not only does it have brilliant techincal virtuosity, but has fantastic drection, writing, and acting. This is the Star Wars of the new millenuim.

[Hannibal21]

Starring: Elijah Wood (Frodo Baggins), Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn), Sean Astin (Samwise Gamgee), Bernard Hill (Theoden), John Rhys-Davies (Gimli), Orlando Bloom (Legolas), Miranda Otto (Eowyn), Ian McKellen (Gandalf), Billy Boyd (Pippin), Dominic Monaghan (Merry), Liv Tyler (Arwen), Cate Blanchett (Galadriel), Christopher Lee (Saruman), Brad Dourif (Grima Wormtongue), Andy Serkis (Gollum)

I was mighty impressed upon my first viewing, the second time I found some faults in the film and liked it a lot less. I rewatched it again today and I enjoy it slightly more, but the flaws are still there.

The first one was a masterful, well done epic; this one was good, but not great. Some of the characters weren't very well developed like in the first movie and the story lines were somewhat disconnecting. Plus, it felt like the film was sacrificed more for the visuals/action than for the movie itself. The battle of helms deep was pretty exciting but IMO a bit long and it took too much of a time to get to that part; there were a couple of scenes that could've been cut out. The acting by everyone was still great though, and of course, Andy Serkis as Gollum steals the show. He was one of the main strengths of this film, and the scenes between Sean Astin and Elijah Wood were some of the best scenes in the film. The whole film was very good nontheless but like I said, it does have it's flaws, and pales in comparison to the first one.

7.5/10 (FOTR is a 9.5/10)

[ScaryFreak1827]

Just one word could describe PJ's LOTR series...AWESOME! Peter Jackson really brings Tolkien's world to life in his second adaption, The Two Towers, and at times even improves upon it. The special effects are spectacular (Gollum, the ending at Helm's Deep and Isengard) the acting is very very good, and the battle scenes have even improved over its predecessor. If the third one is even remotely close to being as good as this (which I have no doubt will) I know I'll love it.

10/10

[Slim]

Originally posted by Hannibal21
Some of the characters weren't very well developed like in the first movie and the story lines were somewhat disconnecting. Plus, it felt like the film was sacrificed more for the visuals/action than for the movie itself. The battle of helms deep was pretty exciting but IMO a bit long and it took too much of a time to get to that part; there were a couple of scenes that could've been cut out.

I'm not sure which characters you consider underdeveloped, but I assume you're referring to Faramir and Éowyn. This did bother me at first, especially Faramir's character, who is different from the one in the book. After repeated viewings, I have accepted that this movie is flawed, but mainly because there is no beginning or ending, it ultimately serves as a setup for the events that will occur in The Return of the King. There Faramir will be fleshed out and Éowyn's importance to the story realized. In regards to the comment that scenes could have been cut out, I will only agree that Aragorn's fall and return was unnecessary. Other than that, I believe there should have been more scenes, since only two thirds of the material was covered.

The Two Towers pales in comparison to Fellowship right now, but I suspect this won't matter so much when the trilogy is complete and viewed as a single epic film.

8.5/10

[Puck Bond]

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers is an epic feast for the senses. Visually stunning and a visceral experience that like the first film left me in utter awe and admiration.. Peter Jackson and his crew are creating filmmaking magic and history with their beautiful, captivating vision of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-Earth. This film is a lot more darker, more tightly paced, and ultimately is the most visually stunnng epic ever made. Is it better than FOTR..maybe, but it is equally as great. It is a great continuation and companion to the first film which was emotionaly stunning as opposed to this film which is visually stunning and is an assault on the eyes and ears. I'm still soaking it all in...the year-long wait was well worth it. The running time flew by, and like the first one left me wanting more! TTT picks up right where the first movie left off...well almost. First we are thrown into the epic battle between Gandalf and The Balrog. This time we take the trip with them as we see their awesome plunge into the abyss. Then we catch up with Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Sam (Sean Astin) as they traverse the rocky hills of Emyn Muil, and then Gollum (Andy Serkis) joins them in his search to get back his precious and agrees to lead the two hobbits into Mordor. Of all the new characters Gollum was the best...unbelivably real, frantic, sad, funny and schizophrenic. It is the best CGI character ever realized on film...and is as much human as any other character in the film. He blends in beautifully with the surroundings, his facial expressions convey emotion and feelings so brilliantly that he always seems real. Their passage through the dead-marshes was eerie, creepy as the ghostly figures were frightening. The scene at the black gates of Mordor was great and looked just awesome. The encounter with the Oliphaunts was good too, and their capture by Faramir and their journey to Osgiliath was great...Flying Nazgul look out! We also catch up with the two other hobbits Merry (Dominic Monaghan) and Pippin (Billy Boyd), who are being held captive by marauding Uruk-hai. After they escape into Fangorn Forest they meet Tree-beard(John-Rhys Davies), an Ent, shepard of the trees, and certainly not a "hasty" fellow. At first Tree-beard and the Ents are hard to take in. A walking, talking tree with enormous power seems too much, but I got used to them, plus they are the very embodiment of nature and their plight is an important one. Finally we see Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), Legolas(Orlando Bloom) and Gimli(John Rhys Davies) in their pursuit of Merry and Pippin through the land of Rohan, where we see a whole host of new characters...first there is Theoden (Bernard Hill) King of Rohan who is weary, tired and has been corrupted and manipulated by the slimey, evil Wormtongue(Brad Dourif) and is at the bidding of Saruman (Christopher Lee). We also meet Eowyn (Miranda Otto) cold and beautiful and a strong presence throughout the film and her brother Eomer(Karl Urban). War is now upon Rohan as Orcs and Uruk-hai lay waste to the kingdom. The return of Gandalf (Ian Mckellan) as the powerful wizard Gandalf the White is awe insiring and was one of my favorite moments of the film, especially as he, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli come to Edoras, the home of Theoden and release the king from under Saruman's spell and banish Wormtongue. It was one of the best scenes in the film. Fear for his kingdom they all make their way to the fortress of Helm's Deep, and a last stand to fight off the forces of Isengard and Mordor. On route they are attacked by Orcs riding Wargs, viscious, ferocious wolf-like dogs. This scene was also one of my favorites, thrilling, exciting, funny and sad and with a great Legolas moment. As much as FOTR was Frodo's movie, this one is Aragorn's. Viggo Mortensen is great as the sensitive, yet strong and brave hero. He becomes more and more the leader and accepting his responsibility as king just gives him more stature. His love for Arwen(Liv Tyler) is dying as she goes off into the West with her father Elrond(Hugo Weaving) and the rest of her people. Eowyn becomes more and more fond of Aragorn through their journey, but comes to a nice realization. The supposed love triangle as some have called it is minor and adds more humanity to the seemingly desperate and darkest of times. Also in this film Gimli and Legolas have more weight, their friendship grows through competition and comradery...Gimli is funny at every turn, the poor little fellow seems to have it rough. Legolas is still the dream-like elf with ultra-cool abilities. Finally we come to Helm's Deep the much talked about action-piece and fitting end of this film. It is awesome, epic, brilliant, terrifying, exciting and expertly done, there is not a moment where you don't know whats going on. The anticipation of the siege by an army off 10,000 orcs, uruk-hai and beasts just builds to a crescendo of an unbelievable fight for survival. It had so many thrilling moments...that I'm not even going to mention. My one small somplaint is the cutting between that and Merry and Pippin and the Ents attacking Isengard, but that is a stunning sequence also. Also we have seen Merry and Pippin grow up(being held captive by blood thirsty Orcs and Uruk-hai will do that to hobbits)...much maligned for their antics in the first film and quite unfairly I might add. There is a great moment between them where they realize what is at stake here...a great scene all together. As with the first movie...there was always going to be complaints about how the film ended, but like the first film again we find ourselves with Frodo and Sam and their treck to Mordor...but thisssssss time being lead by the cunningly, tricky Gollum/Smeagol who is leading them to "her". Before that there is a wonderful speech by Sam about what this is all about. In the end this story matters and it personifies this great story and most importantly it personifies what Jackson and his crew are doing. It matters that they have poured so much passion and care into these films that it transcends not only the fantasy genre, but modern day filmmaking. There is more I could say but like I said I'm still soaking it in...overall The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers is visually and technically an epic masterpiece and a perfect companion to the first film and is the best film and movie event of the year!

This was my review that I wrote last December...after seeing the film for the first time in theatres. Now after seeing it on DVD I still must say it hasn't lost any of its original power that I fealt the first time. Also this time around I fealt the scenes with Tree-beard and the Ents played much better on my TV than they did in the theatre.

[PorcheRacer]

Originally posted by Puck Bond
Also this time around I fealt the scenes with Tree-beard and the Ents played much better on my TV than they did in the theatre.

Yeah, same here. The looked alot better then they did at the theater.

[Puck Bond]

Originally posted by PorcheRacer
Yeah, same here. The looked alot better then they did at the theater.

I think with the DVD releases of these films they either clean-up a little bit of the CGI...or they just look better on DVD. When I watch FOTR:EE the part where Legolas jumps off the Cave troll in the Balin's Tomb battle looks so much better than it initially did in the theatres.

[Mike]

LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS (2002)

People keep asking me why I even bother seeing the rest of this series if I don't care for it, and during this movie, I found myself asking myself the same thing.

For over 2 hours I was bored out of my mind, and could care less what was going on. Then during the last hour, we have the battle of Helm's Deep. This was more interesting than anything else in the movie that came before it, but it still was just so-so. I did find the very ending neat though. Other than that, I could care less what was going on in this world, and even though I couldn't be dumber for falling for it again, I'll probably end up seeing ROTK on DVD a few months after it's been out. I know I'll be asking myself why I did it during the whole thing though. I don't even care what happens, so why the hell do I want to torture myself? I have no idea. Maybe I'll come to my senses and decide not to bother with it.

Grade: 4/10 (D+)

[paul]

Originally posted by Mike
LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS (2002)

People keep asking me why I even bother seeing the rest of this series if I don't care for it, and during this movie, I found myself asking myself the same thing.

For over 2 hours I was bored out of my mind, and could care less what was going on. Then during the last hour, we have the battle of Helm's Deep. This was more interesting than anything else in the movie that came before it, but it still was just so-so. I did find the very ending neat though. Other than that, I could care less what was going on in this world, and even though I couldn't be dumber for falling for it again, I'll probably end up seeing ROTK on DVD a few months after it's been out. I know I'll be asking myself why I did it during the whole thing though. I don't even care what happens, so why the hell do I want to torture myself? I have no idea. Maybe I'll come to my senses and decide not to bother with it.

Grade: 4/10 (D+)

PLEASE don't see ROTK, you'll give it a bloody awful rating.

SPOILERS FOR RETURN OF THE KING!
Frodo destroys the ring, and Gollum dies

[Briare Rabbit]

Originally posted by paul
PLEASE don't see ROTK, you'll give it a bloody awful rating.

*SPOILERS FOR ROTK*
Frodo destroys the ring, and Gollum
dies.

Oh yes. Brilliant revew. Seriously... Ebert is that you? You sneaky bastard...

Oh yeah, thanks for the warning.

The Two Towers, was a pretty entertaining movie. Didn't hold a candle to Fellowship, but entertaining nonetheless. Gollum was cool, and so were the Ents. I especially liked the darker parts of the movie, but it seemed weighed down by the comic relief of Gimli and Legolas cracking jokes all the time. It was still worth my time though, good movie.

7.5/10

[paul]

Originally posted by Briare Rabbit
Oh yes. Brilliant revew. Seriously... Ebert is that you? You sneaky bastard...

Oh yeah, thanks for the warning.

The Two Towers, was a pretty entertaining movie. Didn't hold a candle to Fellowship, but entertaining nonetheless. Gollum was cool, and so were the Ents. I especially liked the darker parts of the movie, but it seemed weighed down by the comic relief of Gimli and Legolas cracking jokes all the time. It was still worth my time though, good movie.

7.5/10

Sorry man, I didn't mean to actually spoil the film for you. I put a spoiler warning though. I just made the warning bigger, so it shouldn't be spoiler for anyone else. Sorry again.

[Sad man]

Originally posted by paul
SPOILERS FOR RETURN OF THE KING!
Frodo destroys the ring, and Gollum dies

Duh.

THE TWO TOWERS - 8/10 (B+)

Great epic movie. Saw it twice and I was never bored. Although I do think these movies are a bit overrated.

[Fisting Ackbar]

Originally posted by paul
SPOILERS FOR RETURN OF THE KING!









Frodo destroys the ring, and Gollum dies

Ehh, Frodo doesn't destroy the ring.

I'll probably end up seeing ROTK on DVD a few months after it's been out. I know I'll be asking myself why I did it during the whole thing though. I don't even care what happens, so why the hell do I want to torture myself? I have no idea. Maybe I'll come to my senses and decide not to bother with it.

Don't torture yourself then...

[Mike]

Well I've already been told everything that happens in ROTK and THE MATRIX REVOLUTIONS, so I don't have much of a reason to see either of them. Sadly, I don't know if I'll be able to stop myself from eventually seeing ROTK, even if I highly doubt I will actually enjoy it. Neither of the first two interested me so most likely this one won't either, although the first part was definitely better than the second, and I did enjoy the last half an hour of that one.

I could never sit through one of these in theaters. I had to watch TTT an hour at a time, and the first one I watched in three parts too. It would be much harder to sit through one in theaters. Long fantasy movies like this are more boring in theaters, to me anyway.

[Arathon]

Peter Jackson takes the LOTR trilogy, another step forward giving a fantastic, breath-taking, thrilling film. Viggo Mortensen gives a brilliant performance as Aragorn, which IMO deserved a best actor oscar nomination, and the amazing Andy Serkis as Gollum/Smeagol also deserved a oscar (Best Supporting Actor, and I mean he deserved to win it!).

Rating in my top 100 films.
#8 Lord of the Rings:The Two Towers 10/10

[Kucha]

My favourite from the three is this one. I liked the plot better in this one I suppose. Fellowship was setting it up, ROTK did a stunning finale (I still loved the 3rd too) but in TTT a lot played out.

LOTR: The Two Towers - 9/10