Rating: Summary: A SEQUEL BOMBER THAN ITS PREDECESSOR!!!!! Review: "The Fellowship of the Rings" maybe great but..... "The Two Towers " is nothing more than ....... "BRILLIAN" and "SUPERB" Although I love the first because of Arwen having those black riders chase her, and drowning all of them.... This next one is simply more than what I expected to be more on the fights and adventures. But more on the Loyalty of a Friend!!!! and the Unity of all Man which was manifested by Lorien when he and his fellow elves went to Helms Deep to help the people of Rohan fight the Orcs. But then again Gandalf (Sir Ian Mckellen) was exceptional. "BRAVO" and "LONGLIVE" Gandalf and Arwen!!!!!!!!
Rating: Summary: Peter Jackson goes to town. Review: With the smell of LotR still lingering in your home, remember films like Willow, or Conan: The Barbarian. Remember in the early '80s when the fantastic, the supernatural and the ephemeral were box office smashes, and the plague of teen films (starring Freddie Prinze Jr., and That Kid From American Pie)weren't even thought of, yet. (Yes, there was the earlier models of such films back then. Even so, they were of higher quality, and lacked the effect of brain atrophy.) I guess what I'm trying to say is: Peter Jackson is moving film in the right direction with this movie, in both it's atmosphere and content. Definite 5 stars.
Rating: Summary: The greatest epic work of our time Review: I have not had the opportunity to view the extended version of LOTR The Two Towers yet, but I am 100% positive that it will only be more breathtaking than the theatrical release. This movie is one of the most astounding undertakings in film history since the days of classics like Cleopatra, The Ten Commandments and Star Wars. Peter Jackson has taken an epic tale, which admittedly I was never able to stay awake long enough to read, and turned it into a trilogy that I am sure has as much if not more dramatic impact on its audience as the literary work itself. And hats off to Jackson for his excellent attention to detail. He could easily have created Middle Earth in the bowels of a computer program, but he wanted something tangible that his audience could believe in, so he demanded models, models, and more models, and hundreds of extras, and scads of the best camera tricks, and acres of perfectly prepared land to build authentic sets on (every inch of which he retored to its original condition when he was done by the way), and the list of his achievements goes on. Some of us were waiting for George Lucas to re-enter the arena as god of the film epic the summer before LOTR The Fellowship made its appeareance, and were more than sadly disappointed with his oversue of special effects and lack of characterization. We plodded away from the theatre sure that computers had rendered a good old fashioned epic film impossible now. Doubting Thomas's, we entered the theatre and were blown away by THe Fellowship. And then we were blown away again with the Two Towers. I have to say that I am ecstaticly anxious to see THe Return of the King, but at the same time I don't want it to happen because then the epic will be over. The story will be told, and the characters will drift away into history, remembered, but never seen again. I have no doubts that Return of the King will blow its audience away yet again. I can only say that the Two Towers was one more step up on the scale of film making, hard to top, but Jackson has what its takes. He has created a movie so rich in story, character, setting, and atmosphere that it is nearly impossible to believe that Middle Earth isn't on the airlines list of most popular places to visit. I will say that the second movie was much darker and bloodier than the first, an objection voiced by a few people I attended shows with, but every ounce was neccassary to tell the story and that is what's important. I can hardly do this film justice with my own words, so just buy it and watch it, and watch it again, and again, and again...Hey, I saw it in the theater 9 times at 7 bucks a ticket! What else needs to be said? Buy it! Watch it! Love it!
Rating: Summary: Towers over all competition Review: Tolkien's saga comes to life with an array of wonderfully talented scenery, dialogue, directing, and acting. Make-up and costumes are splendid, and the set is incredible. Filmed in New Zealand, Peter Jackson, director of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, along with Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, Orlando Bloom, and Ian Mckellen, to name a few, puts together another masterpiece. Though the first was remarkable, The Two Towers captivates the audience in a way that the Fellowship of the Ring cannot. Split from their friends, Frodo and Sam set out on their own to destroy the ring. Frodo is beginning to feel the power of the ring, he is starting to realize that he cannot make the journey. It is too hard on him and he doesnt know the way. Just when things are getting hard on the two Hobbits, someone unexpected and unwelcome shows up. Gollum. Making a deal with the poor creature, Frodo and Sam follow Gollum to the Gates of Mordor, determined to get inside. Merry and Pippin are in the hands of the Orcs, being carried to Saruman, who is slowly taking over Rohan for his own evil bidding. Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli are in search of Merry and Pippin, ready to free them from their captors at the slightest chance they get. And on the way they meet someone they do not expect. An enjoyable film, the Two Towers goes beyond expectations into a movie that everyone will enjoy. Fun for mature children and their parents, a great film!!!
Rating: Summary: An amazing visual feast Review: The Lord of the Rings trilogy is the standard for fantasy. Given that, Peter Jackson has a HUGE task to faithfully bring the story of Frodo and his peers to the big screen. The Two Towers, which is the 2nd in the 3-part story, is a fantastic success on many levels. Mr. Jackson does vary from the book somewhat. For example, in the book Faramir, the brother of Boromir, does capture Frodo and his companions. But instead of being charmed by the ring and bringing Frodo back to Minas Tirith, he understands their quest and sends them off with his blessing. Also, this movie removes some of the sequences in the book involving the Ents. I was hoping, for example, that the battle at Helms Deep would end with the Ents intervening and helping to kill the Orc army as happened in the book. However, I think the variances from the book can be explained and excused quite simply. First of all, causing Faramir to capture Frodo, Samwise and Gollum allowed us to get a first look at that massive city under siege. We got a chance to see close-up what a Nazgul looks like, and overall were treated to quite a visual feast. Second, the changes at Helms Deep did not in any way diminish the energy of that battle, and might in fact have enhanced it. My heart catches in my throat every time I see Gandalf coming over the crest of the hill with the Riders of Rohan behind him. It's one of the most awe-inspiring sequences in film history. Also, the movie ends earlier than the book does. In the book, more things happen with Saruman, as well as the entire sequence involving Shelob being played out, thus ending the Two Towers on quite a different cliffhanger. However, the 3rd book has the climax of the Ringbearer's quest fairly early in the story, and I believe Mr. Jackson is preserving some of this story to allow the 3rd movie to contain more weight. I can't end this review without making reference to the most ingenious element of this movie. That, of course, is Gollum himself. I was fairly concerned that Gollum either would be done wrong, or would end up looking silly. But the care and artistry taken with this central character makes the Two Towers, in my opinion. Gollum was done to perfection, in my mind, and the result is one of the most enduring and well-crafted characters ever. At times hilarious, at other times evil and plotting, and still others pitiful enough that your heart goes out to him. In summary, this movie is far better than fans of Tolkien's work could ever hope for. It has some differences, but they don't detract from the story at all. This movie has taken its rightful place among the great adventure movies of all time.
Rating: Summary: The Lord Of The Rings ... Review: I decided to watch this movie after seeing the first one and knowing this was going to be a briliant trilogy. As soon as the movie started I knew it was going to be another excellent movie. The storyline is amazing. Its like you have explored a totally different world and after the film is over - you crave for more. I wanted to see it again and again. I would definetly buy this film or at least see it, its worth your time money and even a little more! Overall: Excellent! Its a must see!
Rating: Summary: Simply superb - as Tollers would have wanted it! Review: This is superb - just as Tollers (as the author was known affectionately in Oxford) would have wanted it. It really is that good. Christopher Catherwood, author of CHRISTIANS, MUSLIMS AND ISLAMIC RAGE (and a graduate of Oxford, Tolkien's old university)
Rating: Summary: WOW!This is the best movie I've ever seen! Review: WOW!And I thought the FOTR was good!!!!!!!!!!!!This is the best sequal EVER made!The acting,visual effects,direction,everything is so mucher better than the first(well,except for maybe the story.I think the first one had a better story).They made a few changes from the book,but it is still an enjoyable movie.I can't wait for The Return of The King on December 17.See this,but see the first one first because you wiil be REALLY confused if you don't.A must see!!!!!
Rating: Summary: Should have won the Oscar! Review: This is the best movie I have seen in the last 24 months. Peter Jackson has accomplished what I thought was not possible, bringing LOTR to the screen in a grand and yes!--loyal JRRT-way. The technical aspects of filming this masterpiece must have been overwhelming, but Jackson mastered them all! His cast is remarkable. Every performance, down to the smallest role, is perfected, and I was truly amazed at Gollum. The scenery was beautiful, and I have never seen battle scenes [outside Last of the Mohicans] that I admired more. I was literally stuck to my seat for 3 hours, watching every scene, wondering how Jackson put everything together so seamlessly. He made it look effortless. Yet, I know it was hard work. Terribly hard work. This film, the second in a trilogy, was better than the first [if possible]. Poor Frodo and Sam are becoming the transformed heroes of their own journey, and Aragon, wow, is becoming the king that he truly is. I loved it. Simple as that. I just loved it. Great soundtrack too. This DVD, lacking the extended footage in the DVD to come, is worth the money. The extras are nice, including Sean Astin's little piece. The friendship among the cast is papable and real, and it transforms to the screen. Simply put, The Two Towers is a wonderful film, and without meaning to offend any Tolkien purists, I feel strongly that the film was better than the book. There I said it! Smiling.
Rating: Summary: The Countdown to November Begins! Review: Yes, the title says "Countdown to November", not December, when the "Return of the King" finally hits the big screens, but November, when fans of the Lord of the Rings trilogy can get their hands on "The Two Towers: Special Extended Edition", the entire movie that includes over forty minutes of extra film footage included in the theatrical release version. Many may think this review is not helpful (mostly because its being written before the Special Edition is for sale), but its here because many people are buying the standard theatrical version, seemingly without realising that a better and bigger edition is on its way. The 'sneak preview' for the Extended Edition - or the advertisment for it, if you prefer - can be seen on the theatrical release DVD, just as the the Extended 'Fellowship' preview was on last year's DVD, and if you fell into the trap of having to buy two DVDs in 2002, then don't let it happen again with "The Two Towers"! My suggestion is to rent the theatrical release, in order to enjoy the movie and the special features, including trailors, interviews, music videos, and previews of both the Return of the King and the Extended Edition. This should whet your appetite and anticipation long enough for November, when you can purchase the four-disc set with all its extra goodies. The only reason I'm writing this warning is that my father almost brought the theatrical release DVD, but was very relieved afterwards when I warned him and we ended up renting it, wherein he saw the preview for the Extended Edition. His exact words were: "I would have been so annoyed if I had brought this version!" For those who don't already know, the Extended Edition is set to be excellent. The "Fellowship" Extended cut had only thirty minutes of extra footage - here we get forty! Included in the cut (and this information is taken from the DVD preview and many internet sources) are: * Merry and Pippen growing taller due to Treebeard's Ent-draughts. * the stunning and elabourate funeral of Theoden's son Theodred. * a pivotal 'flashback' scene between Boromir, Faramir and their father Denethor in Osgiliath, which clearly shows the somewhat strained family dynamic, and may help to make Faramir's motives in forcefully taking Frodo and the Ring to his city more sympathetic. * Saruman looking over a book that identifies Aragorn as the "Lost King of Gondor" * Frodo, Sam and Gollum escaping from Osgiliath via the sewers * Merry, Pippen and Treebeard exploring the ruins of Isengard (and finding its larder!) * The Ents (or was in the Huorns? - sorry, I can't recall) rounding up the last of the orcs on the borders of Helm's Deep. * Eomer finding his cousin wounded in the orc ambush * Gandalf and Aragorn discussing his fate * Sam and Frodo using Galadriel's elvish rope to scale a cliff-face * Aragorn taming the deceased Theodred's horse Brego and releasing him into the wild (yes, that's the horse that rescues him after he falls off the cliff) * Legolas and Gimli sitting amoungst the dead orcs outside Helm's Deep after the battle. * Aragorn reluctantly swallowing a stew that Eowyn has dished up. * Faramir finding the boat containing Boromir's body and the Horn of Gondor cloven in two. * More Aragorn and Arwen love scenes (*rolls eyes*) These are the main ones, to the best of my memory, but certainly not the only ones - there should be more dialouge inserted into already existing conversation, more battle scenes, and of course added music composed by Howard Shore. The Countdown begins to November...
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