Rating: 
Summary: A disappointing continuation to the terrific "Fellowship."
Review: The Fellowship of the Ring was one of the best films of 2001 (maybe the best) and one of the most engaging adventures I've ever seen (lagging behind only the Indiana Jones series in this respect). It's unfortunate The Two Towers fails to follow in the suspense, thrills, and emotional sweep of the first installment. Overall, it's a decent movie (thanks mostly to its ties with the first film) but this is definitely a terribly disappointing continuation.As I stated before in my review for Fellowship, I have never read the classic Tolkein novel, thus my complaints have nothing to do with comparative discrepancies. What I see wrong here is my belief of what are some poor filmmaking decisions. Much of the appeal of Fellowship was that it was about a small group of a quest that ventured into the unknown, an odyssey full of suspense, thrills and chills. A surprise lay at every corner, whether it was a riddle, monster, or barrier hindering the journey. Virtually all of this is lacking from The Two Towers. It's simply a "gather as many people together and deliver a big battle" affair that fails to hold interest. Some of the slower moments are harder to slog through than my typical day of chemistry class. As just an average moviegoer, what else did I find wrong with the film? First, characters pop up on an infrequent basis and then disappear almost as quickly. Sure, the lead cast is still interesting (particularly Legolas and Aragorn) and the additions of Gollum and Eowyn (Miranda Otto) aid the film during its slower moments. But most everyone else is a nobody to me, their names uttered too quickly for me to remember and killed off too quickly for me to even bother caring (the king's son, who was he and why did the director think we'd care about his death, given we never even saw him alive in the first place?). Director Peter Jackson films at least two dozen scenes in slow motion, obviously meant to be dramatic, but most of these moments once again involve characters we don't even know (particularly the slow-mo death of one elf during the battle of Helm's Deep). Such scenes weigh the film down and give it an agonizingly slow pace. As for the battle of Helm's Deep, that was perhaps the biggest disappointment of all. Waiting nearly two-and-a-half hours for the climactic battle, it's unfortunate to see Jackson mars this lengthy sequence with quick-cut editing that turns the sword clashes into a blur. Intercutting the battle with two other subplots only destroys whatever momentum the spectacle had been building up. Yet, with all my complaining, there is still much I admired. The performances are still first-rate, the special effects are mostly excellent, and Howard Shore's score is the most rousing since Vangelis' Conquest of Paradise piece. The Two Towers lacks in action/adventure and rarely engaged on an emotional level, but it's a movie that's nice to look at, often fairly easy to appreciate, and there's enough breathtaking cinematography to keep things afloat for awhile. But it's three hours long, hardly energetic enough, and an anti-climax when it should be revving up on the suspense. I sincerely hope The Return of the King atones for The Two Towers, but I have my doubts.
Rating: 
Summary: An Awesome Movie!!
Review: This movie was great. I'm a big Lord of the Rings fan and although more was changed than I thought would be and some of the changes were alittle unnecessary, but it was a good movie altogether. Peter Jackson did a brilliant job directing. The music by Howard Shore was incredible and the acting was extrodinary. I highly recommend this movie and The Fellowship of the Ring.
Rating:
Summary: Best Film of 2002
Review: Having seen The Two Towers three times it has become one of my all time favorite movies. It is up there with the Star Wars trilogy. See this film on the big screen while you can. I've never read the books, but usually the movie version of a book takes many liberties as does this one. Don't compare it to the book, but see it for the action and adventure. This movie is destined to be one of the all-time great classic fantasy films. The visuals are stunning, but don't smother the story as do more recent special effect movies. I can't wait to see the next Lord of the Rings movie. Why can't more movies be made like this one?
Rating:
Summary: Return to Middle Earth
Review: I really had my doubts that Towers would be able to maintain the quality exhibited by Fellowship but those doubts were not only laid to rest but blown out of the water! The acting is superb - both by the continued characters and the new ones - but what almost totally steals the show are the special effects. Gollum is so realistic that I had to remind myself that it wasn't an actor in a suit (not that anyone would fit!). The interaction between Frodo, Sam and Gollum in seamless. Never did I get the feeling that there were 2 actors trying to interact with "to be filled in later" character. Aragorn continues to be absolutely devastating in his physical and emotional pressence on screen. He's not just eye candy to bring women to the movie (although he's a good motivator for that!) but the character exemplifies qualities of loyalty, strength and determination that anyone, male or female, can relate to. Legolas is also a powerful character and gets a chance to shine brighter in Towers than in Fellowship. Gimli brings a touch of humor to an otherwise dark installment in the Rings trilogy. My kudos to the cast and crew. Thank you for bringing Rings to life!
Rating: 
Summary: Changes too jarring
Review: I loved the first movie, adored the extended version, and waited eagerly for the second installment. However, my partner and I left the theatre feeling betrayed. The Two Towers is not the film that I expected to see. It's obvious why changes were made to the story, but *So Many* changes were made that the story seemed warped. My main issues were with the following things (spoilers minimised):
* the Ents are "tree-herders." They care for the trees, and are, effectively, the Forest. They Know what happens in the forest.
* For Aragorn to be injured once is a misfortune. For him to be injured so many times seems daft, and takes away the tension. (Esp. when *every* incident was added to the story.)
* Bits were added for light relief that go against the basic personality of characters, as seen in the books. An army is added for coolness only.
* Faramir is a noble guy. While adding tension heightens the drama, it really goes too far. Much, much, too far.
(Some of the other changes also annoyed me, but not as much.) Admittedly, I'm hypersensitive about this because I loved the original story so much. I didn't expect a direct transfer, but I certainly didn't assume that it would be a complete rewrite either. I'm sure I'm in the minority, but all of my friends who have seen it so far have been at least annoyed by some of the changes.
Rating:
Summary: Intense'
Review: Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers hands down wins my vote for best action film of 2002. Fans of the first movie on a whole should love the second film as well as the action TOTALLY picks up. Fans of the books may not be as thrilled with the greater emphasis on action over story. On a whole though, MOST should be pleased with Peter Jackson's second look at Tolkien's legendary work. THE STORY: Sarumon the White and Sauron, lords of the Two Towers (Isengard and Mordor), have joined forces to wipe out the denizens of Middle-Earth. The Fellowship of the Ring has split into three where our story picks up following the storylines of Frodo and Sam who continue to journey to Mordor alone to destroy the One Ring; Merry and Pippin who were captured; and Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli and Gandalf who seek to rally the people of Middle Earth to rise up and take on the combined Dark Forces. THE ANALYSIS: Overall, if you love action and FX, this movie BRINGS it in spades. This nearly three hour film is almost exclusively fight scenes and suspense. Tolkien's story is still in the background, but the film tones it down in favor of the fights scenes which is cool with me but may not leave Tolkien purists overly happy. The character of Gollum easily steals the show with his schizophrenic episodes. The character of Gimli the Dwarf is also played well as comical relief throughout. BEST SCENES: - The battle of Helm's Deep (easily tops Attack of the Clones final battle scene) - Gollum's schizophrenia - The Trees at Isengard - Gandalf saves Theoden THE VERDICT: Overall, the intense action and the awesome special effects rendering of Tolkien's world will easily put LOR: The Two Towers at the top of anyones favorite movie list. You know you don't want to miss this. Highest Recommendation
Rating:
Summary: This is Jackson's story
Review: Don't get me wrong, I love Lord of the Rings in book form. My three favorite books of all time are the three that tell of Frodo's quest to destroy the ring. With such a love of the books, it would be easy to pass this movie off as [junk] because it changed way too much. And yes, if it were truer to Tolkien I would probably have liked it even better! But here's how I think of it: Tolkien said that he wasn't so much writing a story as he was discovering and retelling it. He went so far as to think of LotR and his other writings on Arda (the LotR world - Middle Earth is only part of it!) as a mythology that England could call its own. So the books are Tolkien's version of the story. But like any great mythology, details change in every telling, and now Jackson is telling a slightly different yet equally enthralling version of the story. The details may be different, but the big plot points are there, and when it all comes down to it the story is as grand and epic as ever.
Rating:
Summary: It Keeps Getting Better!
Review: The Two Towers, the second in the famous trilogy, is at least as good as the first. Yes it's true, the plot is much darker than in The Fellowship of Ring but that's how it is in the book as well. Although the plot isn't as lighthearted as the first movie, the more serious nature comes across well and there are plenty of amusing moments that help to lighten the mood. The movie starts off right where the Fellowship ended(it might be a good idea to watch the Fellowship before watching the Two Towers for the first time). The first scene is of Gandalf fighting the Balrog. The difference is, this time when he falls, we follow him. We end up watching a dramatic battle as both the Balrog and Gandalf fall into a vast cavern. Then we join Frodo and Sam. Frodo wakes up, and we end up thinking the battle was just a dream. We then meet up with Merry and Pippin in the hands of the Uruk Hai. Then we move on to Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli as they give chase to the Uruk Hai in hopes of rescuing Merry and Pippin. We are then in for a long ride of a fight to conquer evil, friendship, loss, delightful humor, and, of course, action packed fun. The movie is extraordinarily well done and will undoubtedly be even more loved than the first. The only criticism for it that I can find is that since the beginning introduces so many characters, it's a bit hard to follow. I also think that the love story between Aragorn and Arwen was a bit overdone. The Ent's appearances weren't what I'd pictured but they were very well done. Everything else is done to perfection. The Battle of Helms Deep is amazing, the numerous special effects are just as good, or better, than anticipated, and Gollum is absolutely perfect! Everything(acting, script, layout, special effects, etc.), was done to perfection. The Two Towers is one of the best movies ever! A must see for everyone. A+ The Cast: Frodo-Elijah Wood, Sam-Sean Astin, Merry-Dominic Monaghan, Pippin-Billy Boyd, Aragorn-Viggo Mortenson, Legolas-Orlando Bloom, Gimli-John Rhys-Davies, Gandalf- Ian McKellan, King Theoden-Bernard Hill, Eowyn-Miranda Otto, Eomer-Karl Urban, Faramir-David Wenham, Saruman-Christopher Lee, Wormtounge-Brad Dourif, Arwen-Liv Tyler, Elrond-Hugo Weaving, Galadriel-Cate Blanchett, Haldir-Craig Parker, Gollum-Andy Serkis(voice and movements), Treebeard-John Rhys-Davies(voice),
Rating: 
Summary: Wow, What a Ride!
Review: I saw TTT on opening day, knowing ahead of time that there were changes from the book, and I loved it. I admit I was annoyed by the changes made to Faramir's character (unnecessary), Frodo confronting the Ringwraith (why?), Theoden's possession (didn't like that at all), and Haldir's fate. Changes I didn't mind (and actually kind of liked) were Elves at Helm's Deep and Arwen. In spite of the changes, I thought this movie was great. Legolas is amazing (love the shield surfing and the unbelievable horse mounting--there were audible gasps of amazement from the audience) and well-acted by Orlando Bloom. The Elf is bad and oh so nice to look at. (And, no, I'm not a teenage girl. I'll soon be 30. *S*) Sean Astin is perfect as Sam. I don't think anyone could do it better than him. Another reviewer said it and I agree that Sam is one of the true heroes of the trilogy. Gollum looks great. He's quite life-like and worthy of some sort of Oscar. I loved the comic relief of Gimli--necessary and well-acted. Grima Wormtongue is wonderfully sinister and creepy. Every performance was well done--Gandalf, Theoden, Eowyn, Arwen, Saruman, Frodo, Merry, Pippin, Eomer, Aragorn, and the Ents (loved the attack on Isengard). The battle scenes are great, the scenery is beautiful, the CGI is top-notch (not overdone), the story is interesting, the acting believable. It's not boring at all (I was practically on the edge of my seat, figuratively speaking, the whole time) or unoriginal (it all came from the imagination of Tolkien long before any of the movies a reviewer mentioned were ever made) as some have claimed. Though I've read (and loved) the books and didn't like some of the changes in the movie, The Two Towers is one of the best movies that's ever been made. I loved it, can't wait to see it again and can't wait to own it on DVD. :)
Rating:
Summary: Stunning!!
Review: I have now sat through "Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Rings" several times, including a few viewings of the film's extended edition, which was released on DVD earlier this Winter. When I originally saw the film theatrically, I liked it, but didn't love it and found it rather flawed - the first hour seemed too slow and I never really found myself fully involved in the characters. However, I warmed up to the film after its first DVD release and consider the extended version to be a very considerable improvement over the theatrical cut. I'm pleased to say that I found "The Two Towers", the follow-up to the first picture, to be mostly a phenomenal piece of cinema (once again, I have not read the books - I'm going simply on what I thought of the film). The film may be the middle part of the trilogy, but that actually works for the opening of the picture - we know these characters and after the sudden close of the first film, most will likely be eager to see the adventure continue on-screen. The opening sixty minutes of the picture opens at a full-throttle pace as Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), Legolas the elf (Orlando Bloom), and Gimli the dwarf (John Rhys-Davies) continue to try and rescue hobbits Merry (Dominic Monaghan) and Pippin (Billy Boyd) from their Orc captors. Elsewhere, Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Sam (Sean Astin) continue their journey to destroy the ring, guided by Gollum (Andy Serkis), a CGI-creature who is obsessed with the ring, but decides to serve as the guide for the two hobbits. There is also the return of Gandalf (Ian McKellen). The film does split the story into a few pieces, although it's a credit to director Peter Jackson and the film's editors that the film cuts between the stories perfectly, with not too much time spent on one or another. This film focuses on Aragorn's character considerably more than anyone else, but that's not a bad thing: Viggo Mortensen is a terrific actor and the progression of this character is the most engaging part of this picture. Still, Frodo's quest is compelling material and even Merry and Pippin's ending up on the shoulders of a giant tree creature, Tree Beard (voiced by John Rhys-Davies) is enjoyable - a good mix of comedy and drama. While Gollum's tragic battle with his own soul is often very well-played, there is one darkly funny sequence with the creature battling himself that is quite amusing. The human actors also all provide uniformly stellar performances, with even some of the performances that have less screen-time (Liv Tyler's Arwen) remaining memorable. All of this eventually builds towards the battle of Helm's Deep, a giant stone fortress that Aragorn, Pippin, Gimli, king Theoden (Bernard Hill) and an army of a few hundred men have retreated to. Sauruman (Christopher Lee)'s armies are sweeping across the lands, however, and its only a matter of time before they reach the gates. When they do - the film's last 20-25 minutes - it's something truly breathtaking. Facing impossible odds, the band of a few hundred looks out to face nearly 10,000. The film does have a bit of a slow point around the middle, but both the opening and closing of the film proceed with more forward momentum than the first picture did in general. "The Two Towers" story, split into several sections, also feels larger than the first film - there's more going on, there feels like even more at stake and the urgency and emotion that Jackson is able to give many events in the film is remarkable. Technically, the film is also remarkable. Peter Jackson and team, whose careful use of CGI mixed with astonishingly beautiful real locations only enhances the film, shows how computer effects should be used, unlike the latest "Star Wars" pictures, where the effects overwhelm everything else. Gollum, for example, is a far better character - in animation, voicing, writing, emotion and movement - than Lucas's horrid Jar-Jar Binks. Andrew Lesnie's cinematography once again makes the New Zeland locations look breathtakingly beautiful and epic. Howard Shore's score adds drama, tension and excitement without calling too much attention to itself. Production design is, once again, first-rate. "The Two Towers" is not a flawless picture, but it is grand, epic filmmaking unlike anything I've seen in recent years. The continuing story of these great characters continues to be compelling, the realization of this world by Peter Jackson and crew is visually stunning and many scenes here are powerful and incredibly memorable - especially the Helm's Deep sequence, which is more amazing than anything I've seen on the big screen in recent memory. One of the year's finest films.
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