Two Towers

Wow.

OK, let me compose myself. I even waited until the next morning to write this so that I may be more unbiased. I’m not going to say too much because I don’t want to spoil it for those who have yet to see the movie, but to those people I say - “Go see it! Now!”

This is a movie with no beginning and no ending, it is very much a middle. And that is to be expected. I have no sympathy for those people who watch this movie without having seen the Fellowship of the Ring. Still it does stand well on its own and in comparison with the Fellowship. It does follow the book fairly closely, especially for the first half of the film. A couple things at the end were a bit different but I think that was to keep the movie exciting. The first movie’s last scene is from the second book and apparently the third movie’s first scenes are going to be from the second book as well. But the second book is longer than the others as far as plot advancement goes.

The movie had some really, really cool scenes - and I mean cool - especially involving Legolas - everyone’s favorite wood elf. :) I was also quite impressed with their job with Sméagol/Gollum. It isn’t easy to pass off a completely CG character in a live action movie, especially with the closeups, of which there were many. Very impressive. A pat on the back for Weta digital.

The pressing question is: was it better than the first one? The answer to that isn’t simple. First of all, it is like asking which part of a movie is better, the beginning or somewhere in the middle. Each are used for different purposes. This movie definitely won if you are looking for hardcore battle scenes and pure coolness. However for cinematic value, I’m inclined to think that the first one was superior. Take comfort in the fact that all three movie were shot at the same time and there for are in fact one huge 9+ hour movie. (Longer if they all have bitchin extended editions.) A+, 5 stars, Peter Jackson - you are a genius. :)