The Two Towers-Jackson Bitch Slaps Jar-Jar
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers is the second installment in the series and probably the finest of the three films, which is saying a great deal. Much like The Fellowship of the Ring Peter Jackson’s adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien revered work is, once again, spot on. Decades from now The Two Towers will be looked at as a classic and a masterpiece. Few films in history do a better job of creating an epic feel that pulls the audience in by their collective throats and refuses to let go. Like, the original Star Wars, The Two Towers will likely inspire more than one youngster to become a filmmaker. More than anything it reveals how good film can be and how to choreograph fighting and battle sequences. In this regards it is literally worthy of study and, no doubt, many shall do just that in the coming decades.
These are complex movies and I will only touch on the main points with the broadest of strokes. Frodo and Sam are attempting to survive a rather difficult trip to Mount Doom to destroy the ring while much of the rest of the “Fellowship” are preparing to fight off the hordes and hordes and hordes of Orcs at the pivot battle at Helm’s Deep. The battle at Helm’s Deep is where the movie and perhaps the trilogy hits its stride. If there is such a thing as true movie magic, this is it. Now, for those of you who have read many of my other reviews, you know that I am not a gusher. The battle of Helm’s Deep is a bit of a mind melter, as wave after wave of attackers are repelled. The CGI of the first film is more robust, more intense and crisper than the first, which is and of itself an accomplishment.
With all of this said, you might believe that this is just a rough and tumble brawlfest, but that would not be the case as the character development is exceptional. You grow to appreciate and care about the characters and the acting performances border on fantastic. Now, considering that some characters have limited screen time, this is yet another testament to the overall quality of the film. In fact, I could use up this entire review simply cataloging which actors desire a nod for doing a great job and why.
The Two Towers will be remembered for many accomplishments, yet it is likely that it will be the digital characters of Gollum and the Ents, which are essentially giant walking trees, that will be remembered the most in terms of landmarks and breakthroughs in filmmmaking. The facial expressions on Gollum will get even the most brain dead talking. That friend you have who only thinks about beer and coning women out of their clothes, might actually even comment on how cool Gollum was on the big screen. Now, that is perhaps more incredible than the film. Long term, I believe, the Two Towers could be the film that catapults, no pun intended, Jackson pass Lucas. With Gollum Jackson essentially bitch slaps Lucas’s Jar-Jar. It’s a thing of beauty.
This is the kind of film you will likely want to watch over and over again. It is one of the few films, I have ever considered going to see in the theater a second time. Oh, and one more fact. I am usually not a big fan of this kind of movie. That probably says it all.
Story A+ (The script is completely engrossing and the story really pulls the audience into the action.)
Acting A+
Visuals A+ (The Two Towers probably sets a new benchmark for which other visual feast will be forced to measure themselves).
Originality/Innovation A+ (Weta, once again, deserve high marks for its contribution to this breakthrough film. It will likely be the breakthrough virtual characters of Gollum and the Ente that will be most sited and most remembered as contributing to cinema.)
Enjoyability Grade A+
Home Theater/HD Factor A+ (If you want more out of your home theater system then something is wrong with your home theater system. You should considering upgrading your projector, check and make sure you have an true HD capable projector and an HD feed. This is why you spent the value of a kidney on the India organ market for the dam thing, so enjoy.)
Overall Grade A+ (A rare A+ in every category says everything about the quality of this film. Check your soul if you don’t like or at least appreciate this film.)
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