|
|
|
At last the waiting is over! A year ago, cinemas across the world erupted to the sound of frustrated audiences as The Fellowship of The Ring left them hanging on a cliffhanging edge. Now, part two, The Two Towers, has arrived just in time for Christmas |
|
What's the Plot?
The struggle for the infamous "one ring" continues. It it ends up in the possession of it's creator, the Dark Lord Sauron, he will then have the power to rule the world. The Fellowship of The Ring - sworn to destroy it - has broken, with Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Sam (Sean Astin), trying to reach Mount Doom on their own whilst being followed by the mysterious Gollum (Andy Serkis) - an ex-ringbearer. The other two hobbits, Merry (Dominic Monaghan) and Pipin (Billy Boyd), having been captured by the enemy, are being tracked by Aragon (Viggo Martensen), the elf Legolas (Orlando Bloom), and the dwarf Gimli (John Rhys Davies). While these three journeys take place, Sauron and corrupted wizard Saurman (Christopher Lee), plan to rid the world of human kind - starting with an attack on the population of Helm's Deep.
|
The Review Sequels normally suffer from diminishing returns - and praise - but there's no chance of this happening to Peter Jackson's (Director) second installment of the "Ring" trilogy, especially since it surpasses the first film by miles! With lengthy introductions dispensed with (required for non-Tolkein fans and people ignorant of hobbits!), Jackson can concentrate on giving the audience a truly unforgettable experience with some of the best set pieces ever committed to celluloid. Using sweeping camera shots the circle everything from stunning panoramas of Middle Earth to battles, Jackson's direction truly defies belief, with The Two Towers delivering on all levels. From an "oh my god!" opening sequence through to the three separate story arcs thet follow the disbanded members of "The Fellowship", the pace of the movie is such that you get swept up by the sheer momentum, and spectacle of it all.
|
The "Frodo and Sam" story has the bonus of introducing THE best Computer Generated Image (CGI) creation to date - Gollum. Whether it's his shockingly aggressive attack on Frodo for The Ring, or his moments of sharp banter with Sam as they forcibly become traveling companions, this computer-generated character is able to evoke various reactions from the audience, especially with his split personality arguments with himself. The other CGI that will probably stay with everyone will be the battle at Helm's Deep. Gloriously epic, visually stunning, hugely detailed, it is a truly engrossing spectacle that piles the tension, the bone-crunching fights and heroic deeds upon themseleves until you reach the point where you truly fear for Gimli, Legolas and Aragon's lives. How on earth is Jackson going to better The Two Towers with the third installment, The Return of the King , since this sheer unadulterated joy and class? You must see this.
|
Copyright © Steve Murphy 2003
