Writer/Director: Peter Jackson
Starring: Elijah Wood, Andy Serkis and Viggo Mortensen
‘A Towering Sequel’
Few books ever written about precious rings are as beloved as “The Lord of the Rings”. Ever since it was published in the 1960’s, “The Lord of the Rings” is a beloved book series that readers have cherished. Packed with colourful characters, awe-inspiring action and powerful themes, the books have earned a huge fellowship fan following. Given their massive impact on popular culture, it’s no surprise that the books have been adapted into memorable movies. Each film adaptation has offered a fresh interpretation of source material. As precious as rings that hobbits have transported, the movies have become a phenomenon that’s celebrated.
I adore all of the movies in the “Lord of the Rings” franchise but “The Two Towers” stands out as the most impressive technical achievement. Released back in 2002, Peter Jackson’s film has stood the test of time as a towering fantasy sequel. It’s one of those rare sequels that improves on the first film in every way possible. The second instalment in the fantasy franchise marked a significant breakthrough for visual effects through introduction of motion-capture technology. Boasting exquisite production-design, gripping storytelling and phenomenal performances, it’s a fantastic fantasy sequel. At the centre of it all is a magnificent motion-capture performance by Andy Serkis, bringing to life the memorable character Gollum. Ultimately, it’s a fantastic fantasy sequel that would definitely please fans of the beloved franchise.
Following “The Fellowship of the Ring”, “The Two Towers” continues adventures of a hobbit embarking on a journey to destroy a precious ring. Elijah Wood embodies Frodo Baggins, a hobbit tasked with carrying a ring with powers that are frightening. Assisted by his compassionate friend Sam (Sean Astin), Frodo embarks on a journey to destroy a ring that’s conflicted. However, Frodo’s mission to destroy the ring is interrupted when he runs into the creature Gollum (Andy Serkis) posing danger. Battling over control of a ring that’s precious, Frodo questions whether he will ever accomplish a mission which is dangerous.
Peter Jackson has always been fascinated with stories of rings. Jackson directed the previous film in the famous fantasy franchise. His previous film “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” launched the world-famous fantasy series. With “The Two Towers”, however, Jackson crafted his first fantasy sequel. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to create a sequel to a beloved fantasy franchise, but he succeeded tremendously. Using captivating cinematography, Jackson captures a hobbit embarking on a journey to destroy a dangerous ring posing catastrophe. Visually, the movie is a feast for the eyes as stunning as rings that Frodo seeks to destroy. Evoking the first film, Jackson once again effectively uses forced perspective shots capturing a tiny hobbit in a larger-than-life fantastical world. For instance, Frodo is often shot using forced perspective shots to capture his minuscule nature in a large universe. Through forced perspective shots, Jackson captures the strong themes of the book about rings that are destructive. Using groundbreaking visuals, Jackson celebrates a fantastic fantasy book about rings that are frightening.
Another towering aspect of “The Two Towers” that contributes to its success is visual effects. From a technical perspective, it’s arguably the most impressive movie in the “Lord of the Rings” franchise. One area where the film improves tremendously on its predecessor is the visual effects. “The Two Towers” was one of the first ever movies to make use of motion-capture technology. Jackson expertly uses motion-capture effects to create the memorable fantastical creature Gollum. For instance, motion-capture effects elevate the water talking scene. During this unforgettable scene, Gollum talks to himself with his face reflecting on water contemplating whether he should steal the ring. One admires breathtaking motion-capture capturing a memorable creature. It’s a spectacular scene that captures the obsessive personality of a precious character. Moreover, the musical score is another aspect of “The Two Towers” that I adore. Howard Shore’s music is unforgettable. As in the previous film, the music plays a key role in capturing the world of Middle Earth. Through awe-inspiring production-design, Jackson celebrates a franchise about rings that shine.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “The Two Towers” is such as successful sequel. Amidst the breathtaking special effects, the film finds time to tell a story that’s compelling. The film is beautifully written, and does an extraordinary job of adapting a complex book into entertainment. Peter Jackson’s screenwriting is celebrating a legendary piece of literature through the hero’s journey. Throughout the franchise, Jackson expertly uses the hero’s journey to create a compelling character in a world of fantasy. Frodo is a character that exemplifies the hero’s journey. He starts off the franchise as a fearful hobbit that’s unsure of how to handle a dangerous ring. Following the guidance of inspirational mentors such as Gandalf, Frodo manages to overcome hardships. In the end, he transforms into a courageous hero that’s worthy. Through this ingenious storytelling device, Jackson creates a compelling literary character whom audiences can easily relate to. The hero’s journey is a tricky technique. George Lucas’ “Star Wars” franchise suggested the hero’s journey elevates classic science-fiction movies. Nevertheless, it works tremendously.
One admires astonishing performances. “The Two Towers” remains an enduring fantasy classic because of its strong acting.
Elijah Wood delivers one of his best performances as Frodo Baggins. Wood achieved appreciation by playing the courageous hobbit in “The Fellowship of the Ring”. With “The Two Towers”, however, he brought out an emotional side to the hobbit audiences hadn’t seen before. It isn’t easy to portray a hobbit experiencing a heavy responsibility of destroying a dangerous ring posing catastrophe, but Wood succeeded. With riveting expressions, he captures angst, desperation and perseverance of a hobbit determined to destroy a ring that’s frightening. It’s a phenomenal performance from an actor that was born to play the role.
Andy Serkis is amazing as an obsessive creature that develops a long-lasting attachment to a precious ring posing danger. In the legendary role that launched his motion-capture career, Serkis captures a creature with strong addiction to a ring that becomes a painful burden to bear. Whether he’s hatching a devious plan to betray the hobbits he is guiding or yearning to be in possession of a terrifying ring, Serkis effectively uses meaningful motion-capture to create a creature that’s compelling. It’s a powerful performance that launched the illustrious career of one of the world’s greatest motion-capture artists today.
The supporting cast is spectacular, building strong bonds. Ian McKellen is magnificent, capturing the pride of a wise wizard that is determined to guide hobbits to destroy a dangerous ring which caused a genocide. Sean Astin is spectacular, bringing humanity to a compassionate friend that’s always willing to lend a helping hand towards a companion seeking to destroy a ring standing by his side till the end. Lastly, Viggo Mortensen deserves appreciation. As a courageous warrior, he always brings gravitas to this franchise.
Finally, “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers” will earn appreciation of movie-goers for capturing addiction posing dangers. Unlike most fantasy movies, it tackles universal themes which everyone would be able to relate to. The film tackles universal themes including identity, obsession and self-discovery which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of J.R.R. Tolkien’s world-famous literature to appreciate the movie. It delivers a universal message which would engage everyone facing an addiction at an early age. Therefore, “The Two Towers” is one of those rare fantasy films everyone would appealing.
Fans of the famous fantasy book series will definitely appreciate “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers” and so will movie-goers seeking exhilarating entertainment. A towering sequel, it celebrates the long-lasting legacy of a famous fantasy book about rings that are frightening.
Nearly 70 years following publication of iconic fantasy literature about hobbits embarking on dangerous journeys across two towers to destroy frightening rings that cause terror, it’s a spellbinding reminder of a book evoking awe-inspiring wonder in readers which forever changed the world by portraying the terrifying danger that’s posed by addiction that has created a long-lasting legacy as timeless literature I’ll forever treasure.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 
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