The Title of the Review is not just a dialogue in the movie but also my Statement! The second part of The Lord of the Rings saga maintains the style, momentum and integrity that made the first film as brilliant as it is and thus what Peter Jackson gives us is one of the best sequels ever and certainly the best film of 2002. The film is not without a few weaknesses mainly because of it being a middle part linking The Fellowship of the Ring and The Return of the King and therefore not having an obvious beginning or an end. But what stands apart is the plot of the movie and the bombastic Special Effects(thanks to WETA Digital, the force behind Avatar 3D). The Fellowship of the Ring was a monumentally entertaining film, the Return of the King was an amazing wrap-up to the epic of our times, but the most dramatic moment for me came at the end of the Two Towers. After 3 hours of sweeping vistas, excellent Shakespearean acting, and otherworldly sights and sounds, we are treated to a scene that still sends chills down my back and rouses me like nothing! Watch it to know it!
Cast n Crew: The acting is, like in the first film, very good and at times even brilliant. Viggo Mortensen improves greatly and provides a more well rounded and believable Aragorn and proves his qualities as an actor especially in the quit moments. Also Elijah Wood deepens his character considerably and shows many of the darker sides of his character in the film. This provides for some interesting exchanges between Wood and his faithful companion played by Sean Astin. Bernard Hill is introduced in this film along with the method actor, Brad Dourif. Ian McKellen’s character, Gandalf, has been somewhat reduced in the second film but instead he steals every scene he is in. Likewise, Hugo Weaving’s character has been reduced but he is still very good and keeps his character in the same style as in the first film. Orlando Bloom and John Rhys-Davies returns as well and I have to comment on the choice to make Gimli into comic relief. Among other characters introduced are Faramir, played by David Wenham, and Gollum, played beautifully by Andy Serkis.Eowyn, the king’s niece, develops a special liking for Aragorn. However, as we understand from theprequel, there is still a deep love between Aragorn and the elf Arwen(the beautiful Liv Tyler). Arwen is persuaded to leave for another world entirely. She does have reservations leaving her true love Aragorn, though mortal and she is not, for distant lands and never see him again.Gollum is quite simply the most interesting film character in the last decade and this relates to Serkis’ performance, which was most unfairly not deemed fit for an Oscar nomination. Overall the acting is excellent like in the first film and all actors manages to develop their characters in ways that are at the very least acceptable.
SFX: The effects and fight scenes in this second film are among the best ever and is perhaps only bested by some of the effects in the third film in the series. The Gollum character and the battle for Helm’s Deep seem to be excellent examples. Gollum is quite simply the most stunning and beautifully created CGI character of all time and he displays extraordinary emotional range. As previously stated The Battle for Helm’s Deep is among the finest battle scenes ever created. Well paced and choreographed and above all the editing in between the hectic battle sequences and scared citizens provides for some emotional depth as well. This gigantic battle isn’t the only battle in the film. The battle scenes are simply on a much more epic scale.
My fav scenes in d movie:
1) Last battle’s climax when Gandalf’s army floods and defeats the orks.
2) The Black Gate opened by the two monsters.
3) Fort Wall Being breached during the Helm’s Deep Battle,
4) Trees storming into Saruman’s stronghold,
5) Saruman views his army numbering 10, 000 from top and says " There shall be No Dawn For Men!"
You’ll just have to see the film yourself to feel it! One of the very best films of all time - I feel this epic saga swallows greater installments like AVATAR and BATMAN. Definitely not to be missed!
Note: If you want to watch it, make sure you’ve watched its prequel FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING.
Conclusion: If you miss this movie, you truly MISS SOMETHING.