Glorious escapism that will not make you feel dirty the morning after.
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:215
Fresh:207
Rotten:8
Average Rating:8.4/10
Consensus: The Two Towers continues the LOTR trilogy with few missteps.
Runtime: 3 hrs 34 mins
Genre: Science-Fiction/Fantasy
Synopsis: Picking up where the first film left off, Peter Jackson's THE TWO TOWERS throws the remaining members of the Fellowship into the scattered chaos of Middle-earth, now fully under siege by the forces... Picking up where the first film left off, Peter Jackson's THE TWO TOWERS throws the remaining members of the Fellowship into the scattered chaos of Middle-earth, now fully under siege by the forces of Sauron. While Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Sam (Sean Astin) journey to the dreaded Mordor, Merry (Dominic Monaghan) and Pippin (Billy Boyd) are held captive by orcs, and Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), Legolas (Orlando Bloom), and Gimli (John Rhys-Davies) search for their abducted companions. Soon Frodo and Sam are joined by the sulking and duplicitous Gollum (portrayed by the voice and motion-captured acting of Andy Serkis), who becomes their guide through the barren lands leading to Mount Doom. Meanwhile Merry and Pippin encounter the looming Treebeard (voiced by Rhys-Davies) and Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli find themselves in the land of Rohan, accompanied by an old friend. As the tale continues, each scenario becomes more perilous, and fierce battles erupt at both Isengard, home of the treacherous Saruman (Christopher Lee), and the massive Helm's Deep. After masterfully setting up the world created by J.R.R. Tolkien in THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING, Jackson continues the trilogy with the increasingly dark and battle-filled TWO TOWERS without skipping a beat. Although the director takes a few more liberties in adapting the second installment, he skillfully cuts from one scenario to the next, creating a tightly woven tapestry with the various storylines. Joining the impressive cast this time around are Miranda Otto as Éowyn; Bernard Hill as her father, King Théoden; Brad Dourif as the aptly named Grima Wormtongue; Karl Urban as Éomer; David Wenham as Faramir; and Serkis under the remarkable CGI facade of Gollum. An intense epic that features one jaw-dropping sequence after another, THE TWO TOWERS more than carries its weight as the crucial centerpiece of THE LORD OF THE RINGS. [More]
Starring: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Andy Serkis
Starring: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Andy Serkis, Sean Astin, Billy Boyd, Dominic Monaghan, John Rhys-Davies, Orlando Bloom, Christopher Lee, Miranda Otto, Bernard Hill, Liv Tyler, Brad Dourif, Karl Urban, Hugo Weaving, David Wenham, Cate Blanchett
Director: Peter Jackson
Director: Peter Jackson
Screenwriter: Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson
Producer: Barrie M. Osborne, Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Tim Sanders
Composer: Howard Shore
Studio: New Line Cinema
Reviews for The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
In size and scale, Jackson has redefined the word 'epic' -- but his attention to the small things really gives this series its awesome stature.
An essential component of what is now destined to be among the best film franchises of all time.
There are flaws, yes, but the film is a breathtaking achievement in its scope.
There is no precedent for what Peter Jackson is doing with these films. Glorious escapism that will not make you feel dirty the morning after.
Utterly astonishing, truly epic film that comfortably exceeds all possible expectations.
It's been a very watchable, distinctive, if over-extended FX spectacular. Nothing more.
Gollum is the first believable CG character, while the battle of Helm's Deep is one of the finest, most expansive combat sequences ever filmed.
More graphic in its violence and more fantastic in its imaginings than the first film.
The battle is one of the best of its kind in film history, a symphony of bloodlust and hopes dashed and restored.
Yes, Peter Jackson demands nine hours of your time. But I can't think of a director more deserving.
I began to wonder, as the waves crashed about: Is it still possible for a movie to get excited about people?
Tolkien made every character's heart a battlefield between desire and selflessness, and Jackson underlines and boldfaces this theme. Call it Soul Wars, Episode Two.
The final act's battle scene is the most spectacular medieval type ever filmed. (Pubished 1-3-03)
Latest News for The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
July 13, 2008:
Guillermo del Toro - RT's Dinner and the Movies Interview
We have an extended chat with the director of Cronos, Pan's Labyrinth and this week's Hellboy II to talk about his career past, present and future and tap him for juicy... More...
March 27, 2008:
Ian McKellen Is Not Too Busy for The Hobbit
Even while The Hobbit was in legal limbo, Sir Ian McKellen wasn't shy about letting people know he wanted to reprise his role as Gandalf for the Lord of the Rings prequel(s). More...
January 14, 2008:
Elijah Wood: Once a Frodo, Always a Frodo
Count Elijah Wood as one of the millions excited about the news of Peter Jackson's involvement in those planned Hobbit films -- and another member of the Lord of the Rings cast... More...
December 18, 2007:
Peter Jackson, New Line Kiss and Make Up; Jackson to Produce Two Hobbit Films
Rejoice, nerds! Peter Jackson is heading back to Middle-earth! More...
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