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Movies / On DVD / The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

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The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)

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Reviews Counted:12

Fresh:12

Rotten:0

Average Rating:7.8/10

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

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Reviews for The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

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Glorious escapism that will not make you feel dirty the morning after.

Full Review Source: Channel 4 Film | comment Comment
04/29/08
Matthew De Abaitua
Matthew De Abaitua
Channel 4 Film
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In size and scale, Jackson has redefined the word 'epic' -- but his attention to the small things really gives this series its awesome stature.

Full Review Source: Time Out | comment Comment
02/09/06
Time Out
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An essential component of what is now destined to be among the best film franchises of all time.

Full Review Source: Empire Magazine | comment Comment
01/16/03
Caroline Westbrook
Caroline Westbrook
Empire Magazine
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It's been a very watchable, distinctive, if over-extended FX spectacular. Nothing more.

Full Review Source: Guardian [UK] | comment Comment
12/16/02
Peter Bradshaw
Peter Bradshaw
Guardian [UK]
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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.

Full Review Source: BBC | comment Comment
12/13/02
Nev Pierce
Nev Pierce
BBC
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A thrilling work of film craft.

Full Review Source: TIME Magazine | comment Comment
01/13/03
Richard Corliss
Richard Corliss
TIME Magazine
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It is not faithful to the spirit of Tolkien and misplaces much of the charm and whimsy of the books, but it stands on its own as a visionary thriller.

Full Review Source: Chicago Sun-Times | comment Comment
12/18/02
Roger Ebert
Roger Ebert
Chicago Sun-Times
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The most incredible accomplishment of Towers is that at its heart it is a transition film that lasts nearly three hours and holds the viewer's attention.

Full Review Source: New York Times | comment Comment
12/17/02
Elvis Mitchell
Elvis Mitchell
New York Times
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If the second film never reaches the highs of the first -- we have met the players before and there are no new worlds of wonder -- it nonetheless invests moviegoing with a sense of adventure.

Full Review Source: Los Angeles Times | comment Comment
12/17/02
Manohla Dargis
Manohla Dargis
Los Angeles Times
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The Two Towers does not disappoint. This film is a fitting companion to the astounding The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.

Full Review Source: CNN.com | comment Comment
12/17/02
Paul Clinton (CNN.com)
Paul Clinton (CNN.com)
CNN.com
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Has a sharper narrative focus and a livelier sense of forward movement than did the more episodic Fellowship.

Full Review Source: Variety | comment Comment
12/06/02
Todd McCarthy
Todd McCarthy
Variety
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A cinematic flood of spectacular proportions.

Full Review Source: Hollywood Reporter | comment Comment
12/05/02
David Hunter
David Hunter
Hollywood Reporter
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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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