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The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
Review by Mike Furches (Mike's bio)
Directed by Peter Jackson
Novel by J.R.R. Tolkien
Screenplay by Frances Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Stephen Sinclair and Peter Jackson
Elijah Wood .... Frodo Baggins
Ian McKellen .... Gandalf the White
Viggo Mortensen .... Aragorn
Sean Astin .... Samwise 'Sam' Gamgee
Billy Boyd .... Peregrin 'Pippin' Took
Liv Tyler .... Arwen Undómiel
John Rhys-Davies .... Gimli, son of Glóin/Treebeard (voice)
Dominic Monaghan .... Meriadoc 'Merry' Brandybuck
Christopher Lee .... Saruman the White
Miranda Otto .... Éowyn
Brad Dourif .... Gríma Wormtongue
Orlando Bloom .... Legolas Greenleaf
Cate Blanchett .... Galadriel
Karl Urban .... Éomer
Bernard Hill .... Théoden, King of Rohan
David Wenham .... Faramir
Andy Serkis .... Gollum/Sméagol
Robyn Malcolm .... Morwen, refugee of Rohan
John Leigh .... Háma
Original Music by Howard Shore
Cinematography by Andrew Lesnie
Film Editing by D. Michael Horton
MPAA: Rated PG-13 for epic battle sequences and scary images.
Runtime: 179 min
For rating reasons, go to FILMRATINGS.COM, and MPAA.ORG.
Parents, please refer to PARENTALGUIDE.ORG
Okay here goes, I've stated this before and I feel that I must state it again. I have not read the Lord of the Rings books in their entirety. I started reading the books after the last movie and to be honest it has been a brutally slow adventure. I have probably read at least 10 other books if not more during the time it has taken me to read, The Fellowship of the Ring. It is not that the book is bad, it is just not my forte in literature. I only mention this because my review of the movie is purely of the movie. I actually think that is positive in that there are still millions of readers and viewers who want in interpretation like this.
Lord of the Rings (LOTR), The Two Towers, starts precisely where the LOTR Fellowship of the Ring, left off. This is of course easily understood now, especially with the common knowledge that all three movies were all filmed at once. While this is common knowledge, it is still worth mentioning that it would be well worth your time to view Jackson's LOTR, Fellowship of the Ring, before watching The Two Towers. I personally recommend the DVD version, preferably the extended version. The DVD extra features will give you insight that make the movies themselves even more unbelievable and will enhance the movie going experience for you.
One of the first things that I must state, is that because of the nature of the making of this film and because of the original story actually being intended as one book as opposed to three, this movie can not truly be considered a sequel. It is a continuation of the same story but not a sequel. I believe that the new LOTR, should appeal to any audience attendee whether they saw the first installation or not. While it is helpful, it is not necessary. I do believe that after seeing The Two Towers one won't be able to not see the Fellowship of the Ring. This movie is that good and that entertaining.
The LOTR is long, running 2 hours and 59 minutes, but you still leave the theater wanting more. In many regards the action is paced at a much quicker pace and the time seems to go by quicker than in the first movie. I know many have issues with long movies but when done well, as they have been with this series, the time passes by much faster than one realizes.
There are many spiritual connections to this movie that whether Tolkien or Jackson intended them or not can not help but being noticed. The themes of perseverance, love, forgiveness, helping others, and so many more are inherently noticeable. The imagery between Gandalf the White and Jesus Christ can't help but be noticed. This becomes evident as we realize that Gandalf willingly gave up his life to save his friends and colleagues in the Fellowship of the Ring. We see in this movie a comparison of him falling into the pits of hell with an evil dragon (Balrog in Moria), where that dragon is eventually slain and Gandalf emerges as a figure whose image has been transformed. He is no longer Gandalf the Grey, he is now Gandalf the White. He as well as the remainder of the characters in the movie are true to their calling of completing the task before them of destroying the ring.
The story continues with new characters and thus new story lines. We see the devotion of the characters to each other and their willingness to forsake their own lives in the attempt to save the life of not only those they love but for the sake of doing what is right, even when it appears that doing right could result in death. The devotion to themselves, each other and their vision is a component that is an incredible reminder to each of us watching the film. This is not just a movie but in many ways a sermon that encourages people to examine their own life and thus, what they are doing with their life. Just as Gandalf is a figure that the characters of this movie will listen to and follow into battle that appears to lead to certain death, so is Christ that character for many others seeing this movie.
Technically, this movie is as good as the first because, again they were all filmed at the same time. If you read my original review of LOTR Fellowship of the Ring, you will see that I thought very highly of that movie, and thus I also think highly of this movie, even though it is darker and a little more complex. As far as entertainment value, quality movie making and things of that sort, this will be one of the best movies of the year, despite the fact that many Tolkien fans are disappointed. As opposed to being disappointed for Jackson's retelling of the story, consider that those of us who have not read the story will only be inspired to continue the reading of the story or to start for the first time. I am already at the point of wanting to go see the movie again to see what all I missed the first time. It is not often that, that happens. This movie did it for me though and I am all ready awaiting the final installment.
On a scale of 1-10, while this one is not quite as good as the first installment it is still pretty good, it falls just short of a 10 so I give it a 9.
Copyright 2003, Mike Furches. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission.
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About Mike Furches: Mike is the senior pastor of United at the Cross Community Church in Wichita, Kansas. The church, located in the inner city of Wichita has a unique ministry to former gang members, drug addicts, prostitutes and others often neglected by the church. Mike also is involved in freelance writing and speaks nationally. Check out his web page for more information: http://www.furches.org/ E-mail Mike |
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