MOVIE REVIEW: ‘The Two Towers’ falls short–Grade B-
It was one of the most hyped-up movies of the year. It was one of the most eagerly-anticipated movies to be released. It was also one of the most overrated and disappointing. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think this is a bad movie (for those few of you reading this who have not seen it yet). I just don’t think that it was as good as the first. It fell victim to the sequel curse, and that is just the way it is.
“The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers” picks up where “Fellowship of the Ring” left off. But then it derails and flails around without a clear goal. I guess the more correct way to look at this is from the standpoint of the books. If you have read J.R.R. Tolkien’s masterpieces, this movie deviates drastically. Now, I have already been criticized for this stand, but it’s true. Director Peter Jackson even said that this was the film that made the most changes from the storyline in the books, which does not sit well with me.
I understand that in order to turn an epic novel into a movie people will sit through, you have to make changes. But adding Liv Tyler into a love story that didn’t develop to this point is another ball of wax. Then there is the lame attempt at a love triangle, and that gets even messier.
My major feeling about this film is that it is just too damn long. True it is almost a mirror of last year’s installment, but this one drags on and felt much longer because of the ongoing battle preparations at Helm’s Deep. This whole section could have been cut down by 30 minutes and still have been just as effective. The actual battle was spectacular, but everything leading up to it got tedious.
True, too, was the fact that this book takes three different paths to reach the end (which we won’t see until the next film). Jackson just didn’t weave the beautiful tapestry in filmmaking this time out. The story was jumpy and fractured, and the storylines did not flow as well.
This movie lacked the vision and the scope of the predecessor. It was still beautiful and stunning to watch, but visuals do not a good movie make. The acting is still quality, and the special effects are flawless.
Perhaps the most amazing addition is Gollum — a computer-generated spectacle. Gollum is funny, tragic and lovable. It’s too bad this was the high point in this gigantic undertaking. He’s almost enough to make up for some of the shortcomings, but not really.
Unlike the “Harry Potter” sequel that followed the book and continued to develop the characters and build excitement, “Towers” stumbled and lost valuable ground. This movie lacks the exhilaration and the energy “Fellowship” possessed. “Towers” is a letdown, but still a good movie for die-hard fans. In a way, it’s the perfect setup for the King’s return next December.
Justin Berry is working toward his second bachelor’s degree in theater performance. Comments can be sent to justinsb26@hotmail.com.