Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
Directed by Peter Jackson     

 Review by Rada Djurica     

If a real story about real people is what you prefer, then you'd best choose some other films, comedies, musicals or melodramas. But if you have a family with small children, "The Lords of the Ring" trilogy is something for your personal collection.

We all had a period in our childhoods when we loved fairytales about princes on horses, evil kings and horrible looking dragons. Well, this is it. The first two parts of "Lord of the Rings" are full of such magic. Evil stands against good, there are creatures and elves, and even political intrigue.

Last year the first film, "The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring" brought in $860 million through worldwide distribution and earned thirteen Oscar nominations. This year the nominations were fewer, but without doubt, no less important, with even a Best Picture nomination.

The ring of the title confers great power on whoever possesses it, which makes a hobbit, Frodo (Elijah Wood) together with his Pancho, Sam (Sean Astin), determined to destroy it. The only opportunity for peace in Middle Earth is in the hands of these hobbits, who ply wits against the white-bearded and white-garbed Saruman (Christopher Lee). Viewing "Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" is not essential to following the story, even if you have never read the books. But because "The Lord of the Rings" is a very complex story, there may be some slight confusion.

"The Two Towers" is a struggle between the forces of good and the armies of ugly, horrible looking, menacing evil. The story is full of characters and battles, just like in real life, who are covering the real picture of Saruman's personification of the evil.

Watching this blaze of cinematic glory, I can see the characters in the movie standing for real life people in today's political world. Who is the evil wizard Saruman in real life? Maybe Saddam Hussein? Saruman casts a spell on the good King Theoden, just as the Iraqi dictator worked his charms to convince the Muslim world that the upcoming war was a clash of civilizations, asking all Muslim followers to ally themselves against the West.

"The Two Towers" is, indeed, another stunning technical achievement for Peter Jackson. The accent is on computer generated images. Gollum (voiced by Andy Serkis), for example, is a small, anorectic-thin creature, misunderstood by Frodo and Sam, while the audience gets a glimpse of his true nature. Gollum is a hobbit who went completely crazy by holding the ring for centuries. Indeed, he who wields big power may go nuts in real life, too.

Yet another amazing computer generated character is Treebeard (voiced by John Rhys- Davies). Treebeard, from the race of walking trees, called Ents, is called upon to join the forces of good in the upcoming war.

I assume many people would find the battle scenes the best, as they demonstrate the highest levels of computer technology. Others may find them very boring, as if they were made to fill the gaps and make the film last too long. Once again, proof that lengthy films matter more than glorifying the triumph of good over evil, when it comes to filling pockets.

On the side of good is Gandalf (Ian McKellen), who survives a fight of magic, assumed to be lost forever in a ferocious fight with the dragon-like Balrog. For romance lovers, we get the strange affection of Arwen the elf (Liv Tyler) and human Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen). Of course, the elfin muse is affected by a handsome human. Good idea, but it seems to come out of the blue.

The cinematography and the settings are all magnificent to the eyes. But the mind will be slightly disappointed. This sequel does not have the emotional impact of the first part. Even if the two films are the same length, the first part can stand alone, while the other two parts seem made to serve the glory of the impressive and ambitious story. (And equally, to serve to financial aims, of course). It is easy to see how, in the wrong hands, "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" could have become another typical fantasy. Fantasy is a tricky genre to work with, because often, it becomes tacky. But director Peter Jackson and co-screenwriters Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens have put much care into this monumental movie. They rightfully deserve praise. And nothing appears too cheesy.

Younger people will, of course, like the films more for the computer-generated imagery and non-stop action. Psychology lovers will like the character of Gollum or Sméagol, with his split personality, with scenes of the freaky-looking Gollum raging verbal battles with himself. Classic animation and Disney lovers will be thrilled with the cheesy tree people.... Everyone, one way or another, will find something interesting, even if they aren't children.

Even though you sometimes can't escape the feeling of having seen some of this before, that impression is easily replaced by its computerized cinematic glory, which lends a richness to the film. Of course, this is the impression the director wanted to make. And this impression is basic to its success. The "Lord of the Rings" films are very entertaining. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy is a beloved and influential fantasy book. Adapting it to the screen is not an easy task. Director Peter Jackson was granted the sum of $300 million. With this money "The Fellowship of the Rings," "The Two Towers" and the upcoming film "The Return of the King" are meant to capture three successful Christmases in the 21 Century. Very symbolic, isn't it? Nonetheless, the films are filled with imagination, energy, and awesome technical art.