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351 Posts
Saw LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS tonight.
Wow.
More of the all the same elements that made FoTR so great -- and even better.
This is the first sequel I've ever seen that really "felt" EXACTLY like the original (likely due to the the fact that they were filmed back-to-back). Felt like stepping right back into a very real world.
***SPOILER ALERT***
FX, esp. CGI are even better than in FoTR. The opening, showing EXACTLY what happened between Gandalf and the Balrog is absolutely amazing; I never dreamed we'd get to see this, nor that such a scene could be so well-realized on film.
Gollum is also very well done: CGI modelling, movement, voice are all perfect. You alternately laugh at, fear, and pity him (as you should). The "Tree Shephard" was well done too -- and I loved the greater variety of (and deeper) Orc characterizations.
I like that Gimli gets a bit more screen time this go-around, and his character is more fleshed-out. Viggo Mortensen also gives Aragorn much greater depth and dimension. Surprisingly, Frodo does not command the majority of screen time this time.
The overall "rhythm" of the film is quite a bit different than the first, however: rather than "exposition, battle, exposition, battle, exposition, battle" etc. (as in FoTR)......it's a long build-up in the first half, and an absolutely monumental battle for most of the second. Hang in there -- it's worth the wait.
I'm too overwhelmed (and tired) right now; will write more later.
If there were a word to describe my disappointment upon viewing the recent STAR WARS prequels, my feelings about the achievement of LoTR:TTT would be that word's antonym.
The film seamlessly integrates with, extends, matches, and exceeds its predecessor.
DC
Wow.
More of the all the same elements that made FoTR so great -- and even better.
This is the first sequel I've ever seen that really "felt" EXACTLY like the original (likely due to the the fact that they were filmed back-to-back). Felt like stepping right back into a very real world.
***SPOILER ALERT***
FX, esp. CGI are even better than in FoTR. The opening, showing EXACTLY what happened between Gandalf and the Balrog is absolutely amazing; I never dreamed we'd get to see this, nor that such a scene could be so well-realized on film.
Gollum is also very well done: CGI modelling, movement, voice are all perfect. You alternately laugh at, fear, and pity him (as you should). The "Tree Shephard" was well done too -- and I loved the greater variety of (and deeper) Orc characterizations.
I like that Gimli gets a bit more screen time this go-around, and his character is more fleshed-out. Viggo Mortensen also gives Aragorn much greater depth and dimension. Surprisingly, Frodo does not command the majority of screen time this time.
The overall "rhythm" of the film is quite a bit different than the first, however: rather than "exposition, battle, exposition, battle, exposition, battle" etc. (as in FoTR)......it's a long build-up in the first half, and an absolutely monumental battle for most of the second. Hang in there -- it's worth the wait.
I'm too overwhelmed (and tired) right now; will write more later.
If there were a word to describe my disappointment upon viewing the recent STAR WARS prequels, my feelings about the achievement of LoTR:TTT would be that word's antonym.
The film seamlessly integrates with, extends, matches, and exceeds its predecessor.
DC