Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +4 Content: -1

As in the original, which received 13 Oscar nominations, director Peter Jackson brilliantly brings to life another of J. R .R. Tolkeins books. The characters, the colors, the sounds and the story are magnificently fashioned into a remarkable film of beauty and substance. The second in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Two Towers focuses on the powers of evil uniting against the humans of Middle Earth. The Fellowship has been broken but continues in its quest to the dark land of Mordor to destroy the ring in Mount Doom. The battle between good and evil is even more pronounced in the second film. This is powerfully portrayed in the personal struggle of Frodo (Elijah Wood) and the insidious influence of the ring. Gollum (voice by Andy Serkis) is an invaluable guide with his knowledge of the territory but a potential hindrance with his personal lust for the ring. This movie has wonderful action sequences and excellently detailed battle scenes. Gandalf (Ian McKellen), Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) and Samwise (Sean Astin) return in heroic roles. A stirring message of courage ties the story together.

Much of the credit for this well-made film goes to Tolkeins original story, which was inspired by a Biblical view of good and evil. Even the good characters struggle with impulses to satisfy a personal, or sinful, agenda. The films heroes, realistic and inspiring, are shown to be strong, but with human weaknesses. The themes of servanthood and friendship abound, as in the relationship of Sam and Frodo. Frodo even shows mercy to the villain Gollum. This film is darker than the original, The Fellowship of the Ring, but even in the dark moments, the characters are able to laugh at themselves, bringing pleasant comic relief. The main precaution in this film is the violence and bloodshed. One scene involves ghosts and in another, a person is possessed by another person. The film has a Biblical worldview but receives a slight negative rating because of a number of gory battles, including decapitations, and frightening images.

Preview Reviewer: Blaine Butcher
Distributor: New Line Cinema