The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

UK Release Date: 18th December 2002

While Frodo and Sam edge closer to Mordor with the help of the shifty Gollum, the divided fellowship makes a stand against Sauron's new ally, Saruman, and his hordes of Isengard (www.imdb.com).

Director: Peter Jackson (The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings, The Frighteners, Heavenly Creatures)

Starring: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Sean Astin, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Billy Boyd, Bernard Hill, Christopher Lee, Dominic Monaghan, Viggo Mortensen, Miranda Otto, John Rhys-Davies, Andy Serkis, Liv Tyler, Karl Urban, Hugo Weaving, David Wenham

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers immediately starts where The first film ends. The Fellowship have split, Merry (Monaghan) and Pippin (Boyd) are captured by the enemy, with Aragorn (Mortensen), Legolas (Bloom) and Gimli (Rhys-Davies) in pursuit. Ring-bearer Frodo (Wood) and his trusted companion Sam (Astin) continue their quest to destroy the ring. Although the Fellowship's disbanded, they are united under one cause; to prevent the Dark Lord Sauron from taking over Middle Earth.

New friends, enemies and obstacles are met along the way. Men become the focal point in this one, represented by Rohan and Gondor. Are they strong enough to defeat their common enemy? Will old alliance's with Elves and one another come together when they most need it? New themes accompany the old. The few are against many. Even in impossible circumstances the forces of good will try. The love between Aragorn and elven princess Arwen (Tyler) is threatened by morals and a lady of Rohan.

The Two Towers almost surpasses TFotR in terms of quality and depth. Howard Shore's composition is just as powerful than before, and the effects team up the ante with the biggest, jaw-dropping battle to rival Gladiator's or Saving Private Ryan's. J.R.R. Tolkien's work can do no wrong in the hands of Peter Jackson and his writing crew.

5/5