The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002) is the second film in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. The film is often considered the most uneventful and, overall, weakest film in the trilogy. While we think that it’s true, it certainly is a very close call. The film introduces the country of Rohan, including iconic characters like King Théoden and Éowyn. Simultaneously, we are introduced to Gollum and Andy Serkis’ amazing performance alongside the revolutionary works of the VFX artists.
The first part of the film deals with the breaking of the Fellowship and follows three separate storylines: Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli aiding Rohan against the forces of Saruman; Frodo and Sam’s journey to Mordor under Gollum’s guidance; and Merry and Pippin’s encounter with the Ents. While this division of the narrative slows the pacing at times, it also expands the world and raises the stakes. The middle portion of the film gradually builds tension, culminating in the battle of Helm’s Deep, which is still regarded as one of the greatest large-scale battles ever put to screen.
Overall, The Two Towers may lack the freshness of Fellowship or the epic payoff of Return of the King, but it is far from a weak entry. Its darker tone, expansion of Middle-earth, and groundbreaking use of Gollum as a fully realized character make it an essential bridge between the beginning and the end of the saga. Even if it is the “middle child,” it remains a cinematic achievement in its own right.