MOVIE SCENE
Breathtaking 'Lord of the Rings' likely to rule box office

By Jack Garner
Gannett News Service

THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS (Rated PG-13 for violence) Four Stars (Excellent) The stunning continuation of Peter Jackson's epic adaptation of the famous J.R.R. Tolkien saga about the battle for Middle-earth. Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, Ian McKellen co-star. New Line, 179 minutes.

But one bit of advice: Don't try to watch "The Two Towers" without having first seen "The Fellowship of the Ring," currently on video and DVD.

The second part of the trilogy hits the ground running — it literally begins where the first film ends. There is no voice-over telling you "Previously, in 'The Lord of the Rings' ...."

The films offer all manner and species of characters, complicated mythology and entangled plots; they're difficult to follow if you pay attention. But if you haven't even seen part one, fugettaboutit!

The closest parallel is "The Empire Strikes Back," the second of the first three "Star Wars" films. And like "Empire," "The Two Towers" is actually superior to the superb first film.

"The Lord of the Rings" is Peter Jackson's immense adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's famous trilogy about a brave and resourceful hobbit named Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood).

A small, unassuming hero, Frodo joins with humans, elves, a dwarf and other creatures to try to save Middle-earth (the world) from an incredibly powerful evil force, the dark lord Sauron.

The source of total power is a small gold ring — and Frodo has it on a chain around his neck. If Sauron regains control of the ring, the world is doomed. In part one, Frodo set off on a long and difficult odyssey with his friends to take the ring back to the volcanic fires where it was forged. Only there can it be destroyed, ending Sauron's threat.

In part two, the journey continues, though our hero is separated from most of his companions, and the splintered fellowship has to fight obstacles on several fronts.

To tell the tale, Jackson employs a first-rate acting ensemble, a vast army of extras and special effects that push the envelope.

Though Jackson wisely keeps the focus on the individual characters, he also provides awesome medieval battle sequences. The sword fights and castle stormings echo the best work of legendary Samurai movie master Akira Kurosawa.

Even more breathtaking is the cinema's first bona fide CGI (computer-generated image) star — a character named Gollum who seems real enough to earn an Oscar nomination, except he's pixilated.

Gollum is a former hobbit — and a former ring bearer — who was deformed by the evil of the ring. He's got a Jekyll and Hyde dual nature, which makes him particularly dangerous.

Though thoroughly engrossing, Gollum is a totally artificial character. Computer graphic engineers created him, using the movements and voice contributions of actor Andy Serkis for guidance. The creature far surpasses Yoda and Jar Jar Binks and other CGI pioneers.

Gollum is extremely realistic and generates much sympathy, some fear and lots of wonder.

The human performances are also excellent, particularly from Viggo Mortensen, whose portrayal of the human warrior Aragorn is expanded in part two; and John Rhys-Davies, who contributes much humor as the fearless dwarf, Gimli.

Also key are the artful contributions of cinematographer Andrew Lesnie, composer Howard Shore and the special effects crew — all Oscar winners for "The Fellowship of the Ring."

The second part of Jackson's "Ring" trilogy continues the epic adventure without the slightest drop-off in quality or clarity.

I suspect at some distant point, hearty filmgoers will be able to see the entire nine hours of the trilogy in one immense sitting. We know the first six hours, at least, are worth the effort.

Now let's get in line for part three.

Rated PG-13 for intense battle violence.