This is an archived article from my now-defunct NeonReviews website. Any qualities and/or information provided about the reviewed item must be seen in context of when it was originally published.
Distributor: New Line Cinema
Genre: Action / Adventure / Fantasy
Availability: Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk
Related links: Official website
Additional information: The Fellowship of the Rings (review), The Return of the King (review), Internet Movie Database (IMDb) entry
And so the story continues. Even though the story is long, it has the potential to bind you to your seat until the story has been told to its end. Strong words, considering I watched the extended edition on DVD. I went into this story blind-folded, with no knowledge of the series beforehand (other than honorable mentions), and I think I had a good basis for being surprised of the story turns as it all went along.
What did really happen to Gandalf when he cast the Balrog into the deep? What happens to the two hobbits captured by Saruman’s orcs? How do Frodo and his friend Sam escape all the dangers on their way to Mordor? Answers to some of these questions are answered already in this follow-up movie. The story begins exactly where we left off from the previous film. Or more precisely, a little before where the first part of the story ended, just to clear up a few things and let you catch up in case you’re not watching these movies (close to) back-to-back. We’re moved closer to Mordor with a few complications, Gandalf has returned in a new form, and we’re shown more of the evil that Saruman has spread over Middle Earth. They manage to stop some of that evil, but their quest is far from finished yet.
Only now I’m catching on to it. I see what all the fuss is about. So will you, if you put your mind to the task of watching this triology. But to be able to figure out all the story and not lose track, you’ll need to see them all in sequence. It may seem like a painful task, but once you’re drawn in to the magic of Tolkien’s world, the hours fly by. And I watched the extended edition, which lasts for almost 4 hours.
The visual effects work is amazing. I’m still in awe over the fact that I’ve seen things that can’t exist in the real world, but that are still there in spite of that fact. Good effects are when you can’t see the difference between what’s real and what’s not.
Other reviewers seem to be right; it just gets better for each part. I suppose good things come to those who wait for my precioussss….
Recommended only if you’ve seen the first (The Fellowship of the Ring).
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