I’ve just returned from Wellington, where I saw the cast and crew screening of the second movie in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Two Towers. And it’s _all class_. Another lengthy offering from Peter Jackson, this one clocks in at 3hours. But I didn’t notice the length, because I was thoroughly engrossed in the film. Is is, in my opinion, superior to the first movie in many places, groundbreakingly excellent in many other places … and a little bit painful in some places. I can’t go into any real detail, due to pesky non-disclosure agreements, as well as a promise to a friend. However…
Gollum is The Shit. Forget Yoda. Forget Jar-Jar fucking Binks. Forget Wibbly or Nibbly or Wobbly or whatever the Harry Potter House Elf is called. Gollum, a 100% CGI creature, _IS_ a supporting character in this film, and he is _excellent_. You forget he’s CG, and that’s something I never did with any of the previously mentioned constructs. Gollum alone deserves an oscar.
Helms Deep. This is _the_ best large-scale fight scene I have ever seen. Hell yes. I can’t wait to see the stuff in the third movie at Minas Tirith.
The Ents are great.
Ah hell, you know what, it’s ALL great.
However.
Tolkien purists are going to _spit_ over this movie. Fellowship stayed pretty true to the story, with the exception of deleting some parts (and rightly so in my opinion … so long Bombadil, you god-damn hippie) however in The Two Towers Jackson and the other writers make considerable changes from the source material …Including some outright shifts in the temprament of at least one character that I didn’t really like, and a LOT of changes to the story. You’ll know which bits I mean when you see it.
And after the movie, off I go to Weta Digital, where I finally get to see … a bunch of stuff that I REALLY can’t tell you about, for more pesky non-disclosure reasons. However, I’d work there in a heartbeat, just to get “Weta Digital” on my C.V.
A good day.
Oh, and the cast and crew watching the movie broke into spontaneous applause in at least two places that I remember – The Bit Where Legolas Does That Thing Getting On The Horse, and after Gollum’s argument with himself. Watch for these bits. 🙂
December 16, 2002 at 2:20 am
I have tickets for opening night, me with 100 friends.
Cant wait!!!
December 16, 2002 at 2:24 am
ok
ok
ok
I HATE YOU!!!!!!!!!
two more sleeps
two more sleeps
I HATE YOU!!!!!!
December 16, 2002 at 3:25 am
Did it feature ‘The Flaming Cunt of Doom’ like the last one did? I’m not sureI’m going to see it actually, I thought the first one sucked.
December 16, 2002 at 11:48 am
It certainly did feature the Mighty Flaming Vagina of Mordor.
I must say, actually, that the Extended Edit of Fellowship that is now available on DVD is a much better movie. Smoother editing, much more character development (especially of Legolas and Gimli) and generally cooler in all ways.
December 16, 2002 at 4:01 am
i am so jealous my nose is flaming (but i will take console in the fact that i am almost through the book and will watch the movie on thursday – can’t wait!)
December 16, 2002 at 10:11 am
🙂
I’m going Thursday night. Yay, can’t wait 🙂
Speaking of outings… what are you doing on Sun? You are invited to the Scoobygang bbq at Kerry’s if you aren’t busy. They would love to meet you in person, even if it’s only for an hour or so…
December 16, 2002 at 11:49 am
Re: 🙂
This sunday .. hmmm, I think I may be free.
JSR
December 18, 2002 at 4:54 am
i no longer hate you. i went to the midnight showing. you were so right about those two parts to watch for…
gollum!
the ents!
the fights!
the HOT HOT prancing elves! *swoons over legolas*
SOOOO GOOD