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THE
LORD OF THE RINGS:
THE TWO TOWERS
The
Lord of the Rings, the book of the 20th Century, has become the
motion picture event of the 21st Century ? A groundbreaking epic
of good versus evil, extraordinary heroes, wondrous creatures and
dark armies of terror.
Review
by MIKE FURCHES
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 Review
by
MIKE FURCHES
mike@furches.org
Web site www.furches.org
Mike is the Senior Pastor at United at the Cross Community Church
in Wichita Kansas. United at the Cross is a church made up of
individuals not often accepted in other churches. The church consists
of former gang members, drug addicts, prostitutes and others.
Mike also speaks nationally on various topics and is a freelance
writer. To learn more about Mike and his ministry link onto www.furches.org.
In the arts Mike has worked with top music artists such as Steppenwolf,
Marshall Tucker Band, Kansas and has an active interest in film.
Mike is pictured with his music band "Route 66."
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 Okay
here goes, I've stated this before and I feel that I must state
it again. I have not read the Lord of the Rings books in
their entirety. I started reading the books after the last movie
and to be honest it has been a brutally slow adventure. I have probably
read at least 10 other books if not more during the time it has
taken me to read, The Fellowship of the Ring. It is not that
the book is bad, it is just not my forte in literature. I only mention
this because my review of the movie is purely of the movie. I actually
think that is positive in that there are still millions of readers
and viewers who want in interpretation like this.
Lord of the Rings (LOTR), The Two Towers, starts precisely
where the LOTR Fellowship
of the Ring, left off. This is of course easily understood
now, especially with the common knowledge that all three movies
were all filmed at once. While this is common knowledge it is still
worth mentioning that it would be well worth your time to view Jackson's
LOTR, Fellowship of the Ring,  before
watching the The Two Towers, I personally recommend the DVD
version, preferably the extended version. The DVD extra features
will give you insight that make the movies themselves even more
unbelievable and will enhance the movie going experience for you.
 One
of the first things that I must state, is that because of the nature
of the making of this film and because of the original story actually
being intended as one book as opposed to three, this movie can not
truly be considered a sequel. It is a continuation of the same story
but not a sequel. I believe that the new LOTR, should appeal
to any audience attendee whether they saw the first installation
or not. While it is helpful, it is not necessary. I do believe that
after seeing The Two Towers one won't be able to not see
the Fellowship of the Ring. This movie is that good and that
entertaining.
The LOTR is long, running 2 hours and 59 minutes, but you
still leave the theater wanting more. In many regards the action
is paced at a much quicker pace and the time seems to go by quicker
than in the first movie. I know many have issues with long movies
but when done well, as they have been with this series, the time
passes by much faster than one realizes.
 There
are many spiritual connections to this movie that whether Tolkien
or Jackson intended them or not can not help but being noticed.
The themes of perseverance, love, forgiveness, helping others and
so many more are inherently noticeable. The imagery between Gandalf
the White and Jesus Christ can't help but be noticed. this becomes
evident as we realize that Gandalf willingly gave up his life to
save his friends and colleagues in the Fellowship of the Ring.
We see in this movie a comparison of him falling into the pits of
hell with an evil dragon (Balrog in Moria), where that dragon is
eventually slain and Gandalf emerges as a figure who's image has
been transformed. He is no longer Gandalf the Grey, he is now Gandalf
the White. He as well as the remainder of the characters in the
movie are true to their calling of completing the task before them
of destroying the ring.
 The
story continues with new characters and thus new story lines. We
see the devotion of the characters to each other and their willingness
to forsake their own lives in the attempt to save the life of not
only those they love but for the sake of doing what is right, even
when it appears that doing right could result in death. The devotion
to themselves, each other and their vision is a component that is
an incredible reminder to each of us watching the film. This is
not just a movie but in many ways a sermon that encourages one to
examine their own life and thus, what they are doing with their
life. Just as Gandalf is a figure that the characters of this movie
will listen to and follow into battle that appears to lead to certain
death, so is Christ that character for many others seeing this movie.
 Technically,
this movie is as good as the first because, again they were all
filmed at the same time. If you read my original review of LOTR
Fellowship of the Ring,
you will see that I thought very highly of that movie, and thus
I also think highly of this movie even though it is darker and a
little more complex. As far as entertainment value, quality movie
making and things of that sort, this will be one of the best movies
of the year, despite the fact that many Tolkien fans are disappointed.
As opposed to being disappointed for Jackson's retelling of the
story consider that those of us that have not read the story will
only be inspired to continue the reading of the story or to start
for the first time. I am already at the point of wanting to go see
the movie again to see what all I missed the first time. It is not
often that, that happens. This movie did it for me though and I
am all ready awaiting the final installment.
On a scale of 1-10, while this one is not quite as good as the first
installment it is still pretty good, it falls just short of a 10
so I give it a 9. |
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PHOTOS
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CONTINUE:
Review -click here
Trailers, Photos -click here
Posters and Books -click
here
About this Film -click here
New Characters & Creatures -click
here
About the Cast -click here
About the Filmmakers -click
here
Spiritual Connections -click
here
Forum -click
here |
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COMMENT
ON THIS FILM
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BULLETIN
BOARD FORUM (rules)
Post your comments -click
here.
Or
e-mail Greg Wright here
Original
Bulletin Board here
Your
Private Comments.
I will not post these comments.
What are your personal thoughts? I also welcome your spiritual
concerns and prayer needs. I will correspond with you, usually
within two weeks.
Click here
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