Based, of course, on the second book of JRR Tolkien’s classic trilogy about the hobbits, elves and other creatures who populate the land known as Middle Earth, this second film in Peter Jackson’s trilogy wastes little time reminding us what happened in the first film (just a brief flashback of wizard Gandalf’s demise) and throws us straight into the action.
Hobbits Frodo (Wood) and Sam (Sean Astin) are continuing their quest to destroy the evil ring by heading towards the fiery depths of Mordor, shadowed by the extremely creepy creature Gollum (Andy Serkis). Meanwhile, the other members of the Fellowship have split – hobbits Merry and Pippin (Dominic Monaghan, Billy Boyd) are captured, while elf Legolas (Bloom), warrior Aragorn (Mortensen) and dwarf Gimli (John Rhys-Davies) attempt to track them down.
While more action-packed than Fellowship, The Two Towers – if you can criticise such a richly detailed epic at all – does in some ways feel like the filling of a sandwich: there is no beginning or conclusion of the plot, just a middle waiting for a finale. Parents should note that it’s even darker and creepier than the first film (and got a higher certification from the BBFC than Fellowship, which was a PG).
Is The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers suitable for kids? Here are our parents’ notes...
It would be easier to list moments that aren’t scary! Definitely one for the over 12s.
Smaller kids will be frightened by various creatures including the Orcs and Fellbeasts, while the scenes of members of the Fellowship in peril are also frightening.
Younger viewers will also find the character of Gollum disturbing (adults do, too!).
If you like this, why not try: The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring, The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King, Eragon, Clash Of The Titans 2010, Dragonheart,