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Excellent! I just love this film. Even though you lose so much of the depth of the book it still captures the great story and the struggles each character goes through.
I especially like the the struggles of Faramir, Golum and Frodo. Doing the right thing for each of them has cosmic consequences. I tend to think that my obsessions, temptations and sins are insignificant in the grand scheme of things. It helps me realize that my own struggles to do the right thing do have significant impact. Doing the right thing always matters though we may convince ourselves it doesn’t.
Well that’s one little insight I picked up I was hoping to hear more from some of you.

Faramir!

Oh that ticked me off! In the book Faramir seemed to serve as a respite from the Greed following the ring. He was the anti-boromir who realized his brothers shortcomings and redeemed the nobility of the men of Gondor. In the movie that aspect was nonexistent. That was the one real bummer for me.
Other than that, it was good. Not as good as expected, though I doubt anything could have lived up to the excitement I put into opening night.

Thanks Norbert. I thought I remembered Faramir as much more true of heart and much less lust for power than what he was portrayed in the film but I failed to go back and confirm my suspicions in the book.
I wonder why they made that change?

Maybe they didn’t want competition for Aragorn as the central human hero? Or maybe they just needed a reason to keep Frodo and Sam in the story line longer. I don’t remember that whole battle scene with the Nazgul in the book. Having Faramir tempted by the ring keeps Frodo in the story line and highlights the fall of Osgiliath (?) and the fear for all of Gondor. Oh well, its all speculation.
Thanks for the reminder about Faramir.

The movie did for me what the book did — it took me through some deep deep despair — (and I remember on my first reading, how amazed I was at how desperate and worried I felt for all the good characters) — but then gave me a slender ray of hope at the end — just a pin prick — but because everything else was so bleak, that tiny little star shone like crazy. When I left the movie, the challenges and struggles of my life seemed wholly and easily managable by contrast.

Oh, I loved it.

Just thought there might be some interest… New Line is rereleasing The Two Towers to theaters this summer in an extended format which will incorporate about 30 to 45 minutes of additional footage that was cut from the initial run. When I get a better (more firm) date and find out just how many theaters will be playing the title, I will let the gang know.

Holy crap. You have no idea how much interest I have…please just tell me it will be playing in Chicago and there will a lot more scenes with hottie bloom…I mean, Legolas the courageous elf.

According to my sources, the plan is to come out with the film about a month before Farewell To The King. Only about 300 prints are being made, so there WILL be a Chicago venue or two, but you will have to scout them out. When I get a solid release date, I will be sure to post it.

Also know that all of the reels (9 in total) are being lengthened. There might even be a 10th reel due to the length of the material. In short, be sure to go to the bathroom right before you find your seat and make it a small Diet Coke.

I’m afraid I got so into the movie that I forgot to be angry about Borimir or about the changes to the ending. I got shivers and stuff. Woo hoo extra footage!

Gollum was amazing and all, but I found I got tired of his whining (course that could be because of my five-year old)

I am really not full of myself, you know…I am not showing off or anything…

Just wanted you to know I saw the full 11 (yes, ELEVEN) reels of TT expanded the other day… You are going to love it.

Keep your eyes out in November.

Tell me more.

Best part or parts that you saw?

Can’t say that any pasrts were better…just more clear in their intent. It would seem that the added 45-50 minutes of footage kind of tied it all together in a more seamless sort of way. From my understanding Peter Jacksons group was not happy with the cuts of the original and agreed to allow it to hit the theaters with the concession that an extended mix would be released prior to the final films installation.

You will have to judge it for yourself, and I am sure you will be pleased with the end product.