LOTR: Two Towers: Book Vs Film: Part 5.

Here is the final part of the Lord of the Rings: the Two Towers Book Vs. Film. After I finish the Return of the King I will try and write a similar type post.

     Arguably one of Peter Jackson’s most controversial changes from the book to the film is the scene where Frodo commands Sam to leave his company and return to the Shire on their journey up the Stairs of Cirith Ungol. While, the entire event was moved to the third film, The Return of the King, this had little effect on the actual plot because The Lord of the Rings is one epic story split into three books for marketing purposes. In the book, Frodo and Sam are tricked by Gollum/Smeogal to travel up the Stairs of Cirith Ungol to Shelob’s Lair, where the giant spider named Shelob dwells. After reaching Shelob’s Lair Gollum sneaks away and leaves the Hobbits for Shelob to devour. Frodo and Sam are chased by the spider and Frodo is encapsulated by Shelob’s web and is poisoned by her paralyzing venom. Sam follows close behind and fends off the creature to save Frodo. However, in the movie on the journey up the Stairs of Cirith Ungol, Gollum/Smeogal takes the last piece of Lambas Bread, the Hobbit’s only food, and throws it off the cliff while the Hobbits are sleeping. Additionally, he places crumbs on Sam thus framing him as the culprit. Because of this, Frodo forces Sam to leave and return home since Frodo believes that Sam betrayed him. This is completely out of character for Frodo compared to the book; their friendship is much too strong for Frodo to even consider dismissing Sam. However, this might be due to the more powerful nature of the Ring as previously mentioned. Clearly, in the scene that Frodo is entranced by the power of the One Ring, thus clouding his judgment. The most likely cause for this change is to add drama and suspense when Frodo enters Shelob’s Lair. While the change is somewhat understandable from a film making perspective, it was an unnecessary alteration to Frodo’s character.

      Although devoted fans of The Lord of the Rings books may be annoyed by changes made in the film adaptations, many of these alterations are reasonable. While the books retain their respected position in fantasy literature, the director had to be guided by his goal to produce a suspenseful and visually stunning film. The enormous popularity of the three Lord of the Rings films is ample evidence of his success in this endeavor.

 

EDIT: Despite what I have said in this series of posts, I would never want any second of The Lord of the Rings films to be changed in the slightest. While I there were parts in the film that could have been adapted more accurately, every change from book has a purpose, regardless of whether "purists" like or not. Peter Jackson created three perfect films that have few if any equals in the 21st Century.   

 

 

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LOTR: Two Towers: Book Vs Film: Part 4

Here is part of my Lord of the Rings: Book Vs. Film. Today I focus mainly on what is possibly the most controversial change, Faramir's character, or his character was in the movie, "Jerkamir" because he was a jerk to the the Hobbits. 

Faramir’s encounter with the Hobbits is one of the most significant changes made from book to movie. Not only did it redefine Faramir’s character; it vastly changed the sequence of events. In the movie Faramir is greatly tempted by the Ring and starts to take Frodo and the Ring to his father Denethor in Minis Tirith; conversely in the book he quickly decides to help Frodo and Sam on their journey. Faramir is shown to have great fortitude and character in the book However, in the movie he is an antagonist because the Ring quickly tempts him. Faramir’s character was changed for several reasons, one being: that the Ring in the movie is portrayed as being even more powerful of an evil influence than the more subtle evil of the book, which works much better in the visual medium of film. If Faramir were able to resist the influence of the Ring easily it would have undermined the power of the Ring without extensive exposition. Possibly the most important reason for the change, which was even said by Peter Jackson himself, is that Frodo and Sam needed some form of conflict in the second film, because the conflict at Shelob’s Lair was moved to the third movie (The Lord of the Rings, Blu-Ray). If there were no change, Frodo and Sam would have had a nearly uneventful journey to the pass of Cirith Ungol. Overall the change could have been handled better, but from a film making standpoint it is mostly understandable.

Despite what I have said in this series of posts, I would never want any second of The Lord of the Rings films to be changed in the slightest. While I there were parts in the film that could have been adapted more accurately, every change from book has a purpose, regardless of whether "purists" like or not. Peter Jackson created three perfect films that have few if any equals in the 21st Century.   

If you want to contact us or have any questions please send an e-mail to johnstarslayer@gmail.com.

LOTR: Two Towers: Book Vs Film: Part 3.

Here is my Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers: Book Vs. Movie. In part one I will be comparing the chapter "Treebeard" namely, the changes made with "Treebeard's" personality. For this three part post, I have changed my typical writing format to more of a formal five paragraph essay just to give it a try. Due to the time it takes to write such a post, I most likely will not be continuing to write like this, however please give me your opinion of the post.

The Two Towers Book vs. Film

Although there have been many adaptations of books to film, few maintain accuracy to the original source material, which often frustrates the book’s fan base. While The Lord of the Rings The Two Towers is more accurate than most book to film adaptations, there are some changes that the director felt were necessary. Three prominent changes are Treebeard’s personality, Faramir’s nobility and Frodo’s betrayal of Sam.

In the adaptation of the chapter “Treebeard” from book to movie there were several changes. Most notable is Treebeard’s motive for later attacking the tower of Orthanc at Isengard. In the book, he is aware that Saruman is now affiliated with Mordor and that Saruman’s forces are cutting down Fangorn Forrest. Previously he planned an attack on Isengard and later gathered the other Ents at the Entmoot council to convince them to aid in the attack. On the other hand, in the film Merry and Pippin are rescued by Treebeard from the Orcs. Treebeard then assembles the Entmoot council to determine whether Merry and Pippin are Orcs. After determining that Merry and Pippin are not Orcs, Treebeard begins the journey to deliver the Hobbits back to their home. However, Merry and Pippin trick him into taking a route that leads them to the location where the other Ents were cut down by Saruman’s army, thus provoking his attack on the tower of Orthanc. Although the chapter could have been adapted better, it is understandable considering the limited time devoted to these events.

 

Please check back here tomorrow for my new Star Wars post about a up-coming Star Wars film. Also click on these links to read Part 1 and Part 2. of the Two Towers: Book Vs. Film posts.

If you want to contact us or have any question please send an e-mail to johnstarslayer@gmail.com.

Book Review: LOTR The Two Towers.

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers by J. R. R. Tolkien is the sequel to The Fellowship of the Ring. Actually a better description would be that The Two Towers is part two of three to the best fantasy story ever told and one of the greatest works of fiction in the work of mankind.

Because not everyone has seen the movie or read the books, I will have a "Spoiler" warning before any small spoilers. Additionally, if you have only seen the movie and not read the book, there is nothing that would be considered spoilers.

I would have to say that I enjoyed it even more than The Fellowship of the Ring. Everything was excellent, the Two Towers was faster paced, more epic, and overall even more involving, although The Fellowship of the Ring is still currently my second favorite book of all-time.

The story of the Two Towers continues directly were the previous book ended. The narrative structure of the Two Towers is unlike any other book I have read. It is split-up into two different parts, the first part focuses on two different groups. The first group being *Spoiler* Aragorn and the surviving company on their journey, excluding Frodo and Sam, who are the focus of the second part of the book. *End Spoiler* Surprisingly, there were many similarities with the movie but that will be discussed in a later post.

All of the characters in the story are more developed and given more depth, especially the ones that were given a more minor role in the previous book. Unlike the previous book, Frodo is not the main character of the story, the material is more evenly distributed among the many fascinating character throughout the story. Also there were almost no poems or songs throughout the book, which was great. Although that is not to say I disliked what was in the first book, it did become distracting at times. The ending of the book really made me love the book that much more, *Spoiler* it was one of the saddest ending to a book I have ever read, even though I know how it is going to end. *End Spoiler*
Author: J. R. R. Tolkien

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Epic

Release Date: November 11, 1954

 

Plot: Because the plot starts directly were the previous book ended, it would be pointless to have a plot summary.

 

 

 

 Plot: 10/10- As with the Fellowship of the Ring, I already love the story. The Two Towers film is one of my favorite movies of all-time, it is just that amazing. The pacing was improved, although the slower pacing was necessary to set up the plot in the first installment, it featured more material of my favorite characters and introduced many other memorable characters that were never developed as much in the films.

 

 

Audiobook: 9.5/10- The audiobook was made by the same fan that recorded the previous one I listened to. However, it was vastly improved compared to his previous work (except for the "White Rider" chapter) with better use of music and voice work. His Treebeard impression sounds exactly like the movie and his ability to mimic the other various characters' voices is great. Only Legolas, Aragorn and a few other minor do tend to sound alike at various points. Other than that minor flaw, it was overall excellent and better than any other Lord of the Rings audiobook I have listened to before.

 

 

Overall: +10/10- I am giving The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers a special rating of +10 to signify that is better than the other books that I have given a ten rating. Everything in the book was basically perfect, and I cannot wait to read the Return of the King.

Closing Comments: The Two Towers is the epic middle chapter in one of the best stories ever told. What more do I need to say, watch the movies or read the books, either way they are both excellent.

 

 

 

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The Two Towers Extend Edition Review.

If you have not read my review for The Fellowship of the Ring Extend Edition. Please Click here to check it out.

Thoughts: I was really excited to watch The Two Towers since it had more extra footage than The Fellowship and it did not disappoint. The added 43 minutes really changed The Two Towers; it almost felt like a different movie with the addedscenes. Although it did slow the pace, which is fine for fan, and there were not near as many scenes with The Hobbits that added or extended. There were many scenes with Aragorn and company and there were a lot of loose ends that were tied up nicely. The character Faramir was given much more screen time and I really liked the character. He was really given the shaft in the theatrical version of the movie. There was again some really funny humor that was added, most of which was with Gimli. There is a lot more information about the characters included in this version and Aragorn's quest was much more interesting and made you feel more invested in the story. Especially the scene were Aragorn tells Eowyn that he is 85 years old! The Two Towers is my second favorite Lord of the Rings movie after The Return of the King but I like them all and the Extend Edition is a must buy for any fan of the movies. Just as in my previous review of The Fellowship of the Ring below are all of the scenes that were added and my comments are highlighted in red below each description of the extra scenes that I think are worth noting.

 The Two Towers Extended Scenes.

Sam uses his Elvish rope to help him and Frodo get down from a cliff and another clip in which it is raining on them.

There was a scene in The Fellowship of the Ring that was cut were Lady Galadriel gave each of the Fellowship something to help them in their quest and she gave Sam some Elvish rope, which was used in this scene.

Pippin believes that Merry is wounded and asks the orcs to give him some water. Instead they give him orc draught to drink.

Some extra stuff with Sauron building his armies and gathering allies, and plotting etc.

Éomer finds his cousin mortally wounded and brings him to Edoras. Later Gríma exiling Éomer is extended.

The encounter between orcs and Uruk-hai extended.

The funeral of Théodred.

The encounter between the hobbits Merry and Pippin and Treebeard is extended; There is also a scene in which Merry and Pippin stay drunk only to hear the powerful voice of the Ent, almost falling off Treebeard's body.

Merry and Pippin drink Ent Draught (Which makes them grow a few inches taller and they get attacked by Old Man Willow and Treebeard saves them.

This scene actually explains how the Ents can talk and I wish this was in the original cut.

Gandalf and Aragorn talk about Frodo's fate on their way to Rohan.

Some humorous scenes, such as one in which Eowyn (who is an awful cook) serves a plate of terrible stew to Aragorn (In which Aragorn reveals his age to be 87)
Now this was a shock. Aragorn was 87 years old! That information should have been included.

Faramir finds the boat carrying the body of his brother Boromir, which brings him many memories that help to explain in detail his relationship with his father Denethor and Denethor's unsympathetic attitude towards his Faramir.
Faramir really got the shaft in the original cut. I like him much more as a character after watching the extended editions.

Faramir and Boromir at Osgiliath and Denethor sends Boromir to Rivendell to find out about the One Ring.
More character development of Farmir, which is good.

Flotsam and Jetsom is a new scene where Merry and Pippin find food and Longbottom Leaf in Isengard
Something that I noticed in the extended editions is that the smoking of weed was mostly removed other than a seeing the characters smoke.

Extended Scene of Sam's Speech at Osgiliath

Faramir shows the hobbits the way out of Osgiliath
More scenes that Faramir was cut out of and it explains how they left Osgliath better.

Fan End Credits

The Movie: 10/10- Before watching the extended edition I was not sure if I liked The Two Towers or The Fellowship of the Ring more but after watching the extended editions I definitely like The Tow Towers more and it is also one of the best movies ever made.

Video: 9.9/10- The video quality was better than the Fellowship and definitely enhances the experience.

Audio: 9.7/10- The only real problem with the audio is that in some scenes the sound effects and music over power the voices of the characters but it does really immerse you into the movie.

Overall 10/10- The Tow Towers is almost like a different movie with the added scenes and is definitely a better movie.

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The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers review.

Here is the review of The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers requested by Rebecca at Just me... and at Write that Down!

If you have seen the movie please give it any score from 1 to 10.

We are a little(a lot) bias because this is one of our favorite movies of all time

Directed by: Peter Jackson
Genre: Action Adventure
Release date: 19 December 2002 (2001-
Running Time: 179
MMPA rating: PG-13


The Good: Epic fight scenes, Great acting, Great soundtrack, Great everything, (If you can think of more good things to say about the movie please comment.)

The Bad:




Plot: The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers takes place right after the end of  The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. We can't tell you the plot for the movie because it will spoil The Fellowship of the Ring Click here to read the review for The Fellowship of the Ring.



Plot:10/10- You can't get munch better than this.


Action: 10/10- Lots of sword fighting and other action.


Acting:10/10- One of the best casts of all time.


Special effects: 10/10- Ever thing looks great.



Soundtrack: 10/10- Best soundtrack that John Williams didn't compose.



Comedy:N/A- A few funny Hobbit scenes but not munch comedy.



Overall: 10/10- The Lord of the Rings:The Two Towers is a great movie that you need to see.


Closing comments: Watch this movie.

Rank on all time best movie list: 9th.

Recommended for: Anyone.