A tight plot in this three hour movie keeps the story moving. After a short scene of Gandalf fighting the Balrog, this movie plunges directly into the new events. The fellowship is split. Frodo and Sam seek a way into Mordor to destroy the Ring while avoiding Sauron's minions. Merry and Pippin are prisoners being carried to Sarumen's tower at Isengard. Aragon, Legolas and Gimli pursue the hobbits to rescue them. Twists and new events create suspense for the viewer that builds to an excellent climax. In between, there are interludes that give the viewer more insight into the story. Director Peter Jackson keeps the story of the books true with his visual creation with a couple of minor deviations. These deviations do not detract from the main story.
The characters deepen the movie as as they grow and change. This second movie shows the characters changing as events shape them more. Frodo grows more tired with the Ring burdening and slowly corrupting him. Sam becomes more loyal and brave while providing wisdom to help Frodo. The friendship between Legolas and Gimli grows stronger too with some added humor. Aragon becomes a stronger leader while helping the Rohan against Sarumen's forces. New characters give the movie more interest. Gollum appears for the first time with a constant battle against himself. He makes an interesting mirror for Frodo. Treebeard the Ent is in this movie, providing the voice of preserving nature over industrialization.
Finally, setting is important to create the suspension of disbelief for a Fantasy film. The setting can not appear so fake that it becomes distracting. In this movie, the setting gives the film a realistic look to the Fantasy world. New Zealand's diverse geographic locations substitute very well for Middle Earth. Characters move through the real location shots on their quests and Middle Earth seems to exist. Added to this are realistic sets and special effects that blend together to make the Fantasy world look real. The set for the home of the Rohan took the film makers eight months to build. This attention to detail improves the movie's experience immensely.
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