While my opinions about the film overall were mixed, what really made me feel the saddest of all was that when I emerged from the theater, my comments weren't the regular ones for most movies, "Wow, that was really bad acting!" or "Or this film looks like crap!" Instead, I thought, "Man, those studio execs sure have their fingers in this one deep." That translates to: choosing to weaken the overall potential for greatness of a movie in replacement for fan service.

I might pay more attention to movies than some because it's a medium that's always intrigued me. But, I don't watch more movies than most. In fact The Two Towers, Treasure Planet and Harry Potter were the only movies I'd seen in the past two-plus months, including video and television. I don't consider myself more knowledgeable than the average person on what goes into making a flick or what people should take from it.

With that being said, it bothers me that the movie business depends so much on pushing its merchandise (celebrities as equally as movies) daily through a myriad of sources in electronic and print, and has made itself wide open to the public for decades, but still feels it's necessary to treat the audience as if the latest Friday night blockbuster is the first time they've ever sat beneath the big screen.

It's true (and probably some unwritten law of movie nature) that specific age groups, genders, social and cultural classes are going to find certain shows or elements in them more appealing. Mainly it’s because they can, or want to, relate on some level to what is happening during the film. BUT where did the Hollywood Machine get the idea that every single one of those people has an IQ lower than 10 and that those "elements" are the ONLY ones they want too see?

It’s in most every movie nowadays, but the blatancy of pandering to fan desires really struck me while watching The Two Towers. Last year two of the biggest complaints were: Merry and Pippin's seemingly uncalled for comedic side-kick antics, as well as the lack of development, or just overwhelming disapproval of Gimli. What do we see in the newest installment? Merry and Pippin are almost completely neglected and stuck with a more serious overtone, and the comedy relief is pushed too Gimli who pops out a witty line every 15 minutes. In addition, Orlando Bloom (who had literally been in only one other substantial movie before filming Lord of the Rings), found to be the most "studly" and eligible of the Ring's lads, suddenly has his face, not necessarily his acting, making a more substantial appearance. Not to mention there are the standard smooth tricks he and the others perform during action sequences.

It may be that people have come accept this. Movies are nothing more than vehicles to sell people, posters, magazines and action figures. Truth be told, more than once when a long-winded dialogue was done I expected a commercial to pop up.

None of these things if handled well are negative. It would seem likely that given the unique opportunity to be able to hear input from critics and audience alike, that those involved with the Lord of the Rings would be eager to tweak the films before releasing them to make them as decent as possible. Unfortunately, that's far from what happens. The additions are so apparent, so unnecessary to the story, that they are distracting and more often than not, just silly. Sadly, while heading out the door, the most predominate comment from the very people supposedly this film was catering to (not to mention younger girls were virtually nil), those "16-year-old action flick fiends," is: "That was really stupid. Those scenes were goofy."

This is just good ol' commentary out of the mouth of a professional ranter. It's getting close to being a series, this makes two weeks, but still nothing permanent. I do hope it strikes a cord with you and it makes you think a bit. If not, please send us some hate mail and i'll never write again. *sob* Enjoy!