LOTR fans have to read this review! *Spoilers*

[Puck Bond]

Rave review of FOTR by a tolkien virgin

"Tomorrow is my birthday. Honestly, it is. It has been a beautiful week. Actually, it has been more than beautiful. The first snow has slowly covered our trees, the cool winterair has boldly taken over the days and nights in Norway. Beautiful. Well, actually, it has been more than beautiful. But what is “more than beautiful”? Today it was the point where a touch of evil was added to the beautiful. And with the evil and the beautiful comes… well, you know where I am getting at. A thrilling adventure, ancientic tale-greatness, monstrous experiences and totally – with no doubts whatsoever – the one film to rule them all. And in MY MIND, bind me… to this film, this book, forever. From heart of someone who has not read the book, nor have any interest in Tolkien, but loves cinema more than anything in the world… this is one of my, if not THE, all-time cinematic moments.

Norway is a small country. And for the small country – only one press screening of FOTR. A small bit about me. I love film, and work as a filmjournalist here in Oslo. Therefore I attended this press-screening. My relation to LOTR is quite simple. Have not read the book, but have been covering the developments of the films. And by that, I have grown a huge interest for the project. Enough now. I HAD AN URGE TO REVIEW THIS MOVIE. Because it is beyond anything I could expect, want, crave, imagine, desire, feel, anticipate. This is unimaginable. And when you see it… I found myself crying of nothing but admiration 2 minutes into the prologue (shiveringly spoken by Blanchett). It shows this dark lord, Sauron, and tells a the fascinating story of The One Ring. Now, excuse me for not being OBSESSIVELY AWARE of everything about this movie (or these books) before seeing or writing this. The prologue is nothing but a amazing sequence. Instead of going into each and every picture (frame) of this film (because I could, and there would be a lot to gaze at and analyse in every single one of them), I will say this: THERE IS SO MUCH. I was completely paralysed. I love every detail I could observe, from the complex battlescenes to the single face of mister Frodo Baggins bedazzling every single audience member. It was a fantastic experience. This review, as I can see, will turn into a not-cronologic piece, but forgive me – my thoughts are a bit hard to recollect. My mind is occupied with images that have burned hard to my iris, performances that I already love and quote. I walked out of the theater 7 hours ago.

I have not read the books, as you can see. Now I have seen the first film, and a big bouldering voice tells me that I might have had this very experience many years earlier, by way of the book. But people, and I feel this is important to say, I’ve just read the book. I think. A 3 hour movie – it felt like reading a book. Because the film felt so massive, it has layers upon layers – in character, in dialogue, in scenery (oh, my lord, the set pieces. I have fallen in love with Lothlorien, the Shire. Can I go to these places for vacation? Will I ever have enough money to go to New Zealand? This is so bloody fantastic in this film. It is so fantastic! I run out of words (especially in my English :-). We must go on!

There has been a few hours as I said to dwell on this movie now, buit it’s coming to me. It’s coming to me as a grandiose wave of river-water lifted by the spellbinding of Arwen (Liv Tyler looks so stylish, such a timeless beauty. Eventhough (some stupid, boneheaded) people are going to scream ARMAGEDDON when they see her the first time, they will be silent when this elf is riding away from the black riders – bravely coming the halfling to rescue.) to eliminate ringwraiths(?). IT IS SO VERY, VERY GOOD. (Oh, I love this film. I have to see it again. I need my mother to see this film, I need to pick up a total stranger on the street, offer her a ticket just to see her face when she’s leaving the theatre. I may have given her a lifetime of… well, an experience for a lifetime. Do you hear that Peter Jackson? You may very well, with this masterpiece (I have been dying to call it that), been responsible for thousands of people suffering through this year.) I NEED TO SEE TWO TOWERS NOW!!!! WHAT AM I GOING TO DO!!?? READ THE BOOK? I have to know whats happens. That thing happening to Gandalf… I can’t believe it. He must return. Tell me he returns. Ian McKellen is superior. He is great. He acts like if… well, I couldn’t see him act. There is Gandalf in him. For sure. Well, anyway, I am off track.

FOTR is very big. A big tale. But very small. I mean, big it is, but small is he – Frodo. Oh my gracious lord of modern cinema, the very man who gave Mr. And Mrs. The liberty to create the god given actor named Elijah. Nothing crazy about these sentences, but it is a holy great performance. He is feeling. He is a feeling. My back was cold throughout the entire movie. Feeling Frodo, being Frodo, hurting Frodo, bearing with Frodo. A class-act, truly enchanting, spectacular, it-is-no-good-words-to-compliment-enough Frodo. I am, as you just read, trying to verbalize my experience of Frodo Baggins. But this turns away from reviewing. You want to read about the content of the film. What I saw. Because most of you probably know the whole story, and all the characters. Well, let’s go to what there is to see.

I saw the Shrine. It is a very richly realistic built, sunny, green place. I loved it. But no surprises. The home of Bilbo, cornfields… and then the city of Bir? Bie? Forgot the name. All the way, amazing scenery. The fact that there is a big difference in height among the characters, but not among the actors, well that is, how do I put it, flawless. Don’t know how they could pull it off, but I am impressed. As I said before, this is so throughoutly worked on and polished – every picture and frame has something more than what you see, and every character blows my mind. What can I say? I’m never this singlemindledly positive about a film, but this may very well be THAT ONE where everything seems to strike my mind and in, again, the cinematic darkness bind me. Every generation has a movie. Every saga has a… hehe, enough filmrelated quotings.

Don’t have to say much about this, but so that you know it: Howard Shore’s score is in my cd-player, and this music is… next to my heart.

Bilbo. Just what did I actually know about this Bilbo. Oh, yes he was that hobbit-guy that picked up the Ring from the creature Gollum. I have read the forewords of LOTR. But oh my god. Complexity lies hidden, it seems, in each and every character. Bilbo freaked my out. Scared me more than Gollum (“my precious” shivers still in my bones). What exactly did that ring do to him? The fil hadn’t played for long, but I began to realise… what’s next for Frodo. He is now the ringebearer. Look at Bilbo. Again it strikes me…. I HAVE TO SEE THE NEXT TO FILMS NOW!!! Because there is no end to this film. Actually I couldn’t believe it ended when it did. I needed more. It felt like one hour tops, but I had been nailed to my seat for 3 hours already. Amazing experience. The film have no ending, and there’s evil there, that does not sleep (Boromir R.I.P.).

Now you get the picture; I love this film! I love LORD OF THE RINGS. This is just remarkable. My imagination… oh, I have no imagination. I did not, could not, imagine this. Imagine there’s no people. Imagine if this film had not been made. I may have lived my life without knowing this story. All of you who read the book and hate them for turning this into a movie… Think of all of us who now have been rescued from living our lives without it. Thank you, everyone behind this film, for making it.

Koola from Norway

A small PS: The fellowship. It was beautifully casted. Flawless. Gimli – unforgettable John Rhys-Davies. The hobbits – just charming to their hairy feet, and they touched me deep. Aragorn and Boromir – more than anything, believable. They are men, they have no effects or make-up to characterize them. But they are massive. They suffer, and it hurts. Viggo Mortensen is my hero. (And did you all know he is related to Denmark, my neighbourcountry?). Legolas though…. He was my favourite. Feels weird to write the least about the character I loved the most, but it’s just… not much to say. Could not stand seeing Legolas leave the screen, he had an remarkable impact on me with his… elvish magic.

Oh, and one last thing. This is a chaos. My mind is a chaos. FOTR is so much, much more. I haven’t said a thing about Galladriel, and a lot more. But there has to be a limit. If I were you now, I would look forward to every second of this film, so then… it does not matter.

I will bring this experience with me for the rest of my life. It is that good.

[kici]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Think of all of us who now have been rescued from living our lives without it. Thank you, everyone behind this film, for making it.</font>

Oh please. I'm sure this movie will be decent but for crying out loud I read this review at AICN already. It's simply too over the top to be authentic. Rescued from living our lives without it???? It's statements like this that make a mainstream movie goer like myself not want to see this film. The review screams "fanboy." The hype for LOTR is growing to impossible proportions.

UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS=DISAPPOINTMENT

If you're looking forward to this movie, that's great. I hope you enjoy it but don't be deceived into thinking it's such a life altering experience. There's no way one film could live up to such expectations. Heck, some people don't even care for fantasy. It's become less a favorite of mine as I got older; if it weren't for Ewan McGregor I probably wouldn't even be that eager to see Star Wars.

I'll probably wait a month for LOTR and purchase tickets for The Majestic and Black Hawk Down instead in the meantime--maybe Vanilla Sky, too, even though Tom Cruise's talents haven't always impressed me. No offense if LOTR is your cup of tea (like I said I'm sure it will be decent, but fantasy just isn't for me) but don't expect it to change your life or you'll end up disappointed. Doesn't that review strike you as a little too good to be true? http://www.joblo.com/ubb/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by kici (edited 12-07-2001).]

[ilovemovies]

Entertainment Weekly gave it an A saying it is thrilling, a great movie, a triumphant movie. And it is Peter Traver's choice for best film of the year in his top 10 list.

[dicaprio_travolta_man]

HOLY SHIT, this movie is gettig way to much hype, it's going to be a great film I'm sure, but come on, there is just so much hype here, everywhere I turn there's LOTR, everywhere I look there's always something about LOTR... For some people that's a good thing, but for me it's a turnoff, although I will see this movie, becuase it look's great.. Anyway enough on the hype issue, let's get to the review, all's I have to say is the person who wrote it sounds like he or she is on a fucking acid trip.. I'm Serious... No offence to the LOTR fan's, but this movie does not look like a great one, to me it look's more like great entertainment... Please guy's I beg you, do not pay any attention to that review.. There is NO WAY IN HELL a movie can be a Life Changing expirence!!! Unless of course your one of those people that Live and Die for movie's, and I dont think anybody here lives or dies for them, I'm pretty sure that you people have a life outside of movies, and a review like that come's from someone that eat's, sleep's and drink's movie's, that my friends is very un-healthy.. I LOVE MOVIE's, I truly do, but there not my whole life. Once again please do not pay any attention to that review, because by reading it, you get this idea that LOTR is the Mother of all movie's, but it's not, the review is basicly a step ladder for you hopes, and the higher you build your hopes, the farther they could fall.. Once again to all you LOTR fan's out there I mean no Dis-respect by what I said, I am truly looking forward to seeing LOTR but it's reviews like that, that make me wonder what the world has come to....

[Tuukka]

That review was posted a few days ago at AICN and no matter how many times I have tried to read it, I just can't make it through it. I'm happy that the guy loved the film and considers it as a life-changing experience to him. However, as a review that was a HORRIBLE review and I don't give much value to it. I don't consider it as trustworthy. And it was written in an extremely incoherent manner.

I'm a big LOTR fan and the film looks very, very good. There are 25 reviws available in the internet right now. The four most negative one's call it "only" good. The rest are giving verdicts between very good and brilliant. So it's having over-whelmingly positive reviews all around, but this review was still piss-poor.

[Seph]

A) yes, this review does scream out "fanboy." How this movie can be life altering is beyond me. I'm looking forward to it, I think it'll be great, but I just can't get caught up like that...

B) to all who think it's getting too much hype. Just don't get caught up in the hype.... I can't put it more simply than that...

[Tuukka]

Hype is easy to avoid. I barely noticed the hype for Harry Potter, because I didn't actively try to find info on the film.

[kici]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">And it is Peter Traver's choice for best film of the year in his top 10 list. </font>

He he he he....that doesn't exactly sway me to the cause. Mr. Travers and I don't often agree. In my humble opinion his taste is suspect. I'm sure LOTR will be fun, but Black Hawk Down seems the more compelling film, if more grisly--real life army rangers fighting for survival against a people filled with rage (justly or unjustly). I'm sure it's a sign of the times, but I'd rather see a stirring film about real people instead of elves. That's my mind set. Plus, something like The Majestic (God, I love Carrey when he doesn't do his ridiculous moron schtick) seems so life affirming. I get misty when I see the preview of Martin Landau hugging him because he thinks Carrey is his long lost son; I'm such a sucker for that kind of stuff. I'm just not craving fantasy this holiday season.

[Dumb-Fokker-**]

You dont have to be craving fantsy - just a good movie. I think you should go and give it a look, you may be pleasantly surprised.

[kici]

No, I'm just more in the mood for adult fare. Star Wars, Harry Potter, LOTR, they're for kids. LOTR just doesn't appeal to me very much; I doubt it ever will. The books weren't even that great. Terribly overrated, IMHO. I read them when I was little. I never seemed to like them as much as other people did. Fantasy just leaves me wanting, for some reason.

[This message has been edited by kici (edited 12-07-2001).]

[JMcConnor]

LOTR overrated...maybe you wanna wait for the R rated DVD version then :P Compared to Harry Potter and Star Wars, LotR is in no way a 'kids' movie.

James McConnor

[kici]

Maybe I'll give it a try in January. As for now, I just can't get into elves and hobbits. I simply didn't like the books. I never felt they were the masterpieces people claimed them to be. Besides, the making of this movie really is tearing the Tolkien family apart. Tolkien's son refuses to speak to the grandson because he gave the rights away or something to that effect. I've read about the Tolkien family feud on Yahoo and CNN's site awhile back, I think. It's a sad story. I just think of LOTR as one huge exploitative mess unlike BHD, where the soldiers approved of the story and aided in the training of the actors in their "boot camp" down in North Carolina.

Fantasy. Eh. Just can't wrap myself around it. Too dull for me.

[This message has been edited by kici (edited 12-07-2001).]

[This message has been edited by kici (edited 12-07-2001).]

[JMcConnor]

**thinks** fantasy = dull?

**head explodes**

http://www.joblo.com/ubb/wink.gif

James McConnor

[Tuukka]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by kici:
No, I'm just more in the mood for adult fare. Star Wars, Harry Potter, LOTR, they're for kids. LOTR just doesn't appeal to me very much; I doubt it ever will. The books weren't even that great. Terribly overrated, IMHO. I read them when I was little. I never seemed to like them as much as other people did. Fantasy just leaves me wanting, for some reason.

[This message has been edited by kici (edited 12-07-2001).]</font>


RE: Kici... Have you ever seen a movie that was not a work of fantasy? I haven't. Maybe you should stick to wathing documentaries, althougt they also rarely describe the world as it really is.

And LOTR is not kids. It's was originally aimed at adults and it is primarily read by adults. The film on the other hand is in most countries forbidden from children. It is forbidden from people under 15 here in Finland.

If you didn't like the book, then that's just fine and I understand that you don't want to see the film. But it is NOT an age issue. It's an issue of taste.

As for children's literature... Have you ever read "Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry? It's easily one the greatest books ever written. A hugely deep, intelligent, charming, wise, poetic, honest and well written piece of work. And it's a fantasy tale aimed primarily at kids, althought it can be best appreciated by adults, because of it's many layers.

[Tuukka]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by kici:
Maybe I'll give it a try in January. As for now, I just can't get into elves and hobbits. I simply didn't like the books. I never felt they were the masterpieces people claimed them to be. Besides, the making of this movie really is tearing the Tolkien family apart. Tolkien's son refuses to speak to the grandson because he gave the rights away or something to that effect. I've read about the Tolkien family feud on Yahoo and CNN's site awhile back, I think. It's a sad story. I just think of LOTR as one huge exploitative mess unlike BHD, where the soldiers approved of the story and aided in the training of the actors in their "boot camp" down in North Carolina.

Fantasy. Eh. Just can't wrap myself around it. Too dull for me.

[This message has been edited by kici (edited 12-07-2001).]

[This message has been edited by kici (edited 12-07-2001).]</font>

RE: Maybe you should check the facts, Kici... None of the Tolkien family has seen the film, none of them has read the script. They are against a film version because of a principle. They think that if a film version would be made, they should have a 100% creative control over it. Which of course is ridicilous, since they are not making the film.

[Tuukka]

Also Kici, you seem to miss out the fact that fantasy, just like sci-fi, tells about our world and the people that inhabit our world. But those genres give you more creative freedom and more possibilites to research certain themes, because you are not restricted to "realism". I put "realism" in quotes because films like BHD are not more realistic than LOTR, even if they pretend to be. BHD is a fiction (=fantasy) retelling of real live events and if you think that you are going to be told the events in the manner they REALLY happened, then you are pretty naive.

LOTR is not about hobbits and elves. If you are able to looks past the most obvious surface, you would realize that it is about humans. About their dreams, fears and desires. It explores the same basic themes as any "realistic" story you can name.

[ak]

I think. It's a sad story. I just think of LOTR as one huge exploitative mess unlike BHD...

---------------------------------------

So...let me get this straight - Making a film about war and having the potential to make a lot of money isn't exploitive? Yes, sure.......Black Hawk Down and every other war film ever made is exploitive, even if they were not intended to be.

LOTR exploitive? No, it's not - It was just made by a man, a genius man who wanted film audiences to experience the story and its visual glory in a way we've never seen before.
What may seem explotive is the marketing of the film, that's about it. (Something directors in such a huge project, attached to a studio, hardly get a look in about).

J.R.R Tolkien was never actually againt a film, and Ralph Bashki was involved with the Tolkien family when he made his animated version.
The reasons the Tolkien family don't like and don't want to be involved in the new series of films is because of the back-lash of pathetic fans who pester them all the time, and amongst the comments made by Tuukka above. Also Christopher Tolkien's son is actually really fond of the films being made, he has no regrets at all and has said he'll be at the opening premier in London, something which has caused him to fall out with his father.
Christopher is just a grumpy old sod (My English teacher was taught by him, and she says this too).

I don't understand it when people dismay huge films simply because they are so huge and perhaps so good. It seems like people cannot accept it.
We are in the twenty-first century - And this is twenty-first century film-making the way we could only imagine it to be.

I truly admire people like Peter Jackson who are so caught up in the film-making world, and who obviously just want to deliver a film, a supreme piece of art.
Some people should really do their homework before they post in such a topic.....



[This message has been edited by ak (edited 12-08-2001).]

[ak]

For all those who think it's a kids film, swallow this: It's from a review:


A warning for parents is that this is not a children's movie at all. Some of the battles are as gorey as Gladiator. There parts that are so unnerving it's actually scary.(Nazgul and the balrog) Oh my god, the balrog was fucking awesome. I think that if Tolkien were alive today, he would love what Mr. Jackson has done with his world. I can't wait for the 19th so I can take my fiance to see a late show.(I'll be seeing it at least two more times in the theaters.)

[kici]

Have I ever seen a movie that's not fantasy?
Why, yes. Any movie which features human beings and non-mythical creatures is not fantasy. The terms "fantasy" and "fiction" are not interchangeable.

Sorry, guys, but you're not going to convince me I'm a horrible, narrow minded person for not foaming at the mouth to go see LOTR. Did I tell you not to see it? Did I say you were stupid if you liked it? No. Because you're not stupid.

I like films centered in the real world. That is my opinion. Fantasy is dull in my opinion. Which of the two words "my opinion" don't you understand? This is what perturbs me about films like this, the fervor of the fanbase. In the past two days I received three e-mails telling me I was a B#TCH and to go F#CK myself (in capital letters) if I didn't want to see LOTR. I was called stuck up, deluded, and someone who was obviously sticking my head in the sand. I was also called illiterate with no taste. "Rave reviewers" like whatshisname in the topic post are saying they want to take strangers off the street to see LOTR so that they can give them "the experience of a life time." Not childbirth, sex, marriage, love, or adventure, but a fantasy movie. Uh-huh.

I know the e-mails came from somebody who read my posts here because they were quoted. None of the addresses match anything I could find in the board profiles, but that means nothing. People often have multiple e-mails. Somebody sent the things. If that is the maturity level of the average LOTR fan then I've made the right choice. Forget January. I will not see this film. In all my life, I have never called anyone a b#tch over an opinion of a movie. That's ridiculous. You wonder why I think LOTR is a movie for kids? That's why. Not even Star Wars fans are that ridiculous. Screw LOTR.

No, Tukka, I'm not naive. I know all about how a certain character's name in BHD was changed and why. Do you defend your principles and those you love with as much fervor as you defend a movie about elves and hobbits? Try having a conversation about world events some time, huh?

[This message has been edited by kici (edited 12-08-2001).]

[This message has been edited by kici (edited 12-08-2001).]

[The Heart Collector]

This topic is absolutely hilarious.

[Tuukka]

"Have I ever seen a movie that's not fantasy?
Why, yes. Any movie which features human beings and non-mythical creatures is not fantasy. The terms "fantasy" and "fiction" are not interchangeable."

RE: Well, I don't know what is the definition of "fantasy" in english. In finnish "fantasy" can according to my knowledge mean imaginary stories happening in imaginary universes with imaginary rules. There is not necessarily any supernatural element to them. This definition of fantasy can be applied to just about any "realistic" film. In other words the worlds created for "realistic" films are not realistic per se, but they are the author's fantasy version of the real world. For example think just about ANY movie which has violence in it. Humans beat each other in ways that would kill a REAL person in just one punch. And yet the people on the screen don't get a scratch. How is this possible? It's not realistic. In similar situation a real person would require superhuman abilities to not to die. It's all just fantasy.

"I like films centered in the real world."

RE: Exactly. Real world or the fantasy version of real world?

"The Fantasy is dull in my opinion. Which of the two words "my opinion" don't you understand?"

RE: Well, I haven't had any problems with that at any point. I was only objecting to your attitude that fantasy is "childlish".

"This is what perturbs me about films like this, the fervor of the fanbase. In the past two days I received three e-mails telling me I was a B#TCH and to go F#CK myself (in capital letters) if I didn't want to see LOTR. I was called stuck up, deluded, and someone who was obviously sticking my head in the sand. I was also called illiterate with no taste."

RE: I'm sorry to hear that. It's unfortunate that there are assholes in this movie board as well.

"I know the e-mails came from somebody who read my posts here because they were quoted. None of the addresses match anything I could find in the board profiles, but that means nothing."

RE: You should absolutely e-mail Joblo about this. He has cleared things like this before, as far as I can remember.

"If that is the maturity level of the average LOTR fan then I've made the right choice. Forget January. I will not see this film. In all my life, I have never called anyone a b#tch over an opinion of a movie. That's ridiculous. You wonder why I think LOTR is a movie for kids? That's why. Not even Star Wars fans are that ridiculous. Screw LOTR."

RE: Well, it pretty ridicilous to form an opinion on millions and millions of people you don't know, because of one jerk who sends you insulting e-mails. I've met black people who are assholes, but I still don't think all black people are assholes. See?

"No, Tukka, I'm not naive. I know all about how a certain character's name in BHD was changed and why."

RE: They have changed way more than just one character name. It's unavoidable that lot's of changes have to be made when real life event is turned into a movie, no matter what the subject. Things have to be cut. Some things have to be highlighted. Some things have to created in order to make a coherent whole. Then there is the fact that every person involved in the real life event has a different opinion on what really happened.

"Do you defend your principles and those you love with as much fervor as you defend a movie about elves and hobbits? Try having a conversation about world events some time, huh?"

RE: Erm... Hello? We are talking about MOVIES, Kici. Not about my ability and willingness to defend my principles and the ones I love. Do you think that if I end up liking LOTR more than BHD after I have seen them, it makes me less willing to defend my principles and the ones I love? Huh?

Listen, they are MOVIES and I rate them based on their quality. I haven't seen either of them yet, and neither have you. And just for the record, BHD looks like a very good film to me.

Also, LOTR is a story about friendship, loyalty, love, honesty, corruptive force of power and greediness, etc, etc, etc. So yes, I do value the messages it has. I think they are important messages that never get old.


[This message has been edited by Tuukka (edited 12-08-2001).]

[Nate6]

Alright Tuukka and Kici, back to your corners!

I think both make valid points. If someone wants to see a movie more grounded in reality, then yes, BHD or Majestic is a much better film for them.

Then again, film is all about being transported to new worlds, and having fun. Movies are entertainment, above all else. Some people may say art, but filmmaking was not originally conceived for that. If you can't enjoy a movie, it's not worth the money you paid for it. That's why LOTR is and will continue to be so popular.

I'm resentful of all the buzz surrounding LOTR, I wish "buzz" didn't exist. I want to be able to see a movie based on what I think, not based on what other people think. I want to see LOTR a lot, but people posting incessantly on here lessens my personal desire to see it.

LOTR and BHD are two INCREDIBLE books. Incredible in their different ways. Which is why (hopefully) their movie versions will both be incredible, in their different ways.

[ilovemovies]

Not even Star Wars fans are that ridiculous.

I don't know about that. I mean being willing to wait and camp outside a theatre for weeks before the film opens is pretty ridiculous to me.

[ilovemovies]

Kici, it's best to just ignore the hate mail. Just ignore and delete. Personally, I'd keep them. Infact, I wouldn't be offended. I'd be laughing my ass off if I got such email. I would find it hilarious! Sure, it is sad that some people on this planet are that close minded but it would still be very funny.

And Nate 6: Just ignore the hype. Back when the Phantom Menace came out the hype didn't effect me at all. I can just enjoy a movie for what it is meant to be. Now there are a lot of movies I get excited about seeing. But even then I am usually able to be in synch with the movie so that if it falls below expectations but is still enjoyable then I will still enjoy it. I personally felt sorry for poor George Lucas. I mean the expectations were SO high that no movie, I repeat, NO movie could have lived upto it.

[Tuukka]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by ilovemovies:
Not even Star Wars fans are that ridiculous.

I don't know about that. I mean being willing to wait and camp outside a theatre for weeks before the film opens is pretty ridiculous to me. </font>

Actually people did the same thing with Phantom Menace. The Star Wars cult is just as big, if not bigger, than the LOTR cult.

Personally I always enjoy the arguments with Kici... We have the tendency to disagree about everything.

But I definitely agree that the LOTR hype is in one way reaching ridicilous heights. I rather believe the established critics than the fanboy reviews. Well known critics seem to think that the film is very good, the fanboy critics are selling it as a life-changing religious experience.

I'm convinced that the film will be good, but I want to see it myself before I start praising it as one of the greatest movies ever.

[ilovemovies]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Tuukka:
Actually people did the same thing with Phantom Menace. The Star Wars cult is just as big, if not bigger, than the LOTR cult.

Personally I always enjoy the arguments with Kici... We have the tendency to disagree about everything.

But I definitely agree that the LOTR hype is in one way reaching ridicilous heights. I rather believe the established critics than the fanboy reviews. Well known critics seem to think that the film is very good, the fanboy critics are selling it as a life-changing religious experience.

I'm convinced that the film will be good, but I want to see it myself before I start praising it as one of the greatest movies ever.</font>

That is what I meant. Kici said that not even Star Wars fans are that ridiculous and I was acknowledging the fact that Star Wars fans are just as if not more ridiculous than LOTR fans because of their willingness to camp outside a theatre for days even weeks just to get tickets for the movie.

[Tuukka]

Yup, sorry.... I misunderstood your post. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I have just drank about 0,3 litres of pure alcohol... I'm feeling dizzy... http://www.joblo.com/ubb/tongue.gif

[ak]

Kici - I understand your perspective, but what I don't understand is your reason for not wanting to watch the films - The fans.
You seem to be complaining about the hype, but you too seem to have been caught up in it, although yours is a different form of hype - negative hype.
How can you possibly state that you'll not see the film because of other people? Is this for spite or something, cause you're sure as heck not going to make any difference to the box-office out come.

But, yes, I see where you and others are coming from, and quite agree - The fans are idiots - The devoted, sad git type fans. They really can ruin everything that surrounds a film, but that in the end shouldn't ruin your feelings to watch a film.

Go watch it, and enjoy it. I shall.

[Tuukka]

Yeah, I definitely have to agree with Ak. Don't pay attention to any LOTR dimwits. There are always gonna be assholes in every cult you're gonna find. You loved Moulin Rouge, right? I can tell you right away that there are lot's of TOTAL assholes who love Moulin Rouge as well. But that shouldn't prevent you or anyone else from watching a wonderful musical. Who gives a fuck what other people think? Movies should be more than anything else PERSONAL experiences, and we shouldn't pay attention to what other people think. If you don't want to see LOTR because you are not interested, then that's perfectly fine by. No movie is gonna appeal to everyone. But don't let yourself be biased towards it because of what OTHER people think. You are a stronger character than that http://www.joblo.com/ubb/wink.gif.

[The Heart Collector]

All I know is people flaming others via email because of a movie REALLY need to go to a psychiatrist. In fact, kici, don't get offended. Simply point and laugh at such a mind-bending display of idiocy.

[This message has been edited by The Heart Collector (edited 12-09-2001).]

[Nate6]

I suppose you guys are right about ignoring the hype, but everyone is talking about it! Not just on the Net, but my friends, newspapers, magazines! I'm just going to try and shut it all out of my mind and form my own opinion of it when I see it.

[alienmatrix]

Hello everyone. If you asked me two years ago if I had heard of the LOTR, you would have been disappointed with my answer. I had never heard of Tolkien either. Thanks to one of my co-workers, I discovered an entirely new and believable world.

It was recommended to me that I read THE HOBBIT first to be better prepared for LOTR. It truly does help. Honestly, I am not even a novel reader ... never have been ... until now. I personally think that those who have not read the books are really not in a position to critique the author, nor the movie.

Of course, the movie cannot live up to the book 100, however, a director has finally come along to have the courage to actually bring this epic tale to the screen. For the first time in motion picture history, 3 movies have been filmed simultaneously. People should at least acknowledge the complexities behind such a huge task.

JRR Tolkien was an incredible author ... to create an entire world filled with different creatures, beasts, lands, villages, civilizations, and to make it so believable. The book has evoked many feelings in me; laughter, fear, disgust, hate, and love. What is more amazing is perhaps the appendices section. I mean, you cannot imagine the things Tolkien imagined up for the story to hold; calendars, new languages, maps, family trees, and so on.

I believe the movie will be an amazing experience, especially for those who have read the books. For those of you complaining about the hype, well, like you said, avoid it. I surely won't! I think this movie will dwarf Star Wars and Harry Potter. Trust me, it is not intended for kids. Proof is near in the upcoming THE TWO TOWERS and THE RETURN OF THE KING.

That's it. I hope that you will all at least give the movie a chance, and hopefully pickup the book and dive into it. Just let the movie take you away to another world. Leave your thoughts and problems at the door. Enjoy!

Norm