Why not simply and directly state what you mean? Whence the incredulous "Really?" Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition, but I would prefer Terry Gilliam's comfy chair to the insinuation that my intellect is lacking ("You don't get why it's a big deal...?"). I've already addressed -- repeatedly at this point -- why Tolkien surceased his Hobbit re-write. What is the point you're trying to make with this literary footnote, fascinating as it is in its own right?
Bah, humhobbit! My wife and I and several small children we know found it as charming as a visit from Santa Claus. True story. We can't be the only ones.
I have it in my head that I shall read my first Tolkien novel soon, perhaps The Hobbit. I get this feeling that many life long people have this extreme attachment to book to film conversion. As a Tolkien-book virgin I can tell you that the films by Pete Jackson are fun, and good. This idea that he somehow raped "Tolkiens message" I find utterly stupid.
here are these kids listening to bilbo's story about the trolls: here they are again at sam's wedding: i don't think hobbits age that slow.
Thanks for the (many pages back -- I can't believe I read through 15 pages ) explanation about the eagles. As a fan of the movies (and not so much of the books), I like the idea of 6 months elapsing more than the idea of 17 years--possibly because the movie makes it seem so urgent.
Am I the only person not really enamoured with Freeman's performance? Too many notes. Liked Armitage though. Plays it straight down the line, which is the only way to do the Tolkien world, I guess. It might be because Thorin Whatsisface is a better-rendered character than Bilbo for about 2/3rds of this 1/3rd.
It can't be 6 months. Bilbo's party was on September 22nd. Frodo arrives in Rivendell on October 24th. So either Gandalf is gone for only a couple weeks, or he's gone for over a year.
Very good point. I can like a year. Enough time for Frodo to grow complacent and Gandalf to Get Stuff Done, but still somewhat urgent. I really can't see it just being a few weeks.
I guess it all depends on how long it would take to ride from the Shire to Gondor and back. As for Frodo's journey, we know for sure it took at least two days to reach Bree, another two days to Weathertop, and, according to Sam, another six days on foot to Rivendell. Arwen's rescue shortened that last portion considerably, but Frodo can't have left the Shire after October 19th. So that leaves 27 days at most for Gandalf's round trip journey, possibly even less if we add more days to Frodo's route. So if we are to assume all of the first part of FOTR took place in the same calendar year, Gandalf would have had to ride unbelievably fast.
The contract has been 99% deciphered here. Best parts: Company is prepared to sample Burglar’s wines, ales, beers, and meads; in short, any beverages of a non-perishable nature, and if found acceptable, to transport such beverages at Company’s own expense. Lanterns, lamps, torches, and any other equipment considered a fire risk shall be lit and operated by the fire safety officer nominated by the Company. Company may modify or adjust this Agreement from time to time at its sole discretion, with or without notice to Burglar. Disputes arising between the Contract Parties shall be heard and judged by an arbitrator of the Company’s choosing and all pleas shall be pleaded, shrewed, defended, answered, debated, and judged in the Dwarvish Tongue.
An interesting review on TOR.n - I find that I agree with most of it (although the reviewer is slightly more critical than I am). I like his opinions about 48 fps and 3D.
I'm still very, very enthusiastic about 48fps - and didn't feel it was unevenly effective in the film (from two minutes in I forgot all about it), but I'm sure there will be scope for more sophisticated deployment of the technology as time passes, yes. Nobody gets it spot on first time (or, in comparison to times when something it at its peak, even close to spot on). When someone does wholly master 48fps (and I hope someone does get that chance) I might well look back on AUJ and think less of it... but for now I'm still dazzled by the potential. It's a very nice review, but I can't agree (as everyone will know by now) with his bit on Radagast. Dodgy geography aside, he'll forever be awesome in my book.
Oh yeah, Radagast and his Bunny Sled of Awesomeness will forever be awesome - even thought the geography in that chase scene was totally off, and the sled did look a bit weightless and obviously CGI occasionally...
Yeah, Radagast was taking some stupid pills in that scene. When you're causing a distraction and leading away from a group, it's best to lead AWAY from where the group is going. Radagast was initially doing that, but then he loops around and goes back towards the company. Stupid idea. If he'd led them away, they wouldn't have had any trouble.
His cunning plan to lead the goblins away from the Company was so cunning he lost track of the geography. I blame Gandalf's pipeweed.
