Lord of the Rings (2001-2003)

Few trilogies can hold a candle to Lord of the Rings and even fewer hold up as well over time.  Whether you’re a die hard fan of the books and the world J.R.R. Tolkien created or just a casual movie goer (such as myself), there is plenty for everyone to enjoy in this trilogy. Let’s discuss each movie in depth……

The Fellowship of the Ring

It’s plain to see that these movies were extensively planned out and executed to perfection. I say this because the first movie is not in any hurry to advance the plot as much as it is introducing characters and backstory. It may start off slow and with narration, but the next two movies benefit tremendously from all the backstory we’re given. This is why the first movie in a trilogy, or origin story if you will, tend to be better than their successors. Because, like the characters, the audience is learning the rules of the universe and the movie can take it’s time setting up those rules. For instance “the one ring to rule them all”.  We learn right away about this powerful evil ring, but only gradually throughout the movie do we see the extent of it’s powers. Invisibility seems to be a side effect from putting on the ring, but what I found particularly interesting on my latest viewing is how the ring affects EVERYONE that comes into contact with it. It brings out the worst in people, sometimes even without their knowledge. This of course takes it’s toll on Frodo the ringbearer, but it makes it easy to understand his broken spirit in Return of the King.

The Two Towers

The second and possibly best of all three movies, The Two Towers gives us a sense of just how vast Middle Earth is. While it may seem that The Fellowship of the Ring ended rather abruptly, The Two Towers picks up the pieces and does not slow down! With the Fellowship broken up, it’s up to our heroes to overcome even greater challenges than they imagined. Not just to “win” but for survival. This movie is responsible for one of the greatest battle segments in film, The Battle of Helm’s Deep. Not only packed with action, but realistic effects and moment of greatness. This is by no means a rushed battle scene and it’s a stark reminder of what’s at stake in this world. Relative to The Battle of Helm’s Deep, Frodo’s story line may seem a bit “filler”, but we continue to see his journey and the ill effects of the ring on his judgement. It is also in The Two Towers that we see Frodo sympathize and even defend Gollum to others.

Return of the King

The final installment or climax gives us several battles, as well as a much needed resolution for the story and our beloved characters. The first two movies do an excellent job of setting up the characters and story, and Return of the King delivers the cinematic finale that this epic journey deserves! Aragorn accepts his fate as Isildur’s heir and summons an army of the dead to save Gondor from Sauron’s forces. The hobbits are all split up for a time, but each gets their moment to shine, especially Samwise Gamgee. After my latest viewing of these movies, Sam quickly turned into one of my favorite characters. No nonsense, honest and loyal. And without Sam, you could argue, Frodo doesn’t make it nearly as far and the ring survives. Loved the hobbits in Return of the King and how Aragorn, King of Gondor, kneels to them at the end. Goosebumps every time! Part of me wishes the movie ended right there, but it’s kind of nice to see the hobbits come home and resume their peaceful life in the Shire.

Love, love, love these movies! I have to watch the trilogy at least once a year. Happy Watching.

“One does not simply walk into Mordor”

Movies

Short post, but I thought I’d keep you updated. I’ve always been fascinated by movies. At a young age, I found solace in the vast worlds and intricate story lines and I never looked back. A movie’s sole purpose is to entertain; and while some movies are more or less entertaining than others, many of them have their shining moments that makes the journey worth while.

Up to now, I have always referred to movies as the “black sheep” when it comes to marketing. Movies have the unique selling proposition down, as there are no other identical substitutes. Are there substitutes? Sure, there are literally thousands of movies, but no two are exactly alike. Movies are a “black sheep” because of their flexibility when it comes to marketing. There are movies that have release dates this time next year, but they are already advertising with posters and trailers! If this was 90% of other products, people would not be patient enough to wait and just buy an acceptable substitute in the meantime. With movies, we are forced to wait and the anticipation only grows. If you’re excited about Avengers Infinity War, you’re not going to pop in Batman V. Superman and call it a day. You might do that, but it’s not going to make you want to see the new Marvel movie any less. I see this as a major advantage for movies and I foresee the amount of money spent on movies and their marketing campaigns to only increase.

As fascinating as the marketing standpoint is, I like to sit back and enjoy movies on their own. It was also brought to my attention that I usually have an opinion or two about whatever movie I’m watching. So without further ado, I’ve decided to expand this blog into my very own film diary! I’m excited to initiate these movie discussions and hope you’re looking forward to my movie posts as much as I am! Stay tuned and be well!

Did You Know? Movies

All movies have their own unique selling proposition because they’re all tailored for different people with different tastes. Some people have no interest in seeing the Avengers, but that is why advertising is so important! Because it is possible to sway those people on the fence with strategic marketing efforts!

Movies have a huge advantage when it comes to advertising because they don’t have to worry about indirectly promoting a substitute (similar product). If you were to see a commercial for shampoo or lotion, but it told you it wasn’t coming out for a couple of months, what would you do? If you’re like %99 of people, when you go out to buy shampoo or lotion, you’re not going to go home empty handed because the new brand wasn’t there. You may recall the brand and even the commercial, but in the end you buy what’s available. And movies have the ability, unlike many other products, to build anticipation before their release! This is good news for the people sitting in the Box Office. IF YOU MAKE MOVIES, THEY WILL WATCH THEM.

Shallow Hal

My mom was watching Shallow Hal the other day. If you haven’t seen it you’re missing out. It’s a laugh out loud comedy that actually sends a positive message to the people watching. Something like: Everyone is beautiful because we’re all unique. Or at least that’s what I took from it.

Jack Black is hilarious in this movie. I have a lot of respect for the actor in general. I would consider myself a fan of his band Tenacious D. I have some of their music on my Ipod. It’s AWESOME! Tenacious D is composed of guitarists Jack Black and Kyle Gass.  Gass taught Black to play guitar, in exchange for Black helping Gass with his acting. It’s ironic how things play out because Kyle Gass is actually in Shallow Hal! Coincidence? Probably not, but the guy is funny none the less. Kyle Gass played Jack Black’s mutual friend in the movie.

The friend that really stood out in the movie was played by Jason Alexander. You might remember this guy from Seinfeld. It’s crazy how much this guy reminds me of my friend Toby. Just because I could see him saying the same thing in that situation. It’s really funny to watch Jason in action to say the least.

Check this movie out, if you haven’t already. It’s a good time.

Prometheus

Prometheus is an upcoming science fiction film directed by Ridley Scott. Set in the late 21st century, the story follows the crew of the spaceship Prometheus as they explore an advanced alien civilization in search of the origins of humanity.
Conceived as a prequel to Scott’s 1979 science fiction horror film Alien. Writers Jon Spaihts and Damon Lindelof have developed a separate story that precedes the events of Alien, but which is not directly connected to the films in the Alien franchise. According to Scott, though the film shares “strands of Alien’s DNA, so to speak”, and takes place in the same universe, Prometheus will explore its own mythology and ideas.
I am very excited to see this movie. Like if you want to see it too!

Avengers

Good news for superhero lovers. The Avengers: Written and directed by Joss Whedon starring Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, Chris Evans as Captain America, Mark Ruffalo as the Hulk , Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow , Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye , Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury and Chris Hemsworth as Thor.  The movie has only gotten good reviews and I’m very excited to see it myself. The directing is superb, obviously. Joss Whedon has had experience making epic movies before. Some of my favorites include Serenity and Alien Resurrection. With The Avengers i’m mainly looking forward to watching some of my favorite actors run around in those crazy superhero costumes! The transformation is astonishing and I think it’s worth taking a look at:

This to that and still attractive as ever! Scarlett Johansson is really all the eye candy any movie needs. Attractive girls are always a plus. And look how low she’s getting! That’s athleticism for you. I’m exhausted just by looking at her. It’s fantastic!

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Next is Mark Ruffalo. His transformation, in all honesty, is probably the most impressive.  I am not at all a fan of the Hulk movies, but i’m very excited about the Hulk in The Avengers. Standing about 9ft tall, the Hulk will no doubt be a powerful ally to the “Avengers”.

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 Chris Hemsworth goes through a pretty drastic transformation as well.  Thor is the son of Odin and God of Thunder. It seems to me that Thor in a league of his own, but I guess we’ll just have to see. I would definitely want to be on this guys’ team, that’s all i’m saying.

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Jeremy Renner has been one of my favorite actors since the movie S.W.A.T. came out. His performance in the newest Mission Impossible was outstanding. A very versatile actor that has a lot of potential and i think will do good in this role.

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Chris Evans as Captain America, but with more attitude. In The Avengers, Captain America is trying to come to terms with the modern world. If you remember in his last film, Chris Evans wakes up in a totally different time period than when he goes unconscious.  It will be interesting to see how adapts to his surroundings during the movie. It can’t be all that bad having superhuman strength and all, can it? Captain America will undoubtedly be an asset to the “Avengers” and their team of misfits.

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Tony Stark (AKA Robert Downey Jr.) is another fan favorite. Good looks, style, money and kick ass super hero armor he designed himself, what more could you want? In Iron Man, which was an original story, Tony was on his and out to prove himself. Iron Man 2 was all about him making space for others and dealing with legacy issues… In The Avengers, he’s throwing it down with the others.  The Avengers is looking to be another action packed thrill ride with even more to offer than any of the prequels.

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Last, but most certainly not least: Nick Fury. Played by Samuel L. Jackson, Nick Fury actually made appearances in both Iron Man movies, Thor and Captain America. Personally, I am a fan of sequels. Not all sequels live up to the original, but I believe this movie has the potential to be even better.

Nick Fury acts as  former head of S.H.I.E.L.D. and as an intermediary between the U.S. government and the various superheroes. He is tasked with assembling the “Avengers” and making sure this movie has a Hollywood ending.

All things considered, The Avengers is a must see. I’ll see you there.