LOTR: Return of the King (1 week to go)

WSUCougar · 12-10-2003, 03:44 PM

w00t

Countdown to the cinematic completion of the trilogy. I will be taking off work for this one.

I must say, I really do like the way they offered the three films in relatively-rapid succession. Long enough apart to build up anticipation, but short enough not to disconnect with the previous offering.

mattwakeman · 12-10-2003, 03:46 PM

Yeah, and the fun of watching the extended dvd's just before you go in as well! Man, I just cannot wait for this. I'm refusing to look at any reviews or anything as I just wanna hit this one cold and get blown away...

Butter · 12-10-2003, 03:51 PM

It couldn't possibly be worse than the Matrix finale.

But I have very high expectations for it. I truly think that it is this generation's equivalent of the Star Wars trilogy.

rkmsuf · 12-10-2003, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Butter_of_69
It couldn't possibly be worse than the Matrix finale.

But I have very high expectations for it. I truly think that it is this generation's equivalent of the Star Wars trilogy.

Blasphemy!!!

Bearcat729 · 12-10-2003, 03:54 PM

I've got my ticket to Trilogy Tuesday ready.

I hope he didn't go too far away from the book for the third one though.

Chubby · 12-10-2003, 03:57 PM

I'm thinking of going to Trilogy Tuesday. Anyone else going?

sachmo71 · 12-10-2003, 04:05 PM

I can't WAIT!!!!

I'm so glad my wife thinks Aragorn is hot. That really helps me convince her to go see them!

Samdari · 12-10-2003, 04:06 PM

If you don't have tickets yet, you're not going.

Most places sold out in hours.

rkmsuf · 12-10-2003, 04:13 PM

what is this one, 5 hours?

Honolulu_Blue · 12-10-2003, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rkmsuf
what is this one, 5 hours?

3 hours, 20 minutes. Though, I don't think I'd complain too much if it was 5 hours.

mckerney · 12-10-2003, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Butter_of_69
It couldn't possibly be worse than the Matrix finale.

But I have very high expectations for it. I truly think that it is this generation's equivalent of the Star Wars trilogy.

Unless you've forgotten, Star Wars was good. Excellent even.

rkmsuf · 12-10-2003, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Honolulu_Blue
3 hours, 20 minutes. Though, I don't think I'd complain too much if it was 5 hours.

give me a break...

Celeval · 12-10-2003, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Honolulu_Blue
3 hours, 20 minutes. Though, I don't think I'd complain too much if it was 5 hours.

3:42 is what is listed on the local theatre site here.

And I've got my Trilogy Tuesday tix. :-)

Kevin

Butter · 12-10-2003, 04:21 PM

Looks like we've got some snipers.

sabotai · 12-10-2003, 04:26 PM

The Matrix finale was just terrible. But...everytime someone says "It couldn't possibly be worse than..."

Famous last words. No Trilogy Tuesday for me, but then again, I have a life, so I'll just go see it when I can.

rkmsuf · 12-10-2003, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mckerney
Unless you've forgotten, Star Wars was good. Excellent even.

Star Wars was a technological revolution; not to mention an original story by the movie maker.

WSUCougar · 12-10-2003, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mckerney
Unless you've forgotten, Star Wars was good. Excellent even.

A bit of an apples/oranges comparison in my book. Both have good casts, incredible sets and settings, and state-of-the-art special effects for their day.

But the original Star Wars trilogy began as a low-risk fairy tale-style sci-fi film that splashed on the scene out of nowhere and blew away a generation of movie-goers because no one had seen anything quite like it.

The Lord of the Rings has taken a literary classic with a devout following and successfully transposed it to the screen in an era of overdone films and failed attempts. It has passed a very difficult test, IMO.

Both are great for their own reasons.

rkmsuf · 12-10-2003, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by WSUCougar
A bit of an apples/oranges comparison in my book. Both have good casts, incredible sets and settings, and state-of-the-art special effects for their day.

But the original Star Wars trilogy was a low-risk fairy tale-style sci-fi film that splashed on the scene out of nowhere and blew away a generation of movie-goers because no one had seen anything quite like it.

The Lord of the Rings has taken a literary classic with a devout following and successfully transposed it to the screen in an era of overdone films and failed attempts. It has passed a very difficult test, IMO.

Both are great for their own reasons.

While I won't disagree LOTR is a technical achievment I would submit it is not entirely representitive of Tolkien's version of the tale...

Also I doubt 24 years from now the LOTR series in any way approaches the interest in the original Star Wars trilogy. Not even close...

mattwakeman · 12-10-2003, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rkmsuf
While I won't disagree LOTR is a technical achievment I would submit it is not entirely representitive of Tolkien's version of the tale...

Agreed. It is Peter Jackson's version of the story and in my opinion a stunning version as well. The idea of trying to film the books has been around for ages but there wasn't a studio that had the courage to put their money where their mouth was.

Quote:

Originally posted by rkmsuf
Also I doubt 24 years from now the LOTR series in no way approaches the interest in the original Star Wars trilogy. Not even close...

Can't see this mate. I think these films have created a benchmark for blockbusters that is going to take something awsome to even come close to it. I really think that these films will last as long as the Star Wars films because for my money they are just miles better.

rkmsuf · 12-10-2003, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mattwakeman
Agreed. It is Peter Jackson's version of the story and in my opinion a stunning version as well. The idea of trying to film the books has been around for ages but there wasn't a studio that had the courage to put their money where their mouth was.

Can't see this mate. I think these films have created a benchmark for blockbusters that is going to take something awsome to even come close to it. I really think that these films will last as long as the Star Wars films because for my money they are just miles better.

This is where I disagree. LOTR are action films. The Matrix movies are action films.

Stars Wars created a new era of filmmaking and characters not seen to that point. People camped out for months to see the next movie and to this day have conventions ect...

LOTR may be a superior moneymaker but that's it as far as revolutionizing an industry and commerical success. You say R2D2 and is a vernacular understood within the culture. Say Frodo and it's not the same...

WSUCougar · 12-10-2003, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rkmsuf
While I won't disagree LOTR is a technical achievment I would submit it is not entirely representitive of Tolkien's version of the tale...

I didn't say it was "entirely representitive of Tolkien's version," but I'm interested in hearing you elaborate on your point.

Quote:

Originally posted by rkmsuf Also I doubt 24 years from now the LOTR series in any way approaches the interest in the original Star Wars trilogy. Not even close...

If that's true (and I am skeptical), that's more due to the era of film-making then the achievement.

Butter · 12-10-2003, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rkmsuf
People camped out for months to see the next movie and to this day have conventions ect...

You really don't have to camp out any more, though.

primelord · 12-10-2003, 04:49 PM

Coug,

A buddy of mine told me that Ronnie's was going to be showing the extended versions of Fellowship and The Two Towers all in a row leading up to the Return of the King. I realize that may be a bit much even for the LOTR fanatic that you are, but I figured I would pass along the info.

rkmsuf · 12-10-2003, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by WSUCougar
I didn't say it was "entirely representitive of Tolkien's version," but I'm interested in hearing you elaborate on your point.

If that's true (and I am skeptical), that's more due to the era of film-making then the achievement.

That may be true; I guess my feeling is that the LOTR films may be lost in the shuffle of all the action films of today that are on the cutting edge.

The following comes to mind...

-- The films are really too long. That flies in the face of logic for those who like them but 3+ is just not practical.

-- In the original tale I believe the protagonists and heros were the little people. In the movies the tall peope seem like they drive the action.

-- The movie version does rob the initial books of some of the charm or the original characters.

-- The first installment had way too many characters to follow. Yes it helped your understanding of the sequel but geez...

For fans of the genre the LOTR series is probably a godsend. Maybe my only point is that from an impact standpoint Stars Wars had a much more profound effect than LOTR will have or has had...

WSUCougar · 12-10-2003, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by primelord
Coug,

A buddy of mine told me that Ronnie's was going to be showing the extended versions of Fellowship and The Two Towers all in a row leading up to the Return of the King. I realize that may be a bit much even for the LOTR fanatic that you are, but I figured I would pass along the info.

I'd heard that, too. And if I was single, jobless, and hadn't already seen both extended versions several times already

I might actually do it.

But to quote the Governor of Cali-for-ni-a, "Thanks for da tip."

mattwakeman · 12-10-2003, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rkmsuf
This is where I disagree. LOTR are action films. The Matrix movies are action films.

Stars Wars created a new era of filmmaking and characters not seen to that point. People camped out for months to see the next movie and to this day have conventions ect...

LOTR may be a superior moneymaker but that's it as far as revolutionizing an industry and commerical success. You say R2D2 and is a vernacular understood within the culture. Say Frodo and it's not the same...

Although LOTR undoubtedly has an awful lot of action I think that it is wrong (IHMO of course!) to call it an action film in the same way as the Matrix films are. The Matrix was technologically incredible...the first time. But it simply ran out of steam when all it could offer was more and more eye candy.

LOTR is a film which I think really is trying to say something (of course a lot of people may not like the message or think that it is twee or whatever but the important thing is that it is still trying to say something).

Star Wars is indeed a cultural phenomenon although I agree with above comments that a fair proportion (certainly not all of it) is thanks to the fact that it was just so mould breaking and new. LOTR is a literary phenomenon first of all (here in the UK they are about to announce what is the #1 book of all time, *shrugs* whatever, but no prizes for guessing what book will win. The big point is that it would have won even without the films as many other lists and surveys have shown).

But I really think that the LOTR films are just as important to many of the people that are seeing them here for the first time as the Star Wars films have proven to be. And LOTR has the added advantage of not being (how best to put this) 'modified' in peoples minds thanks to really awful prequels. Anyone that tries to make the Silmarillion into a film needs an awful lot of drugs and luck.

rkmsuf · 12-10-2003, 05:00 PM

"Star Wars is indeed a cultural phenomenon although I agree with above comments that a fair proportion (certainly not all of it) is thanks to the fact that it was just so mould breaking and new"

I think that is my point...

Sublime · 12-10-2003, 05:18 PM

Since we're talking about it, I was wondering the other day how many people actually read the whole series, including the Hobbit? I read them starting when i was 10 with my mom, and now I am enjoying these films immensely. So far these are my #2 and #3 favorite movies of the last 5 years (#1 being Gladiator).

Honolulu_Blue · 12-10-2003, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sabotai
The Matrix finale was just terrible. But...everytime someone says "It couldn't possibly be worse than..."

Famous last words. No Trilogy Tuesday for me, but then again, I have a life, so I'll just go see it when I can.

Says Mr. 5560 posts...

dawgfan · 12-10-2003, 05:56 PM

Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings have some fundamental differences when it comes to comparing them. Obviously the genre is a big one - Sci-Fi vs. Fantasy. The fact that Star Wars is an 'original' story, in the sense that it didn't come directly from any book or short story (though you could argue it's a classic story archetype) while LotR comes from one of the most widely-read book series of all-time is another. The tone of the storylines are also different - Star Wars was modeled after the movie serials of the '50's and is generally more of an upbeat, watch the underdog heroes overcome the stereotypical bad guys bright kind of series, while LotR is a more adult, darker, subtle and complex story where the underlying themes and messages carry greater weight.

From an impact standpoint, there's no doubt that the Star Wars series were an amazing technological breakthrough that were years ahead of their time and defined a new standard. They captured the imagination of the public and became a defining cultural touchstone for an entire generation and continue to win new fans. That said, there's also little question that Return of the Jedi was a let-down, and the 2 prequels have been disappointments, which have served to tarnish the series a bit.

I'm not so sure that LotR hasn't been an equal in terms of impact and breakthrough. From a purely technological perspective, the impact probably hasn't been as great - while I think LotR is the most technically impressive movie series I've ever seen, it's not head and shoulders abover everything else out there like Star Wars was. On the other hand, never before has anyone produced something as ambitious as LotR - filming all the movies at once and releasing them yearly, and pulling it off so successfully. Many people that were never before big fantasy fans or readers of Tolkien have been totally hooked by these movies. While LotR probably doesn't reach small children the same way the Star Wars movies do, they probably have a similar impact with teenagers and I suspect a bigger impact with adults.

I think the LotR series will stand out as the single most impressive cinematic achievements yet. The movies themselves have been amazing enough, and combined with the brilliant strategy of releasing them yearly and having extended edition DVD's available just prior to the release of the next movie has been marketing genious. I can't imagine that this series won't stand the test of time and rank with Gone With the Wind, Wizard of Oz, Lawrence of Arabia, The Godfather and Star Wars as cinematic achievements and the standards by which future movies will be judged.

There's no question in my mind about which series is better - LotR is clearly superior to Star Wars in my opinion, and I was (and remain) a huge Star Wars fan.

dawgfan · 12-10-2003, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sublime
Since we're talking about it, I was wondering the other day how many people actually read the whole series, including the Hobbit? I read them starting when i was 10 with my mom, and now I am enjoying these films immensely. So far these are my #2 and #3 favorite movies of the last 5 years (#1 being Gladiator).

I saw the animated the Hobbit movie as a kid, and I played D&D and read both the Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis (The Lion, the With and the Wardrobe) and the chronicles of Prydain series by Lloyd Alexander (The Black Cauldron, the High King), but for some reason I never read the Lord of the Rings.

I was blown away by the first 2 movies and finally decided to read the books. I went whole hog - I bought the Silmarillion, the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings all as special edition hardcovers and read them in chronological order, though I stopped after the Two Towers because I'd rather watch the movie first.

It's interesting how different in style the Silmarillion, the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings are. The Silmarillion is much more of a telling of legends with a particular style to fit that mode; the Hobbit is written more for a younger crowd (though still very enjoyable) and the Lord of the Rings is dense and detailed. If the legends in the Silmarillion were told in the manner of the Lord of the Rings you'd need something like 100 books to fit it all.

I'm very happy to see that Peter Jackson has confirmed his interest in filming the Hobbit pending his ability to acquire the film rights. He'd like to do it fairly soon, probably after King Kong and re-use the appropriate actors (i.e. Ian McKellen, Hugo Weaving, Andy Serkis) and film it in New Zealand again.

Draft Dodger · 12-10-2003, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sublime
Since we're talking about it, I was wondering the other day how many people actually read the whole series, including the Hobbit? I read them starting when i was 10 with my mom, and now I am enjoying these films immensely. So far these are my #2 and #3 favorite movies of the last 5 years (#1 being Gladiator).

I did.
although I can't remember much details - all I can tell you about the ROTK is what I've inferred and assumed from seeing the first two films.

Draft Dodger · 12-10-2003, 06:34 PM

I don't really see the point of comparing the two trilogys. I'm a HUGE fan of both, and I'll enjoy them over and over again for the rest of my life.

the only simalarity is that they are both outstanding.

ice4277 · 12-10-2003, 07:34 PM

I am going to see it on Friday

Draft Dodger · 12-10-2003, 07:36 PM

well, just got confirmation that I can take the night off.

going to see it on the 17th. (assuming our crappy-ass theater is going to carry it)

12-10-2003, 03:54 PM	#5
Bearcat729 College Benchwarmer Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio	I've got my ticket to Trilogy Tuesday ready. I hope he didn't go too far away from the book for the third one though. __________________ Bearcat729 on XBox Live and PSN

12-10-2003, 04:06 PM	#8
Samdari Roster Filler Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Cicero	If you don't have tickets yet, you're not going. Most places sold out in hours. __________________ http://www.nateandellie.net Now featuring twice the babies for the same low price!

12-10-2003, 04:13 PM	#9
rkmsuf Head Coach Join Date: Dec 2001	what is this one, 5 hours? __________________ "Don't you have homes?" -- Judge Smales

12-10-2003, 04:21 PM	#14
Butter Coordinator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Dayton, OH	Looks like we've got some snipers. __________________ My listening habits

12-10-2003, 04:49 PM	#23
primelord Pro Rookie Join Date: Oct 2000	Coug, A buddy of mine told me that Ronnie's was going to be showing the extended versions of Fellowship and The Two Towers all in a row leading up to the Return of the King. I realize that may be a bit much even for the LOTR fanatic that you are, but I figured I would pass along the info. __________________ . Last edited by primelord : 12-10-2003 at 04:49 PM.

12-10-2003, 03:46 PM	#2
mattwakeman Mascot Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Cold, old England	Yeah, and the fun of watching the extended dvd's just before you go in as well! Man, I just cannot wait for this. I'm refusing to look at any reviews or anything as I just wanna hit this one cold and get blown away... __________________ Carpe Diem

12-10-2003, 03:51 PM	#3
Butter Coordinator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Dayton, OH	It couldn't possibly be worse than the Matrix finale. But I have very high expectations for it. I truly think that it is this generation's equivalent of the Star Wars trilogy. __________________ My listening habits

12-10-2003, 03:57 PM	#6
Chubby Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Syracuse, NY	I'm thinking of going to Trilogy Tuesday. Anyone else going?

12-10-2003, 04:05 PM	#7
sachmo71 The boy who cried Trout Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: TX	I can't WAIT!!!! I'm so glad my wife thinks Aragorn is hot. That really helps me convince her to go see them!

12-10-2003, 04:26 PM	#15
sabotai General Manager Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: The Satellite of Love	The Matrix finale was just terrible. But...everytime someone says "It couldn't possibly be worse than..." Famous last words. No Trilogy Tuesday for me, but then again, I have a life, so I'll just go see it when I can.

12-10-2003, 05:00 PM	#27
rkmsuf Head Coach Join Date: Dec 2001	"Star Wars is indeed a cultural phenomenon although I agree with above comments that a fair proportion (certainly not all of it) is thanks to the fact that it was just so mould breaking and new" I think that is my point... __________________ "Don't you have homes?" -- Judge Smales

12-10-2003, 05:18 PM	#28
Sublime High School JV Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: NH/Boston University	Since we're talking about it, I was wondering the other day how many people actually read the whole series, including the Hobbit? I read them starting when i was 10 with my mom, and now I am enjoying these films immensely. So far these are my #2 and #3 favorite movies of the last 5 years (#1 being Gladiator). __________________ BU Hockey WHAT!

12-10-2003, 05:56 PM	#30
dawgfan Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Seattle	Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings have some fundamental differences when it comes to comparing them. Obviously the genre is a big one - Sci-Fi vs. Fantasy. The fact that Star Wars is an 'original' story, in the sense that it didn't come directly from any book or short story (though you could argue it's a classic story archetype) while LotR comes from one of the most widely-read book series of all-time is another. The tone of the storylines are also different - Star Wars was modeled after the movie serials of the '50's and is generally more of an upbeat, watch the underdog heroes overcome the stereotypical bad guys bright kind of series, while LotR is a more adult, darker, subtle and complex story where the underlying themes and messages carry greater weight. From an impact standpoint, there's no doubt that the Star Wars series were an amazing technological breakthrough that were years ahead of their time and defined a new standard. They captured the imagination of the public and became a defining cultural touchstone for an entire generation and continue to win new fans. That said, there's also little question that Return of the Jedi was a let-down, and the 2 prequels have been disappointments, which have served to tarnish the series a bit. I'm not so sure that LotR hasn't been an equal in terms of impact and breakthrough. From a purely technological perspective, the impact probably hasn't been as great - while I think LotR is the most technically impressive movie series I've ever seen, it's not head and shoulders abover everything else out there like Star Wars was. On the other hand, never before has anyone produced something as ambitious as LotR - filming all the movies at once and releasing them yearly, and pulling it off so successfully. Many people that were never before big fantasy fans or readers of Tolkien have been totally hooked by these movies. While LotR probably doesn't reach small children the same way the Star Wars movies do, they probably have a similar impact with teenagers and I suspect a bigger impact with adults. I think the LotR series will stand out as the single most impressive cinematic achievements yet. The movies themselves have been amazing enough, and combined with the brilliant strategy of releasing them yearly and having extended edition DVD's available just prior to the release of the next movie has been marketing genious. I can't imagine that this series won't stand the test of time and rank with Gone With the Wind, Wizard of Oz, Lawrence of Arabia, The Godfather and Star Wars as cinematic achievements and the standards by which future movies will be judged. There's no question in my mind about which series is better - LotR is clearly superior to Star Wars in my opinion, and I was (and remain) a huge Star Wars fan.

12-10-2003, 06:34 PM	#33
Draft Dodger Coordinator Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Keene, NH	I don't really see the point of comparing the two trilogys. I'm a HUGE fan of both, and I'll enjoy them over and over again for the rest of my life. the only simalarity is that they are both outstanding. __________________ Mile High Hockey

12-10-2003, 07:34 PM	#34
ice4277 Pro Rookie Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Berkley, MI: The Hotbed of FOFC!	I am going to see it on Friday

12-10-2003, 07:36 PM	#35
Draft Dodger Coordinator Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Keene, NH	well, just got confirmation that I can take the night off. going to see it on the 17th. (assuming our crappy-ass theater is going to carry it) __________________ Mile High Hockey Last edited by Draft Dodger : 12-10-2003 at 07:36 PM.

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