At the start of the trilogy, there is a Hobbit who watches Gandolf come to town, and gets a dirty look from his wife. At the end of the trilogy, the fellow watches things return to normalcy. Of the bunch, perhaps the two trouble maker hobbits come back in the best shape. new leaders perhaps? The Sam character comes back to normalcy and an interest in a family life. All that happened, and much that was averted from one ring found on a fishing trip. No commentary or comparisons to the Wagner opera cycle? Or even a contrast of Tolkien ring quest and the expected quest type stories? Anyone planning to claim to be an elf from a lost tribe that stayed behind? Just so you know, some have started minting 'middle earth money' and the coins can be found for sale here and there. Nickle sized so far. Might make nice buttons.

Actually read what I wrote again, I was talking about visual effects.

Yes, Star Wars used a boat load of special effects, but those are different than visual effects.

Visual effects are things done in post production (ie: the entire friggen LOTR trilogy)

Special effects are things that are actually shot onto your media (ie: explosions, forced perspective).

All that said, Lucas used visual and special effects to tell the story, whereas I see the LOTR movies using visual effects to make everything bigger and badder not because it adds to the story but because the technology is available.

And I'll also say I don't care for the amount of visual effects in the first two 'new' Star Wars movies. If these are supposed to be chronological you've got Obi-Wan Kanobee fighting a 'Matrix' style lightsaber battle...but 30 years down the road, the light saber fights look primitive.

So here I am rambling, take it for what it's worth.

Robert Bloor

Oh don't get me started. I'm actually developing a great standup routine based on the horrendous flaws and plot holes in these abysmal movies.

"So your given the most powerful destructive force known in your world. where would you keep it? A strong box with many locks? A secret pocket sewn into your garb? A leather pouch? No lets keep it on a thong around my neck so not only does it constantly make contact with my skin thus infusing me with its malevolent energies but it also allows me to conviently haul it out so I can shoow it to anyone and everyone I meet"

"It is so vitally important for the survival of the world that this ring be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom that the Elvin council is so moved that they present the Fellowship with a pony. Thanks a lot guys! Everyone else seems to have a horse, or a dragon or a large vicious hamster to ride around on but our valient heroes are forced to walk on foot as slowly as they possibly can to complete their quest"

"So your King of the Horse People. who do you employ as your advisor. Why the slimy black haired fellow named Worm Tongue. One should always trust a guy named Worm Tongue"

Oh and the list goes on and on and on. Much like these pointless films.

Those who can do and those who can't.... complain.

Payne,

Stop it! I'm falling out of my chair laughing. I really loved these movies (much better than Star Wars, in my opinion), but even I agree with your observations.

--Chris

Amen Mya!
I don't want to start a flame war but Payne you need to lighten up a bit. These things called movies are primarily for the visual stimulation of its viewers. I have read so many posts of yours complaining about this that and the other. While you do share valid, thought provoking and helpful information, for the most part, your rambling on about loop holes in plots, weak stories and the like detriment your blessed nature and what you bring to this forum.

I am also guilty of occasionally bashing something for not being thought out properly or because it just makes no sense. I try not to bash something just because the other party isn't educated.

Most viewers of movies such as the Matrix and LOTR have never read about, nor heard of such ideas and stories before. Lets not hold that against them eh? Perhaps trying to educate would be a more worthwhile endeavor.

Like I said no war is intended I am just feeling a bit put off by your statements regarding subjects that others are quite enthusiastic about. I also am not saying you have to agree with everything posted here rather I am suggesting trying to be a bit more helpful.
Thanks,
Jason

Lighten up? I am being light. I would tell you what I really think but the thought police on these boards frown on the use of profanity.
Just Kidding!
The LOTR movies I suppose aren't that bad, if you like that kind of thing (which I don't) and I do appreciate them from their production stand point. The team that put these films together did an outstanding job. I just wish the end result had been as good.
I'll be the first to admit that this genre just isn't my cup of tea (I have never been able to read the books as they instantly put me to sleep) and my reviews read more acerbic than perhaps I intended them to be. I have a very dry sense of humor and satire is a medium that is very rarely appreciated in this country.
It is also my contrary nature that compels me to post an opposite viewpoint just to maintain the balance of the universe. It's a dirty job but someones got to do it.
I know I could just say that I saw the movies and they did nothing for me but then where would be the fun in that?

Point taken. I can appreciate your posts now that I can see where you are coming from. Thank you .
Jason

Yep it was a great movie! The ending seemed to drag a little bit though....I thought the movie was ending like 3 times before it acutally did! Still, this was probably the best one of the series!

I really enjoyed the movies too. One question though..where were the "heroes" going at the end when they got on the little sailboat?

I disagree with the first post here. These movies did not do the books justice...in fact they did them shame.
Peter Jackson added battles that never happened in the books and added people to battles when they were not there. They took out KEY points of the book...that I could fill pages with. These movies should not be called The Lord of the Rings but Frodo's Big Adventure.

For all that have not read the books...read them. You will see what I am talking about.

Back to Kansas.

So has anyone ever seen a movie that they felt exceeded the book? Not just 'did it justice', but exceeded it? The LOTR movies are good, IMO, but I'd still take the books over them anyday. Even "Gone With The Wind" didn't quite match the engrossing scope of the book (and even so, it's still one of the great movies). The only one I can think of is "The Godfather" which somehow managed to eclipse even the fantastic book. Anyone?

Babe. The exquisite prose that graced the movie were nowhere to be found in the book.

I think that Sean Bean (Boromir)would have made a better Aragorn than Viggo Mortenson.
Payne, just as a fan of the books and movies I might have seen your posts as vitriolic, but I usually see the big picture and you painted a very funny picture, especially on "flaws and plot holes";)

Okay, don't get me wrong, I liked the movies a lot (I said liked, not loved) and yes I'll own all on dvd at some point. But let's face it. You CAN'T make a great movie from these books. To do them true justice it would be well over 24 hours long. No one is going sit throught that. For what they did it was great. Peter Jackson should be applauded. I don't know what all this award talk is about though.

The one thing that really grated on my nerves was the acting of the guy that played Frodo ( I should know this but right now it flew away). Frankly, it's almost as bad as Mark Hamil (I'm also a star wars fan). ALMOST.

It's strikes me as funny that I'm hearing the same comments that I heard when people first saw Star Wars. "Wow! Great special effects!" No one noticed how bad the acting was in Star Wars until they were re-released a few years back. Man, it's bad.

As for the Matix trilogy. Please. The only decent one was the first one and it was about as deep as the shallow end of a rain puddle during the dry season. Nothing that isn't covered in a first year philosophy class. And Payne, please take this in the same spirit of your previous posts. It's all in fun.

Call me grumpy. I don't care. I quit smoking last week and my psyche is being torn to bits in front of every person I run into. I'll be better I promise. Now where are those **** matches.

Mark