Posted on 12/19/2001 1:22:18 AM PST by Darth Sidious
Here's another review thread:
Well, you're not very wrong. Certainly you have the Istari's role perfectly correct. My only caveat with your comments is that I believe Tolkien did not oppose the use of magic per se. Rather, he opposed the use of magic to dominate either men or nature. Both Sauron and Saruman are guilty of these sins. Anyone who took the ring and tried to use it "for good" would also be guilty of this sin.
The contrast between Gandalf and Saruman is most instructive. Saruman settles in at the fortress of Isengard and eventually tries to become a lord of men. That's where he goes wrong. Gandalf, however, never tries to have any personal power. Rather, Gandalf puts fire in the hearts of free people so that they themselves may rise up and fight against evil. Gandalf's use of magic in this effort is not improper because he gains nothing more than the diminution of the forces of evil in the world. This is a gain, of course, but it is not his personal gain.
It was too long--no, it just *FELT* too long. It came across as ponderous, and repetitious with nary a hint as to where it would end in a "cliff-hanger". There was even no drama that Gandolf was going to be snared by the demon's whip. It had high points and lows yet seemed to have a frustrating lack of character development (likely due to cut scenes I've seen mentioned). It was hurt by obviously repeated shots and some dodgy effects now and again but saved by the strength of the acting. At a noon showing, I squirmed to stay alert. Others around me dosed off and when it was finally ended the audience gave tepid applause. There were too many instances of motion blur, the physical film print maybe wasn't the best. The score added nothing.
This was obviously a film *for* the book series' fans and won't find much of an audience beyond that I fear. The acting was OUTSTANDING, the story solid. I know Darth claims it's far above "Titanic" but not for one second in "Titanic" did I wonder what time it was, did I dwell on CGI issues--it captured and held my attention. Director Jackson wishes he had Cameron's pacing skills.
This film was greatly hurt by never conveying to the film-only audience where the film was meant to go, where this act or chapter would conclude. It came rather suddenly and once I got there it made sense. So, really, it would almost seem better on a second viewing if only because you have a rough idea of the scope of the story (never an issue with "Star Wars" or "Titanic" or other films).
I was curious but not overly impressed. I am curious where the next film goes and will likely see it. I do want to see this one again but I won't break my neck trying to get back to the theatre. I might just wait for video or DVD.
FWIW, I have seen rarely more than one film per year for the past 6 yrs or longer? I actually made an exception this year and was reminded by LOTR *why* I don't bother going. So much promise... oh well.
Exodus 26
24They shall be coupled together at the bottom and they shall be coupled together at the top by one ring. Thus it shall be for both of them. They shall be for the two corners. 25So there shall be eight boards with their sockets of silver--sixteen sockets--two sockets under each of the boards.
26"And you shall make bars of acacia wood: five for the boards on one side of the tabernacle, 27five bars for the boards on the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the side of the tabernacle, for the far side westward. 28The middle bar shall pass through the midst of the boards from end to end. 29You shall overlay the boards with gold, make their rings of gold as holders for the bars, and overlay the bars with gold. 30And you shall raise up the tabernacle according to its pattern which you were shown on the mountain.
Anyway, I may give it a shot and go see it.
(did you see the preview for the new Time Machine? I'm psyched.)
Waterproof of course.
Replacing hobbits with jar jar binks would not change movie noticibly.
Replacing hobbits with cute widdle pwuppies would not change movie noticbly.
All elves look like the guys in Nelson.
Hobbits unable to refrain from touching each other.
Cate Blanchett: Why?
Liv Tyler: hubba hubba
Hugo Weaving: cool to see him expand (a bit) from The Matrix
final judgement: See it! go to a BIG theater, sit WAY back.
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