Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
AFI Top 100: #50
Nominee
Two Towers (2002)
Nominee
Return Of the King (2003)
Academy Award Winner
I am sorry I am compiling these all together, but if I did them all separately it would result in a short novel on each one and my nerd would show hardcore. So in an attempt at self control I will put them together and discuss their merits and shortcomings (yes there are a few...don't stone me...only a few!!) as a series.
The word is epic, this series is the ultimate battle of good versus evil, and no, its not cliche because this story is practically the bible of all the fantasy series that followed. However, this trilogy could have gone hopelessly astray if a full commitment to every detail was not taken, fortunately it was. Every realm in this world has been developed artistically and musically which helps define thousands of years of history and make this world believable. So, pretty much, here I am giving a major shout out to Howard Shore and everyone on the creative design teams. The attention they paid to the small things, is what allows this story to not be ridiculous but instead something that an audience wants to experience.
Also the shooting of this movie is not only beautiful but at times just down right impressive. The sweeping landscapes, the battle scenes (in case anyone is wondering Helms Deep is my favorite, although the battle of Minas Tirth is pretty good too), and the intimate emotional close-ups they use to bring these characters to life is fantastic. Not only that but, a lot of impressive cinematography had to happen in order to even make the hobbits look small, yet it is achieved. So to cinematography and Peter Jackson I also tip my hat.
Alright lets bring up the few problems we have here. Acting...whelp...its not wonderful?? I mean I mentioned the close up personal shots earlier...some of them fall a little short and that is not the directors fault. Some people are very good, Ian McKellen is wonderful at playing both the intimate friend and battle leader that is Gandalf. Andy Serkis, we never really see but his Smeagol/Gollum is actually quite good. Viggo Mortensen is hot...no problems there. BUT Elijah Wood is a little rough. He comes off as whiny and not particularly lovable...I find myself just not caring about Frodo at all. In fact, I really wanted Sam to just push him into Mount Doom in the end. Also Orlando Bloom thanks for being so glamorous but you should never really open your mouth.
Also script writing is very up and down. It is an epic...I can buy into some of the cheesy monologues and pontificating that occurs. We need those inspirational quotable lines. (Samwise nice Two Towers speech...for the win). In addition, they made the characters lovable, I mean the actors did that too, but a lot of the humor that was built into the script is what keeps us watching. However once again Orlando Bloom should just not speak...ever.
That being said...BACK TO GOOD THINGS!!! The special effects were not only good then, I think at times they still rival today's examples. Some CGI stands out (that squid thing before the Mine of Moria) but overall I find it forgivable, and Gollum still looks great!
Lastly, as a woman I am obligated to say, Good job Eowyn! Love when she takes out the King of the Nazgul. Also Merry and Pippin, I love you. Samwise, Middle Earth would not exist without you.
Overall: These films are the epic battle movies of our time! No, the script isn't always wonderful and the acting is a little shaky but we love these characters, we love this world. But what I actually love most of all is how they bring everyone together. I love watching these movies with my family and friends. I love saying the lines I know and waiting for my favorite parts. These movies make you believe that there is some good in this world and its worth fighting for. Now go round up your friends and watch these films again if you haven't in awhile, or even if you have, you won't regret it. :)
The word is epic, this series is the ultimate battle of good versus evil, and no, its not cliche because this story is practically the bible of all the fantasy series that followed. However, this trilogy could have gone hopelessly astray if a full commitment to every detail was not taken, fortunately it was. Every realm in this world has been developed artistically and musically which helps define thousands of years of history and make this world believable. So, pretty much, here I am giving a major shout out to Howard Shore and everyone on the creative design teams. The attention they paid to the small things, is what allows this story to not be ridiculous but instead something that an audience wants to experience.
Also the shooting of this movie is not only beautiful but at times just down right impressive. The sweeping landscapes, the battle scenes (in case anyone is wondering Helms Deep is my favorite, although the battle of Minas Tirth is pretty good too), and the intimate emotional close-ups they use to bring these characters to life is fantastic. Not only that but, a lot of impressive cinematography had to happen in order to even make the hobbits look small, yet it is achieved. So to cinematography and Peter Jackson I also tip my hat.
Alright lets bring up the few problems we have here. Acting...whelp...its not wonderful?? I mean I mentioned the close up personal shots earlier...some of them fall a little short and that is not the directors fault. Some people are very good, Ian McKellen is wonderful at playing both the intimate friend and battle leader that is Gandalf. Andy Serkis, we never really see but his Smeagol/Gollum is actually quite good. Viggo Mortensen is hot...no problems there. BUT Elijah Wood is a little rough. He comes off as whiny and not particularly lovable...I find myself just not caring about Frodo at all. In fact, I really wanted Sam to just push him into Mount Doom in the end. Also Orlando Bloom thanks for being so glamorous but you should never really open your mouth.
Also script writing is very up and down. It is an epic...I can buy into some of the cheesy monologues and pontificating that occurs. We need those inspirational quotable lines. (Samwise nice Two Towers speech...for the win). In addition, they made the characters lovable, I mean the actors did that too, but a lot of the humor that was built into the script is what keeps us watching. However once again Orlando Bloom should just not speak...ever.
That being said...BACK TO GOOD THINGS!!! The special effects were not only good then, I think at times they still rival today's examples. Some CGI stands out (that squid thing before the Mine of Moria) but overall I find it forgivable, and Gollum still looks great!
Lastly, as a woman I am obligated to say, Good job Eowyn! Love when she takes out the King of the Nazgul. Also Merry and Pippin, I love you. Samwise, Middle Earth would not exist without you.
Overall: These films are the epic battle movies of our time! No, the script isn't always wonderful and the acting is a little shaky but we love these characters, we love this world. But what I actually love most of all is how they bring everyone together. I love watching these movies with my family and friends. I love saying the lines I know and waiting for my favorite parts. These movies make you believe that there is some good in this world and its worth fighting for. Now go round up your friends and watch these films again if you haven't in awhile, or even if you have, you won't regret it. :)
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