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David McK (3207 KP) rated The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power in TV
Jul 2, 2023
Apparently (according to Google) the most expensive show ever made - with a price tag of £800m - this is something I had heard described as LOTR fan-fic.
Which I can kinda see.
The money is definitely all there on the screen, with wide sweeping shots that remind the viewer of the Peter Jackson films, but I do have to say I did find this to be a little bit on the slow side; only really picking up any sense of urgency on the home stretch at around about episode 6 (of 8).
And, yes, I know what some will say - Tolkien himself spent pages on pages describing countryside - but it doesn't really make for a gripping narrative.
Anyway, this is set centuries before the LoTR, taking its cues from The Silmarillion, and portrays a very different take on Galadriel than that shown by Cate Blanchett, alongside some old friends and (in particular) foes.
Whether it's worth a watch or not depends on your patience for the slow bits, and your interest in the world it inhabits. For me, it just about swung in favour.
Which I can kinda see.
The money is definitely all there on the screen, with wide sweeping shots that remind the viewer of the Peter Jackson films, but I do have to say I did find this to be a little bit on the slow side; only really picking up any sense of urgency on the home stretch at around about episode 6 (of 8).
And, yes, I know what some will say - Tolkien himself spent pages on pages describing countryside - but it doesn't really make for a gripping narrative.
Anyway, this is set centuries before the LoTR, taking its cues from The Silmarillion, and portrays a very different take on Galadriel than that shown by Cate Blanchett, alongside some old friends and (in particular) foes.
Whether it's worth a watch or not depends on your patience for the slow bits, and your interest in the world it inhabits. For me, it just about swung in favour.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Tolkien (2019) in Movies
May 7, 2019 (Updated May 7, 2019)
Bio-pic of the pop culture colossus is badly hamstrung by the fact it can only allude to the great man's works (they don't even have the rights to the text of his gravestone), and also by the fact that all the stuff he is most famous for doing happened when he was a middle-aged professor sitting in his study for hours at a time.
So instead the script rustles up some sub-Dead Poets stuff about fine-young-chaps-together, and a somewhat trite romance, all the while suggesting that JRR couldn't look out of the window or turn on a light without being bombarded by visions of dragons and black riders and the rest of it. No wonder he wrote all those books; it must have been vital therapy for him. A few scenes do hint at the authentic, but also essentially un-cinematic Tolkien, the man who invented languages as a hobby and loved trees, and they do lift the film, but they also make you realise how bland most of this movie is. Nichola Hoult is good as Professor T and the film is well-mounted, but it still feels like a cash-in which is pushing its luck.
So instead the script rustles up some sub-Dead Poets stuff about fine-young-chaps-together, and a somewhat trite romance, all the while suggesting that JRR couldn't look out of the window or turn on a light without being bombarded by visions of dragons and black riders and the rest of it. No wonder he wrote all those books; it must have been vital therapy for him. A few scenes do hint at the authentic, but also essentially un-cinematic Tolkien, the man who invented languages as a hobby and loved trees, and they do lift the film, but they also make you realise how bland most of this movie is. Nichola Hoult is good as Professor T and the film is well-mounted, but it still feels like a cash-in which is pushing its luck.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Tolkien (2019) in Movies
May 15, 2019
Rather dull
I decided to sleep on it rather than review this film straight away in the hope I'd be more positive about it, but sadly not. And I think I'm being rather generous giving it a 5.
My main problem with this film is that whilst it is new in the sense it's the first film about Tolkien, the general storyline itself has been done to death. How many films have come out about authors/famous people that fall in love, go to war etc? I can name a few that I've seen just in the past year and it's all getting a bit old. This is probably the worst as it doesn't really tell us much, it barely even alludes to Tolkien's most famous work and instead drags out his early years with barely any heart. Even his fellowship with his friends could have been better handled. Admittedly the acting was quite good and I liked the war scenes that were interspersed with dark figures and dragons, but I'm not entirely convinced at how true any of this actually is.
Less than an hour in, I was itching to check the time on my watch which is never a good sign.
My main problem with this film is that whilst it is new in the sense it's the first film about Tolkien, the general storyline itself has been done to death. How many films have come out about authors/famous people that fall in love, go to war etc? I can name a few that I've seen just in the past year and it's all getting a bit old. This is probably the worst as it doesn't really tell us much, it barely even alludes to Tolkien's most famous work and instead drags out his early years with barely any heart. Even his fellowship with his friends could have been better handled. Admittedly the acting was quite good and I liked the war scenes that were interspersed with dark figures and dragons, but I'm not entirely convinced at how true any of this actually is.
Less than an hour in, I was itching to check the time on my watch which is never a good sign.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Asena Blessed (The Chronicles of Altaica, #2) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
Its taken me longer than I would like to admit to write this review, but that is only because I feel that I cannot properly express what I truly want to say.
In reality, I feel there is little I can say that I didnt say about Altaica. The characters are well written, the world interesting, reminiscent of Tolkien and the like, and the storyline engaging. However, while I loved Altaica , Asena Blessed completely blew it out of the water. After reading Asena Blessed, I realize that Altaica is just a tease, the tip of the iceberg. Its like comparing a shake to a sundae. Both are delicious, but there are more ingredients to enjoy in the sundae. The characters, geography, and plot introduced in the first novel are more developed and fleshed out. We learn more about the mythology and event going on in the world the story is set in.
Normally, I dont like cliffhangers, but with Joyces Altaicas it just makes me hunger for more. I read it in one sitting and I felt like I lost a friend once I finished Asena. I cannot wait for the next installment. If you are a fan of Tamora Pierce, you will love this series.
In reality, I feel there is little I can say that I didnt say about Altaica. The characters are well written, the world interesting, reminiscent of Tolkien and the like, and the storyline engaging. However, while I loved Altaica , Asena Blessed completely blew it out of the water. After reading Asena Blessed, I realize that Altaica is just a tease, the tip of the iceberg. Its like comparing a shake to a sundae. Both are delicious, but there are more ingredients to enjoy in the sundae. The characters, geography, and plot introduced in the first novel are more developed and fleshed out. We learn more about the mythology and event going on in the world the story is set in.
Normally, I dont like cliffhangers, but with Joyces Altaicas it just makes me hunger for more. I read it in one sitting and I felt like I lost a friend once I finished Asena. I cannot wait for the next installment. If you are a fan of Tamora Pierce, you will love this series.
Powers of Two: Finding the Essence of Innovation in Creative Pairs
Book
All of us have experienced creative connection, and glimpsed its power. Yet, for centuries, the myth...
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated The Two Towers (The Lord of the Rings, #2) in Books
Nov 27, 2019
The second part of the original epic fantasy starts where the first part ends. The Fellowship of the Ring is broken and scattered but thanks to Frodo and Sam the Ring is still heading towards Mordor. Meanwhile Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas persue the band of orcs that have captured Merry and Pippin.
This book carries on with the darker tone that The Fellowship Of The Ring developed as it went on though with Tolkien's grasp of narrative, story and saga it is always an engrossing read. More if Middle Earth is explored, from the horror of the Dead Marshes to the rolling plains of Rohan. Tolkien also keeps the twists coming, from alliances forged by desperation to unexpected allies.
This also features the first full scale battle of the saga - Helm's Deep. A desperate defence that in so many ways is the template for all the battles that have come after in fantasy books, a breathless and intense part of the story that really evokes the sense of grim determination in the combatants.
As with the whole of the trilogy, for something that is very much the genesis of a whole style of story telling there is so much that is complete, and still with that sense of massive depth of history that many of its imitators lack.
This book carries on with the darker tone that The Fellowship Of The Ring developed as it went on though with Tolkien's grasp of narrative, story and saga it is always an engrossing read. More if Middle Earth is explored, from the horror of the Dead Marshes to the rolling plains of Rohan. Tolkien also keeps the twists coming, from alliances forged by desperation to unexpected allies.
This also features the first full scale battle of the saga - Helm's Deep. A desperate defence that in so many ways is the template for all the battles that have come after in fantasy books, a breathless and intense part of the story that really evokes the sense of grim determination in the combatants.
As with the whole of the trilogy, for something that is very much the genesis of a whole style of story telling there is so much that is complete, and still with that sense of massive depth of history that many of its imitators lack.
Smith of Wootton Major
J.R.R. Tolkien and Verlyn Flieger
Book
A charming new pocket edition of one of Tolkien's major pieces of short fiction, and his only...
The Last Titan
9.0
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Book
On the run from the government and a local gangster, Daniel White thought things could not get any...
Daniel Johnson (11 KP) rated Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix in Books
Sep 5, 2017
Plot (2 more)
Characters
Magic
Simply Amazing
Harry Potter is a cultural icon, and reading the books will tell you exactly why.
While I do not believe this is the best Harry Potter book (Read the Goblet of Fire, it is perfect) this book is up there with the best. With a plot that is simple yet magical, it will no doubt be remembered alongside the adventures of Tolkien, with an epic story that is character driven and imaginative to the extreme.
The book takes an even greater appeal when considered alongside the rest of the series, and with the addition of the final book, rereading is crucial. Easter eggs and secrets are hidden deep within these pages and make it a joy to read again, theorise about and delve deep into.
J.K is famous for her world building, creating something of epic scale that feels real despite how crazy it sounds. While avoiding spoilers in this review, it is important that I emphasise the importance of this book with the addition of The Order of the Phoenix. an addition that creates a thrilling new plot line that develops characters masterfully. We see the golden trio grow more than ever before, and it is a joy to experience.
Read Harry Potter, you won't regret it, and you will be a part of the biggest book series since records began. The one that defines this generation of teens, and inspired some of the greatest creators since.
While I do not believe this is the best Harry Potter book (Read the Goblet of Fire, it is perfect) this book is up there with the best. With a plot that is simple yet magical, it will no doubt be remembered alongside the adventures of Tolkien, with an epic story that is character driven and imaginative to the extreme.
The book takes an even greater appeal when considered alongside the rest of the series, and with the addition of the final book, rereading is crucial. Easter eggs and secrets are hidden deep within these pages and make it a joy to read again, theorise about and delve deep into.
J.K is famous for her world building, creating something of epic scale that feels real despite how crazy it sounds. While avoiding spoilers in this review, it is important that I emphasise the importance of this book with the addition of The Order of the Phoenix. an addition that creates a thrilling new plot line that develops characters masterfully. We see the golden trio grow more than ever before, and it is a joy to experience.
Read Harry Potter, you won't regret it, and you will be a part of the biggest book series since records began. The one that defines this generation of teens, and inspired some of the greatest creators since.
A Game of Thrones: The Story Continues: The Complete Boxset of All 7 Books
9.8
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Book
HBO's hit series A GAME OF THRONES is based on George R R Martin's internationally bestselling...