A Tolkien Blog Party of Special Magnificence -- 2015

It is time again for Hamlette's "Tolkien Blog Party of Special Magnificence" over on The Edge of the Precipice, and if you'd like to participate, here's the link. Now, let's answer the questions!

1.  What draws you to Tolkien's stories?  (The characters, the quests, the themes, the worlds, etc.)

Well, everything draws me to it. However, as in most great stories, characters are the most important and that's what keeps me coming back to series. Also, the world building is masterful.

2.  What was the first Middle Earth book you read and/or movie you saw?  What did you think of it?

The Fellowship of the Ring film, and it remains one of my all-time favorites.

3.  Name three of your favorite characters and tell us why you like them.

Sam, Gandalf, and Aragorn.

4.  Are there any secondary characters you think deserve more attention?

Boromir is not exactly a secondary character, but he is one of the more interesting and complex side characters.

5.  What Middle Earth character do you relate to the most?

Probably Sam; he is most normal guy in the story, and yet he is one of most inspiring.

6.  If you could ask Professor Tolkien one Middle Earth-related question, what would you like to ask him?

What is the fate of the various characters throughout the novels.

7.  Are there any pieces of Middle Earth merchandise you would particularly like to own, but don't?

A poster of either the Fellowship of the Ring or Return of the King.

8.  What battle would you absolutely not want to be part of?

The Two Towers; that fight was brutal.

9.  Would you rather eat a meal at the Rivendell or Bag End?

Bag end; some of that food looked great.

10.  List up to ten of your favorite lines/quotes from the books or movies.

"Then let us be rid of it... once and for all! Come on, Mr. Frodo. I can't carry it for you... but I can carry you!"

"You shall not pass!"

"One does not simply walk into Mordor."

“That there’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo… and it’s worth fighting for.”

“Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.”

“We swears, to serve the master of the Precious. We will swear on… on the Precious!”

“I am Gandalf the White. And I come back to you now… at the turn of the tide.”

“Oh, it’s quite simple. If you are a friend, you speak the password, and the doors will open.”

“A day may come when the courage of men fails… but it is not THIS day.”

“Your time will come. You will face the same Evil, and you will defeat it.”

“But the fat Hobbit, he knows. Eyes always watching.”

If you want to contact us or have any questions please send an e-mail to johnstarslayer@gmail.com.

RIP Sir Christopher Lee

Legendary actor Sir Christopher Lee passed away a few days ago at the age of 93. He was a prolific actor throughout many eras. His career began in 1946, and his last his final film was Angels in Notting Hill. He will be missed. My favorite role of his is Saruman in The Lord of the Rings, but he has played many noteworthy roles, so which ones is your favorite?

If you want to contact us or have any questions please send an e-mail to johnstarslayer@gmail.com.

The Hobbit: High-Frame-Rate Discussion

After hearing how the 48fps high-frame-rate version of the first Hobbit film nearly ruined it in the eyes of most critics, 48fps (frames-per-second) has almost become a tainted word among the film reviewing community. In fact, high-frame-rate distribution of the Desolation of Smaug and Battle of the Five Armies was limited compared to the first film. However, when presented with the opportunity to watch the most recent and final entry in the Hobbit trilogy in 48fps, I decided to take it, and, to my surprise, the HFR (high-frame-rate) was actually impressive. 

While the first 15-20 minutes were jittery and noticeably faster, after my eyes adjusted to the higher frame rate, it actually improved the 3D's quality a great deal. Compared to the previous two Hobbit films, which I watched in IMAX 3D, the 3D combined with the HFR made the 3D, action sequences, and special effects far more realistic and clear. My prior experience with 3D was fine, but any scenes with a lot of fast movement became blurry to a degree. The HFR seemed to eliminate this issue almost entirely. The 3D popped and the action sequences were as detailed as I have ever seen, which made for a far more immersive experience (after the initial adjustment). However, the most noticeable difference is that the special effects and computer graphics are far more realistic and immersive. At many points the effects were so convincing that I did not know what was real and what was computer generated, and this brings me to the main point of controversy: Most critics say that the film uses too much CGI, and it compromises the experience. While I agree that more practical effects like the ones in the Lord of the Rings trilogy would have been much better, what we got in the film was exceptional and convincing CGI, at least if you are watching it in HFR. My opinion of the film differs so much from others, it as if I was watching a different film, and maybe the HFR made a difference in some respects. Regardless, I stand behind my review of The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies being an exceptional film with many thrills and emotionally impactful moments. Also, if more 3D movies look this good in HFR, maybe there is a chance it will become more popular, although it is still not a biggest enough difference to the change the industry like 3D has. Did you watch the film in HFR? What is your opinion of HFR? And what do you think of the most recent Hobbit film? Please comment below and let me know, and do not forget to check out my review for the film by clicking here. 

Here is a video explaining the difference between 24 and 48 frames-per-second. 

If you want to contact us or have any questions please send an e-mail to johnstarslayer@gmail.com.

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies Review

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, the final entry in the legendary Middle Earth saga, or at least for the time being. Seeing my second most favorite franchise finally come to an end is saddening, and with a film with so much riding on it, does it disappoint?

As for the plot, by now, you all know the story, and if not, you really need to go watch the first two Hobbit films after watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Due to several factors, including the vast changes to the source material, being split into three movies, and An Unexpected Journey not being the same as the Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Hobbit films have received a lot of undue negativity. The first film certainly had its problems, but the Desolation of Smaug was an exceptional fantasy adventure that not enough people give credit to, especially how the Extended Edition improved upon an already strong film. Honestly, aside from those who are angry about the source material changes, I do not understand why so many people dislike the films, and this is especially true for The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. In fact, it reminded me of critically acclaimed Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 in that it is the epic climax to an epic saga. However, it differs in how it raises the stakes, and, despite being a prequel actually had unexpected twists (if you did not read the book). Both are great movies, but the biggest difference is that almost everyone loves Deathly Hallows yet Battle of the Five Armies received a generally mixed to negative reception.

Having not read the novel, please remember that this is a review for the film as a cinematic experience, not an adaptation. 

Directed by: Peter Jackson

Genre: Fantasy, Action, Epic,

Release Date: 17 December 2014

Running Time: 144 minutes

MMPA rating: PG-13

The Good: Thorin's descent into madness, Most impressive battle sequences since the LOTR, Bilbo and Thorin's friendship, Shockingly emotional moments, Rarely noticeable CGI, Romance almost kinda works, Suspenseful and intense action, Strong performances across the board, 

The Bad: Alfrid receives a bit too much screentime, 

Plot: 9.7/10- Having already been set in motion by the previous film, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies fulfils on the epic conclusion that we all deserved and expected. The film's themes of the corruption by power and greed provide continue throughout, which is portrayed by the struggles of the characters.

Battle of the Five Armies’ pacing is perfect. The film never dragged, and there were enough plot developments during and between the action sequences to prevent the film from being pure spectacle. The only minor issue with the plot is that the film could have used at least ten more minutes to wrap everything with a little more finesse. However, what we got was satisfying enough to leave me fulfill leaving the theater. 

Characterization: 10/10- Thorin's descent into madness provides compelling conflict to drive the plot forward, and his character arc is one of the best and most compelling aspects of the film. Bilbo is such a likable character, and he receives many opportunities to shine throughout the film with a character arc that is well executed and satisfying. Bilbo’s friendship with Thorin is another highlight of the film because it makes you even more invested in the plot and characters of the film. 

For me at least, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies has the hardest hitting emotional moments that I have seen in a movie live-action film in a very long time. Throughout the film I was shocked by how much I cared for these characters, and it makes the action sequences all the more suspenseful and intense.

Gandalf is not featured in the film as much as the previous two, but his absence is not much of a negative to the film, although Bard the Bowman receives more screentime than expected, which turned out great.

Everyone’s most talked about part of the movie is the romance between Kili and Tauriel that was set up in the previous film, and the payoff is surprisingly effective. It is not necessary, but it works, and I am fine with it being in the movie.

As before, aside from Kili, Balin, and Dwalin, the rest of the dwarves are almost one big character without much individuality. Considering their lack of involvement in the previous films, this is not a detriment to the film by any mean.

My only issue with the characterization, and one of my only issue with the film in general, is that Alfrid, the Master of Laketown's advisor, receives far too much screentime than his character deserves, and some of his scenes somewhat clash with the more serious nature of the battle sequences. 

Action: 10/10- The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies’ action sequences features the best large scale battles since the LOTR. Almost every scene is filmed with skill, and despite the abundance of nearly nonstop action, it never becomes stale or redundant. Also, we finally get to see three of Middle Earth's resident bad*sses do battle, with a certain wizard's scenes being the most impressive of the trio.   

Acting: 9.9/10- Martin Freeman and Richard Armatage are the standouts among the expansive cast, and their performances are a large part of the reason why the characters’ drama is so compelling. Ian McKellon, Luke Evens, and the rest of the supporting cast all give top notch performances, which is expected from a Middle Earth film.

Special effects: 10/10- The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies’ special effects are a vast improvement over the previous two films. Many times, you cannot even tell whether what you are seeing is computer generated or real sets and people in makeup. Of course, certain scenes are obviously CGI, but it blends well with the rest of the film. 

After reading other opinions, it seems that others felt that the effects and CGI blatant, and maybe watching the film in 48fps and 3D made the effects less noticeable, because I am very critical when it comes to anything animated and the film is near the top of my list of best CGI ever put to film. If you did not see it in 48fps, maybe that is why your experience was different, so be sure to check back tomorrow for my discuss about the high-frame-rate version.

Soundtrack: 9.7/10- Howard Shore's score is not as noticeable as his previous work in the franchise; however, it is still fittingly epic and makes the battle sequences more exciting. 

Humor: N/A- Aside from one scene with Alfrid, the film is nearly humorless, and the lack of humor works out for the best.

Entertainment Value: 10/10- As a Middle Earth fanatic, the film is pure entertainment for me. Not even for a second did the film lose my attention.

Overall: 9.9/10- Even with two incredibly inconsequential flaws, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies is an emotional and thrilling ride that more than satisfies as, presumably, the final entry in the Middle Earth saga making it the strongest entry in the trilogy.

Closing comments: Even though I have liked other films more than most fellow critics, like The Amazing Spider-Man 2 and Thor, I know and admit that there are a few notable flaws in said films. However, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies' flaws are so minor that I do not understand in the slightest why anyone, aside from those predisposed to dislike the film, would find it anything less than a high quality film. 

Recommended for: Anyone that watched the previous films, 

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The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies: First Reaction

As is the trend now for me, I am the last person on planet earth not to see The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, but waiting to go see the film in High-frame-rate and 3D was more than worth it! Unlike the previous Hobbit films I generally avoided all reviews and opinions of the film prior to seeing, so as to prevent my opinion from being influenced by others. Having now seen the film, I will go read and comment on everyone's reviews and Best of 2014 posts, after finishing my review, so if you have reviewed the movie, please leave a link in the comment below.

I will say that the one advantage of seeing a movie extremely late is that there are almost always very few people in theater and therefore not many annoying distractions, which was, for the most part, the case. Aside from one guy crunching on some nachos, the theater was quite! In addition to my review tomorrow, on Thursday, I will be discussing the 48fps version of the film and how much of a difference the higher frame rate makes.

If you want to contact us or have any questions please send an e-mail to johnstarslayer@gmail.com.

The Hobbit: DOS: Extended Edition Review

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug: The Extended Edition, yet another extended edition in the Middle Earth saga.

Going into the extended edition of The Desolation of Smaug, I entirely expected that the extra scenes to not add much to the overall story, much like extended edition of An Unexpected Journey, and to my surprise, that was far from the case. In fact, much like The Lord of the Rings: Extended Editions, the extended edition is the definitive version of The Desolation of Smaug. 

Instead of my usual critique format, I have decided to list six reasons why the Extended Edition is the superior version. Also, having not read the Hobbit novel, this is my opinion of how the extra scenes make the movie better as a cinematic experience, not as an adaptation. Obviously, if you have not seen the theatrical cut of the Desolation of Smaug, then this post will include spoilers.

Thorin's Father and Character Depth

Easily, the most significant addition to the EE (Extended Edition) of DOS (Desolation of Smaug) is the entire subplot involving Thorin's father, Thráin. In the previous film, it was briefly mentioned that Thráin disappeared after the battle, and in the theatrical edition, his part is cut entirely. However, the EE inserts in the entire subplot about Thráin. The cut is so drastically different that some of the new scenes are not merely additions, but rather replacements for the old content at times, particularly when Gandalf confronts the Necromancer. With Thráin's additions, there is another subplot involving one of the Dwarven rings as well, which adds further depth to the world that Peter Jackson has crafted, and it adds foreshadowing for the next film. Also, the scenes with Thorin and his father add more depth to Thorin's character, as it humanizes the character.

More Beorn

Beorn receives a couple of brief scenes in the theatrical cut, and while he serves as a decent plot device, he is lacking, even for a supporting character. Thankfully, the EE includes several more scenes with Beorn, which expand upon his character with actual character traits. While his scenes are not all that necessary for the theatrical cut, it is good to see more of Beorn.

The Nine's Origin

In the theatrical cut, only a brief line referring that the Necromancer raised human warriors from the dead with little to no explanation. However, in the EE, there is a brief flashback to when the Witch King is buried, as well as more lines of dialogue that expand the origin of the Nazgûl, and thus adding world building elements.

Mirkwood Wandering and the White Stag

With the additional scenes of the Bilbo and the Dwarves wandering through Mirkwood, the disorientating atmosphere is amplified for the audience. In addition to that aspect, a scene with a White Stag is included, which is apparently a scene from the book that was oddly missing from the theatrical cut.

Laketown

Of the additional scenes, the Laketown ones are the least important to the overall story. However, they do provide more motivation for the Master of Lake-town’s actions, and the scenes with Dwarves fighting off the Laketown guards is quite fun, even if it kind of opens a possible plot hole. 

A More Complete Experience

Even though The Desolation of Smaug is an excellent film in its theatrical cut, the Extended Edition makes it a much more complete experience, much like LOTR Extended Editions. It adds more character depth, lore, and, with the exception of one or two scenes, it makes for an overall superior experience. Of course, if you already hate the Hobbit movies for your personal reasons, then nothing is going to change your opinion. 

Have you seen the Extended Edition of The Desolation of Smaug? Do you plan to buy it? Please comment below and let me know.

If you want to contact us or have any questions please send an e-mail to johnstarslayer@gmail.com.

Middle-Earth Travel Video

With the Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies being released in theaters a couple of weeks ago, Air New Zealand released several safety video featuring a few familiar faces from Middle Earth. For a safety video, this is very amusing, especially with all of the Middle Earth references and epic scenery. 

The video aside, going to New Zealand is on my geeky buck-list, even if it is incredibly unlikely any time in the near future. Come on, who would not want to visit the permanent Shire that was built as well as look upon the various sights and vistas featured in the Lord of the Rings films!? 

On a sidenote, hopefully, I will get to watch and review the new Hobbit film sooner rather than later. Due to various reasons, including a regional flu pandemic (thanks CDC for screwing that up), I have not been able to see it yet. Also, I have decided to avoid all reviews for the film until after watching it, so if I have not commented on your review yet, that is because I am waiting until after I watch the movie. Please be sure to check back tomorrow for my review of the Doctor Who Christmas special and Tuesday for my review of the Desolation of Smaug Extended Edition.

If you want to contact us or have any questions please send an e-mail to johnstarslayer@gmail.com.

Tolkien Blog Party of Special Magnificence

Hamlette over on The Edge of the Precipice is hosting a giveaway! And to participate, you just need to check out her post here.  

1.  Who introduced you to Tolkien's stories?

My father watched the first Lord of the Rings film in theaters, and then he took me and the rest of the family to see it.

2.  How old were you when you first ventured into Middle Earth?

Probably 8 years old, which is when I saw the film in theaters.

3.  Did you read the books first, or see movie versions first?

Watched the movie.

4.  A dragon or a balrog -- which would you rather fight?

A dragon.

5.  Who are three of your favorite characters?  (Feel free to elaborate on why.)

Sam

Gandalf

Gollum/Smeagol

6.  Have you ever dressed up like a Tolkien character?

Nope, never have.

7.  If someone asks you to go on adventure, how do you respond?

Let's go!

8.  Have you read any of the "history of Middle Earth" books?

No, I have not.

9.  Would you rather drink a bowl of Ent Draught or a glass of Old Winyards?

Since I am against alcohol, I will go with Ent Draught, plus it would make even taller.

10.  List up to ten of your favorite lines/quotes from the books or movies.

"Then let us be rid of it... once and for all! Come on, Mr. Frodo. I can't carry it for you... but I can carry you!"

"You shall not pass!"

"One does not simply walk into Mordor."

“That there’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo… and it’s worth fighting for.”

“Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.”

“We swears, to serve the master of the Precious. We will swear on… on the Precious!”

“I am Gandalf the White. And I come back to you now… at the turn of the tide.”

“Oh, it’s quite simple. If you are a friend, you speak the password, and the doors will open.”

“A day may come when the courage of men fails… but it is not THIS day.”

“Your time will come. You will face the same Evil, and you will defeat it.”

“But the fat Hobbit, he knows. Eyes always watching.”

If you want to contact us or have any questions please send an e-mail to johnstarslayer@gmail.com.

New Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies Trailer

The new Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies trailer is here, and yeah, it is epic. While the visuals in the trailer are amazing epic and very Lord of the Rings feel, what makes this trailer something special is the song, "Edge of Night." If you remember, that is the song that Pippin sung for Denethor during Faramir's attack, and it is a more than perfect choice for the trailer song. As always, I cannot wait for my next journey into Middle Earth. If you have read the books, please refrain from spoiling anything, and comment below with your thoughts. 

If you want to contact us or have any questions please send an e-mail to johnstarslayer@gmail.com.

LOTR: Book vs Movie and a Giveaway

Over on The Edge of the Precipice I wrote another Book vs. Movie comparison for The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, which you can read by clicking here, where I discuss some of the biggest changes that Peter Jackson made to the book while adapting it to film. Also on Hamlette's blog, The Edge of the Precipice, she is hosting a giveaway where you can win the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy on DVD! If you already own the films, you can also enter to win a vintage LOTR poster featuring art from James Cauty or a journal with more classic LOTR drawings. For details about the giveaway and how to enter, you can click here. Thank again to Hamlette for the opportunity to guest post, and at some point in the future, she will write a guest review for J and J Productions.

If you want to contact us or have any questions please send an e-mail to johnstarslayer@gmail.com.

New Hobbit Movie Name: The Battle of the Five Armies

After many rumors that suggested that the next Hobbit movie would be re-named to, "Into the Fire," Peter Jackson has finally revealed the new name of the third film, "The Battle of the Five Armies." So, yeah.... not the best name ever, but it could have been worse I suppose. Originally, the third Hobbit movie was named "There and Back Again," which has now been the suggested name for the trilogy box set, because it is the final installment in the Hobbit franchise. Despite not having read the books, I do know that there is a "Battle of the Five Armies" that takes place, and naming the movie after that will hopefully make general audiences more interested in seeing a film about a giant battle. Obviously, the title of the film is entirely a marketing strategy, and providing it works, I do not have any problems, except for the fact that the name sounds kind of dumb. It is not terrible, but "Into the Fire," sounds particularly cool and epic, whereas "The Battle of the Five Armies" is more generic and overly long. Overall, the title does not matter that much providing that the actual battle is satisfyingly epic and amazing as the name implies. What do you think of the name change? Please comment below and let me know. Also, tomorrow is my third Blogoversary! And to celebrate the occasion, I have written a retrospective about some milestones and why the blog was made in the first place. Also, my review for Oscar Nominated Captain Phillips will be coming as well.

Also, below is the upcoming posting schedule:

Monday: Three Year Blogoversary! And A Retrospective

Tuesday: Agents of SHIELD: The Only Light in the Darkness

Wednesday: Captain Phillips

Thursday: Seven Samurai Review

Friday: Coming Soon: April

If you want to contact us or have any questions please send an e-mail to johnstarslayer@gmail.com.

LOTR: Two Towers: Book vs. Movie

Over on Hamlette's blog, The Edge of the Precipice, I wrote a guest post comparing the Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers book to the film focusing on The One Ring, Faramir, and the events that take place on the Stairs of Cirith Ungol. To go read and comment on the post, you can click here. Please let me know what you think of it, and please check back tomorrow for my first reaction to a series named Log Horizon.

Also, Hamlette is hosting a giveaway over on her blog, which you can check out by clicking here.

If you want to contact us or have any questions please send an e-mail to johnstarslayer@gmail.com.

Top 10 Movie Battles

Since posting the first two parts of my Top 10 Movie Battles list, I have seen some battles that should most definitely make the list, therefore the list has been slightly altered to fit the new battles onto the list. To qualify for the list, the battle only had to be included in a theatrically released film, and only one place on the list for each franchise. Otherwise, the list would mostly consist of battles from The Lord of the Rings. 

Note: If you have already read the previous part of this list, which I posted several months ago, skip the first four choices on my list since you have likely already read them.

At Number 10: Seven Samurai Final Battle

The final battle at the end of the Akira Kurosawa's samurai epic, Seven Samurai, is the oldest battle on the list, and it remains one of the best. Even though the battle might not have the same amount of visceral thrills as many modern battles, Seven Samurai should be recognized for its quality considering the time in which it was filmed as well as being filmed in the rain, which created a fantastic atmosphere. The three hours leading up to this battle were definitely worth the wait. 



At Number 9: Battle of Gotham

 

Before any Nolanites starts loosing their stuff over the low placing of the battle on my list, here is my main reason: the battle is more of a duel between Batman and Bane than an actual battle between multiple armies or people. While there certainly is some large scale fighting (hence it being on the list), the battle is more about Batman vs. Bane with the battle in the background.

At Number 8: Battle of Hogwarts

Basically, the battle of Hogwarts includes the last hour of the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, which is one big epic battle of wizardry. Although the battle does not really include the duel Harry and Vordemort, the rest of the battle was huge, taking place across the entire campus of Hogwarts. Also note that this is the only picture I could find for the list, even if it is the duel between Harry and Vordemort.

At Number 7: Battle of Thermopylae

Inspired by true events of the 300 Spartans that fought the 30000 Persians and based on Frank Miller's graphic novel, Zack Sndyer's 300 had some awesome and gory battles. While the later battles in 300 are a little too over-the-top for my tastes, the first battle was freaking epic! 300 Spartans that can completely defy physics vs. a crap load of Persians, in slow-motion! The great fight choreography combined with the gravity defying special effects makes for a fun and epic battle.

At Number 6: Battle of Stirling (Bridge?)

Despite the absurd amount of historical inaccuracy, the Battle of Stirling in Braveheart is an epic battle that highlights the best epic battle scene prior to the computer-generated age. One of the most realistically brutal and bloody battles on the list, Braveheart's best fight scene of the film is incredibly impressive in terms of its scale and inspiration to fight against tyranny despite the odds. In history, there was an actual bridge at Stirling, hence the name "Battle of Stirling Bridge," however Gibson figured why have any regard for historical accuracy when you can make an inspiring and Oscar winning film. 

 At Number 5: Iron Men vs. Extremis

Even though some might begrudge my choosing of the epic final battle in Iron Man 3, seriously, watch the scene and tell me that it is not an epic and well filmed battle scene. The CGI for the Iron Man armors are incredibly realistic and the choreography is very impressive. The battle is unique and with all the different types of armor, there is a great variety to the action.

At Number 4: Any Battle from Thor: The Dark World

Since my list only counts one battle for each franchise, my original choice of the Frost Giant battle from the first Thor has been completely eclipsed by its sequel, The Dark World. The film was packed with so many awesome and impressively realized battles that just one from the film could not be chosen, therefore, you can take your pick of which one from the movie was the best.

At Number 3: Battle of Hoth

From the Battle of Endor to the Death Star attack, Star Wars has had many epic battle scenes but none more iconic than the opening Battle of Hoth in The Empire Strikes Back, and it remains one of the landmark achievements of the sci-fi genre. From the gigantic lumbering AT-ATs to the Rebels snow speeders, this battle is a technical marvel to behold. In a surprising twist, the evil Empire is actually the victor in this battle, which set the tone for the Empire Strikes Back's uniquely dark storyline.

At Number 2: Battle of the Pelennor Fields/Battle of Helm's Deep 

Although my favorite battle scene from the Lord of the Rings franchise is the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, the Battle of Helm's Deep is equally epic. The Lord of the Rings set the new standard for battle scenes at the time of its release and only one film has surpassed it. Peter Jackson's perfect direction combined groundbreaking special effects and full scale sets to create a battle for the ages. The choreography is perfect, and there is absolutely no use of horrid shaky-cam, overly dark lighting, or cheap jump cuts. Everything is framed perfectly and given the emotional height that a battle of its magnitude should have. 

At Number 1: Avengers: Battle of New York

Does anything even come close to matching the battle between The Avengers and Loki's Chitauri army? Joss Whedon could not have filmed this battle any better, every single shot is framed with skilled, and similar to the previous film on the list, never resorts shaky-cam, overly dark lighting, or cheap jump cuts. You care about the characters and what happens, and seeing all of the characters fighting along side each other with each of their unique abilities is breathtaking. Each character has his or her moment, and the way the characters work as a team is ingenious. How can Whedon possibly top this epic battle in the Avengers sequel? Because this was cinematic perfect.

For a full explanation of how a battle qualifies for the list, and why gun battles did not make the list, Click Here to check out the first post in this series where I explain the method behind the madness. What do you think of my picks? Please comment below and let me know what your favorite battles are.

If you want to contact us or have any questions please send an e-mail to johnstarslayer@gmail.com.

Top 10 Novels: Part 2

Here is the continuation of my Top 10 Novels of all-time. Please remember that this is a list of my personal favorite novels and that the visual medium of film is more my forte than the written word. For a full explanation of my how I made my choices, you can click here to read the first part of the list, if you have not already.

At Number 7: Watchmen

Blasphemy you say!? How can a comic book make a list of best novels, you say!? Well, if Entertainment Weekly can include it at 13th their list of 50 Best Novels of the last 25 years, then I can surely include it on my favorite novels list, however no other graphic novels will be included. While the Watchmen film was a general disappoint in comparison to the novel, it did serve to spark my interest in the novel. Watchmen is an intelligent and though-provoking deconstruction of the superhero genre that ushered in an era of more mature storytelling in comic books. The story itself is rife with symbolism and metaphors, as well as strongly developed characters with understandable motivations. Too bad the movie could not have the same intriguing characters and thought-provoking themes thanks to Zack Sndyer's lifeless directing, however, he should be credited for bring the novel to life visually, albeit with an excessive amount of sexual content and profanity that is mostly not present in the novel.

At Number 6: Star Wars: Dark Force Rising

The second book in the Thrawn Trilogy, Dark Force Rising was not really The Empire Strikes of the trilogy, however, it was a nice followup that follows everyone's favorite Star Wars heroes. Too bad the trilogy can never be adapted into films, or at least live-action films, but please Disney, do not forget the years of these fantastic Expanded Universe stories in your upcoming films!

At Number 5: Star Wars: Heir to the Empire

Considering that Luke, Han, and Leia are basically my three favorite characters ever, it should be no surprise that a continuation of the greatest story ever told is something I would enjoy. The books capture the great feel that made the Original Trilogy classic, while throwing in some political intrigue, espionage, and a deeper exploration of the characters makes for a story that surpasses the prequels for sure (which I like more than most). Also, Heir to the Empire was my first introduction into the Star Wars Expanded Universe books, and it is where I believe everyone should start if you love the Original Trilogy. Of course, the novel introduced the first iconic EU (Expanded Universe) character to make an impact on the Star Wars universe, Grand Admiral Thrawn.  

At Number 4: Star Wars: The Last Command

The Last Command concludes the Thrawn Trilogy perfectly with shocking revelations and a climax that completely satisfies. The interplay between Mara Jade, one of the best EU characters, and Luke Skywalker was a lot of fun, and so was reading more about Han and Leia. Even though some of the plot conflicts with the prequels, which were made several years afterwards, the story is fun with the classic Star Wars feel, and Timothy Zahn really knows how to capture these iconic characters on the page. As a whole, the Thrawn trilogy felt like a blast from the past that reminded me how much I miss these characters, and the unabridged audiobook by Marc Thompson is positively magnificent! 

At Number 3: The Fellowship of the Ring

If it was not obvious enough, the first part of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Fellowship of the Ring takes one of the top three spots on the list. It is one of the best work of fiction ever written. Tolkien created a mythos that set the standard for all fantasy works to come. The difficult part about writing the Lord of the Rings trilogy is that everything can be said about the trilogy has already been said. 

At Number 2: The Two Towers

As enjoyable as the Fellowship of the Ring was, The Two Towers bested by the slightest of margins. Even though I might rank one Lord of the Rings book above another, they really are one giant story that was originally intended to be one book. You cannot read one without the other.

At Number 1: The Return of the King

How could I choose any other book for the number one spot? It's the Return of the King, the epic conclusion of one of the greatest stories ever told. The Lord of the Rings trilogy are undeniable classics, and there is almost nothing that can be said that has not already been said. Sure, Tolkien can be a little wordy and the books are not light readings, but he crafted a brilliantly realized world that has few rivals in terms of scale and detail. It is essentially perfect. If you have never experienced the Lord of the Rings, go watch the movies and read the books, like right now!

What did you think of my list? Please comment below and check back soon for my review of on Friday for my review of "Spice and Wolf" and a couple of guest posts on Wednesday and Thursday.

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