LOTR: Two Towers: Book Vs Film: Part 5.

Here is the final part of the Lord of the Rings: the Two Towers Book Vs. Film. After I finish the Return of the King I will try and write a similar type post.

     Arguably one of Peter Jackson’s most controversial changes from the book to the film is the scene where Frodo commands Sam to leave his company and return to the Shire on their journey up the Stairs of Cirith Ungol. While, the entire event was moved to the third film, The Return of the King, this had little effect on the actual plot because The Lord of the Rings is one epic story split into three books for marketing purposes. In the book, Frodo and Sam are tricked by Gollum/Smeogal to travel up the Stairs of Cirith Ungol to Shelob’s Lair, where the giant spider named Shelob dwells. After reaching Shelob’s Lair Gollum sneaks away and leaves the Hobbits for Shelob to devour. Frodo and Sam are chased by the spider and Frodo is encapsulated by Shelob’s web and is poisoned by her paralyzing venom. Sam follows close behind and fends off the creature to save Frodo. However, in the movie on the journey up the Stairs of Cirith Ungol, Gollum/Smeogal takes the last piece of Lambas Bread, the Hobbit’s only food, and throws it off the cliff while the Hobbits are sleeping. Additionally, he places crumbs on Sam thus framing him as the culprit. Because of this, Frodo forces Sam to leave and return home since Frodo believes that Sam betrayed him. This is completely out of character for Frodo compared to the book; their friendship is much too strong for Frodo to even consider dismissing Sam. However, this might be due to the more powerful nature of the Ring as previously mentioned. Clearly, in the scene that Frodo is entranced by the power of the One Ring, thus clouding his judgment. The most likely cause for this change is to add drama and suspense when Frodo enters Shelob’s Lair. While the change is somewhat understandable from a film making perspective, it was an unnecessary alteration to Frodo’s character.

      Although devoted fans of The Lord of the Rings books may be annoyed by changes made in the film adaptations, many of these alterations are reasonable. While the books retain their respected position in fantasy literature, the director had to be guided by his goal to produce a suspenseful and visually stunning film. The enormous popularity of the three Lord of the Rings films is ample evidence of his success in this endeavor.

 

EDIT: Despite what I have said in this series of posts, I would never want any second of The Lord of the Rings films to be changed in the slightest. While I there were parts in the film that could have been adapted more accurately, every change from book has a purpose, regardless of whether "purists" like or not. Peter Jackson created three perfect films that have few if any equals in the 21st Century.   

 

 

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

LOTR: Two Towers: Book Vs Film: Part 4

Here is part of my Lord of the Rings: Book Vs. Film. Today I focus mainly on what is possibly the most controversial change, Faramir's character, or his character was in the movie, "Jerkamir" because he was a jerk to the the Hobbits. 

Faramir’s encounter with the Hobbits is one of the most significant changes made from book to movie. Not only did it redefine Faramir’s character; it vastly changed the sequence of events. In the movie Faramir is greatly tempted by the Ring and starts to take Frodo and the Ring to his father Denethor in Minis Tirith; conversely in the book he quickly decides to help Frodo and Sam on their journey. Faramir is shown to have great fortitude and character in the book However, in the movie he is an antagonist because the Ring quickly tempts him. Faramir’s character was changed for several reasons, one being: that the Ring in the movie is portrayed as being even more powerful of an evil influence than the more subtle evil of the book, which works much better in the visual medium of film. If Faramir were able to resist the influence of the Ring easily it would have undermined the power of the Ring without extensive exposition. Possibly the most important reason for the change, which was even said by Peter Jackson himself, is that Frodo and Sam needed some form of conflict in the second film, because the conflict at Shelob’s Lair was moved to the third movie (The Lord of the Rings, Blu-Ray). If there were no change, Frodo and Sam would have had a nearly uneventful journey to the pass of Cirith Ungol. Overall the change could have been handled better, but from a film making standpoint it is mostly understandable.

Despite what I have said in this series of posts, I would never want any second of The Lord of the Rings films to be changed in the slightest. While I there were parts in the film that could have been adapted more accurately, every change from book has a purpose, regardless of whether "purists" like or not. Peter Jackson created three perfect films that have few if any equals in the 21st Century.   

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

Top 25 Fictional Couples: Part 1.

Because Valentine's Day is coming up tomorrow, here is part 1 of the Fictional Couples list as requested by you. The criteria is that the characters are in a romantic relationship, and the same character can be listed more than once if said character had more than one relationship, simple as that. Also this is including all forms of media, including movies, comic books, video games, ect. Since guys like myself do not watch "romance" movies often, the list will include mostly couples from comic book films and other action, sci-fi and suspense films. I am ranking them by how much I enjoy the characters and their chemistry, which usually results in humorous banter. Also, not every couple have a "Happily Ever After" ending, some are tragic, others are very conflicted and even abusive. For the list, I have a few spoiler warning in spots, but it is mostly spoiler free.

At Number 25: Neo and Trinity

While the actors never had much chemistry, the "Trinity Help" scene was awesome and as a Matrix fan I had to include them on the list. 

At Number 24: Superboy and Megan (Mss. Marian)

In the Young Justice series, Superboy and Megan was the most developed and the characters were very likable. I still hate it that they were split-up in the Young Justice: Invasion series with the five year jump.

At Number 23: James Bond and Vesper

Vesper is the only "Bond Girl" to have a believable relationship with Bond and easily the best of the Bond series. Although I would have to spoil Casino Royale to tell why I liked Bond and Vesper.

At Number 22: Hank (Ant-Man) and Janet (Wasp)

Unlike many of the other couples on this list, Hank and Janet Pym have had many problems. If you thought Tony Stark is a jerk, Hank Pym is in a whole other level of jerkdom. While he and Janet started out as a nice couple, it later turned violent. Despite this, they were one of the first couples in comics to take such a dark turn. Hank Pym (aka Ant-Man, Giant Man, Yellowjacket ect.) and Janet Dye (Wasp) are both Avengers and there will be an Ant-Man film coming out in 2015 after The Avengers 2.

At Number 21: Reed (Mr. Fantastic) and Sue (Invisible Woman)

Reed and Sue Richards, core members of the Fantastic Four. While the film adaptation of the characters was done terribly, they are still one of the best couples in comics.

At Number 20: Batman and Catwoman or Talia Al Ghul

I could not decide between Batman and Catwoman or Batman and Talia Al Ghul, so I decided to include them both on the list. Although Bruce Wayne even married Talia in the comics, Catwoman is a better more likable match for the Caped Crusader.

At Number 19: Aragorn and Awren

Although Aragorn and Awren's relationship was given an unnecessary focus compared to the the books, it nevertheless worked well in the film. 

At Number 18: Bruce Wayne and Andrea Beaumont

Out of all Bruce Wayne's romantic interests, Andrea Beaumont from Batman: Mask of the Phantasm movie was easily my favorite. She was original to the film and was never in the comics but in her short role made a big impression on me. 

At Number 17: Bruce (The Hulk) and Betty

Betty is the only one who can calm the beast within Banner. However, if I were to say more, it would spoil The Incredible Hulk movie.

At Number 16: Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger

After working together for nearly over the eleven years in the eight Harry Potter films, had a belivable relationship throughout the film series. They were very likable and fun characters to watch grow throughout the movies.

At Number 15: Superman and Lois

Superman and Lois Lane, the original super-couple. How could one make a couples list and not include Superman and Lois? Hopefully in the up-coming Man of Steel, there will another great paring of actors. However, due the age difference (9 years) between Henry Cavill (Superman) and Amy Adams (Lois), it could become awkward.

At Number 14: Cobb and Mal (Inception)

Cobb and Mal are the definition of a troubled relationship. Not only did Mal *Inception Spoilers* kill herself because Cobb made her believe she was still dreaming, she haunts his subconscious and nearly ruins the mission or did she succeed? * Inception Horn Music*  *End of Spoilers*  

At Number 13: Thor and Jane

While some may dislike Thor and Jane as a couple, I thought they were great together in the recent Thor film, comics and Avengers TV series.

What do you think of the list so far? Please comment below and check back here tomorrow for the Valentine's Day Part 2 of this list.  

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

LOTR: Two Towers: Book Vs Film: Part 3.

Here is my Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers: Book Vs. Movie. In part one I will be comparing the chapter "Treebeard" namely, the changes made with "Treebeard's" personality. For this three part post, I have changed my typical writing format to more of a formal five paragraph essay just to give it a try. Due to the time it takes to write such a post, I most likely will not be continuing to write like this, however please give me your opinion of the post.

The Two Towers Book vs. Film

Although there have been many adaptations of books to film, few maintain accuracy to the original source material, which often frustrates the book’s fan base. While The Lord of the Rings The Two Towers is more accurate than most book to film adaptations, there are some changes that the director felt were necessary. Three prominent changes are Treebeard’s personality, Faramir’s nobility and Frodo’s betrayal of Sam.

In the adaptation of the chapter “Treebeard” from book to movie there were several changes. Most notable is Treebeard’s motive for later attacking the tower of Orthanc at Isengard. In the book, he is aware that Saruman is now affiliated with Mordor and that Saruman’s forces are cutting down Fangorn Forrest. Previously he planned an attack on Isengard and later gathered the other Ents at the Entmoot council to convince them to aid in the attack. On the other hand, in the film Merry and Pippin are rescued by Treebeard from the Orcs. Treebeard then assembles the Entmoot council to determine whether Merry and Pippin are Orcs. After determining that Merry and Pippin are not Orcs, Treebeard begins the journey to deliver the Hobbits back to their home. However, Merry and Pippin trick him into taking a route that leads them to the location where the other Ents were cut down by Saruman’s army, thus provoking his attack on the tower of Orthanc. Although the chapter could have been adapted better, it is understandable considering the limited time devoted to these events.

 

Please check back here tomorrow for my new Star Wars post about a up-coming Star Wars film. Also click on these links to read Part 1 and Part 2. of the Two Towers: Book Vs. Film posts.

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

2012 Movie Preview: Part 1 June-December.

June

G.I. Joe 2: Retaliation

We liked the original G.I. Joe TV series  but the first G.I. Joe movie was really really bad but from the trailer and the actors in the movie this one looks like it is going to good.

Succeeds if: If it is not cheesy like the first and the costumes and action are good.

Fails if: If it makes the same mistakes as the first one.

July

The Amazing Spider-Man

We loved the original Spider-Man movies and they are movies that everyone should see. This Spider-Man movie is a reboot of the franchise. After The Hobbit and The Avenger we are most excited about The Amazing Spider-Man.

Succeeds if: If it is even better than the original Spider-Man movies and is truely "Amazing".

Fails if: If it is not near as good as the original Spider-Man movies.

The Dark Knight Rises

This trailer makes it look like The Dark Knight Rises is actually going to have some decent action unlike The Dark Knight and the way to dark and clunky Batman Begins. We are not expecting munch from The Dark Knight Rises so if the plot is better than the others and the action is actually decent. Hopefully Chris Nolan was learned how to make a good action scenes from making Inception.

Succeeds if: The action is decent and Batman's voice does not sound like garbage disposal mixed with guttural sounds.

Fails if: There are three way the The Dark Knight Rises can fail:

1:The action scenes are dark and clunky like the other Batman movies,

2: The movie is so over hyped that people hate it because it is not as good as The Dark Knight,

3: The it is so over hyped that people love it even if it suck really bad.

August

 The Bourne Legacy

We have recently become fans of The Bourne movies this year. We really liked them all but The Bourne Ultimatum. We hope the Bourne Legacy can be as good as the other Bourne movie since Matt Damon is the star of the movie.

Succeeds if: If the movie is just as good or better than the other Bourne movies.

Fails if: If it completely rehash of the other Bounre movies and is not original.

The Expendables 2

The first Expendables movie didn't have munch plot but it did have the some of the best action in any movie. The first was a dream movie for anyone who was a fan of 80s action movies like us. Now The Expendables 2 has just about every great action movie actors from the 80s and then some.

Succeeds if: If it delivers on the awesome action we expect.

Fails if: There isn't munch action and there is so munch profanity that it makes it un-watch able.

November

James Bond Skyfall

Skyfall is the next installment of the James Bond franchise. We are James Bond fans and we have seen all of the movies. We were disappointed with the last two James Bond movies because there were not any gadgets used in the movies like the original James Bond movies. But is some good news Ben Whisaw is going to play the role of "Q" is the up coming movie. If you have seen any old James Bond movie you would know that "Q" makes gadgets for Bond since he is going to be in the movie we hope that Bond will use gadget.

Succeeds if: There is more use of gadgets and the action is good.

Fails if: It if just like the other Daniel Craig Bond movies.

December

The Hobbit

The Hobbit! The Hobbit is going to be the best movie of the year in 2012. We doubt that there is going to a better movie next unless The Hobbit is a complete failure, which is very unlikely.

Succeeds if: It is just as or almost as good as The Lord of the Rings.

Fails if: The chance of The Hobbit failing is slim to non,

Which of these movies are you most excited about next? Are there any movies that you can't wait to see that we didn't have on the list? That is it for the 2012 movie preview.

2012 Movie Preview: Part 1 January-May.

This post is about the movies that coming out in 2012 that seem interesting. We are going to give our thoughts about the movies and what we think the movie needs to do to succeed. We are not going to talk about every movie that is coming out next year but the ones that we think we are going to watch. The movie are going to in the order that they are coming out in theaters,

January

There are not any movies that look interesting in January.

February
Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance 
Feb 17

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance is the sequel to the first Ghost Rider movie. The first Ghost Rider movie was not a very good comic book movie. With the exception of Nick Cage the acting wasn't very good and overall disappointment but when the first movie was made there weren't that many good comic book movie except Spider-Man and X-Men. Since Marvel wasn't had a really bad comic book movie recently we are expecting it to be above average comic book movie but not a masterpiece like Captain America, Thor, or X-Men: First Class.

Succeeds if: The movie is darker and has a lot of action.

Fails if: The dialogue cheesy like the first movie.

March

The Hunger Games
March 23

The Hunger Games is based on a book that we know very little about. But thanks to Hannah at My Life: It Is What It Is and Rebecca at Just me...  who have read the books and told me about what the The Hunger Games is about. I think it will be a good movie. I really liked Jennifer Lawrence in her role in X-Men: First Class so I think she will do well in the role of Katniss Evenrdeen.

Succeeds if: The movie is accessible to newcomers to the series, pleases fans, and

Fails if: It is not true to the source material and the fans hate it, and if the futuristic stylized look discourages the general public.

April
There isn't anything that looks interesting.


May

The Avengers
May 4

The Avengers is easily the most anticipation movie of the summer. If you have been following the our blog you that we super excited to see The Avengers. We have already made a "Avengers Guide" about what you need to know before the movie comes out. If you haven't read it here are the links to check them out.
The Avengers Guide Part 1: The Movies.
The Avengers Guide Part 2: The Heroes.
The Avengers Guide Part 3: The Villains
The Avengers Guide Part 4: The Comic Book
The Avengers Guide Part 5: The Origins.
The Avengers Guide Part 6: Secrets and After The Credits.
The Avengers Guide Part 7: Information and Pictures.
The Avengers Guide Part 8: The Cast.
The Avengers Guide Part 9: 5 Avengers We Want in the Sequel.
The Avengers Guide Part 10: 5 Villains We Want in the Sequel.
The Avengers Guide Part 11: After The Avengers.

Succeeds if: It is everything that we think it is going and that it is the best comic book of all time.

Fails if: The screen time is not  divided equally among the main characters.



Men in Black III

We watch the Men in Black movies for the first time this year and liked them. They weren't our favorite but they were still funny. We hope that new Men in Black movies are going to good.

Succeeds if: It can be a hilarious and has action.

Fails if: The plot is dumb and it is not that funny.



Which of these movies are you most excited about next? Are there any movies that you can't wait to see that we didn't have on the list? Don't forget to check back here tomorrow for Part 2.