Neoolong's TTT(spoilers)/Sabbatical/Random Thread
Posted: 2002-12-22 02:43am
Hello all,
This is my combination going on vacation and The Two Towers reaction and random stuff thread. Sorry for another TTT thread, but I wanted to add some stuff that didn't seem to have been said.
Vacation
First of all, I am leaving for the great nation of Australia, oh and New Zealand, for 12 days for vacation. I am going home tomorrow and will leave on Wednesday, yes Christmas. I may post intermittently between now and then though.
The Two Towers
After viewing The Two Towers I have come to the conclusion that I like it. I have the viewpoint of someone that has some knowledge of the books, but has never actually read them. Yes, I will get to them eventually.
So I will mention some stuff about it that I found neat/interesting/bad/etc.
There will be spoilers, and stuff not for the faint of heart, or extremely easily offended.
1. The movie as a whole seemed good. However, it did feel forced for the first 20 minutes or so. It could better when they got to Edoras.
2. The music. For me the music did not seem as distinctive as that from the first one. I did hear some reoccurring themes, such as the Shire/Hobbits theme that played at times. There also did not seem to be powerful moments that had memorable music for me like the first one. These include the part where Gandalf says something like "the great Dwarven city of Dwarrowdelf. And the music where the fellowship is mourning Gandalf's departure outside Moria. And the music when Boromir is getting killed. And the fellowship theme near the bridge of Khazadum.
3. Edoras. Is it just me or does Edoras and the people of Rohan seem to be Norse? With the horns and the buildings and stuff. Maybe it's just me.
4. Eowyn. Major hottie. I wish she was in the movie more. I hear she will be in ROTK too. That is good. And her strength is a major turn-on. And damn sexy accent too.
5. Arwen. Major hottie 2. Her dream sequence with Aragorn seemed rather unnecessary. However, I liked Elrond's speech and her having to consider the ramifications of her decision.
6. My Imagined Scene #1. Eowyn seems to dig Aragorn. Arwen digs Aragorn. I would like a catfight that degenerates into some sweet sweet loving. Yes, I am a scumbag.
7. Smeagol. Incredible. One of the best CGI characters that I have ever seen. And that dual personality dualogue was cool. And that fish song? Forget about it. That just rocked.
8. Faramir. I have read the posts about him being Boromir lite. I agree up to a point. On the surfact he seems to want the ring for Gondor. Though he talks about his qualities and it seems that he wants it to elevate how people see him. Perhaps to come out from his brother's shadow. He did not seem so much as a clone, but as a character that was not completely fleshed out in this movie. I will reserve judgement until after the third movie. I do like however that he is willing to let them go at the end. It is something that Boromir could not do.
9. Aragorn. As nice as ever. But damn it, is there any culture where he can't pick up chicks? I want that power. His supposed death scene seemed unnecessary. But it did allow for that kick ass entrance later. And it allowed some more Eowyn scenes. So it's all good.
10. Imagined Scene #2. Eowyn likes Aragorn. Arwen likes Aragorn. There is only one way that this can be solved. Through a long and highly sexy threesome. Remeber, I'm a scumbag?
11. Legolas. Elf dude kicks ass. Some unnecessary parts however. The shield riding seemed a little corny, but still kinda cool. That horse trick was pretty tight. Gratuitous, but still cool.
12. Gimli. I like the character. However, his use as comic relief was a bit over the top. He was comic relief in the first movie as well, but no too this level. Subtlety would have been nice.
13. Ents. Cool. However, it may just be me, but the mass of them fighting seemed silly to me. That's just me though.
14. Merry and Pippin. They both have grown a lot. They are able to get the Ents to fight. They also realize that the war that is to come involves all of them. And that there may not be a shire left.
15. The fish song. That was just cool wasn't it?
16. Frodo. His character seems more complex. I realize that he is supposed to be strongwilled to resist the ring. However, to do this completely does not make as strong a drama in my opinion. It also ties into why Frodo so needs to redeem Smeagol. He sees that he is on the same path, and is scared that he may not be able to turn back himself.
17. Samwise Gamgee. Samwise the Brave. 'Nough said.
18. Eowyn. Damn she was such a hottie. And damn nice smiles. And those eyes. Forget about it.
19. Theoden. Odd transformation. A quick exorcism by Gandalf and he's fine? Kinda cheap in my book. And trying to hide at Helm's Deep? I didn't like that. Seemed odd considering his character later. I would have liked it if he was going to make his last stand there rather than trying to hide. Though I liked the part where he is getting his armor put on and gets some cool lines.
20. Wormtongue. Brad Dourif is Grima Wormtongue. 'Nough said.
21. Saruman. Okay. We get the anti-technology and anti-industry theme. We don't need to it beaten into us.
22. Elven teep. Odd thing. But necessary in my opinion. The dialog seemed fairly important and it seemed the only way to communicate it.
23. Gandalf. As fine as before. Though the exorcism seemed kinda corny. Oh, and the scene where he goes up to Theoden, and Gimli, Aragorn, and Legolas, beat up the soldiers while moving around, that was awesome.
24. Helm's Deep.
a. Badly designed fortress. And even more incompetent attackers. I could have done a better job commanding the Uruks and Orcs. They had catapults at the other battle, they could have been here, if you have to bring down some walls. But enough about tactics.
b. Elves. I was not so disappointed at their presence. They served the purpose that humans do not just have to stand alone. When Aragorn commented on asking Gondor for help, Theoden believes that men will stand alone, divided. The elves show that they do not have too. This looks important later when men must unite. They do not save the day. Eomer and his crew do. This follows with that theme in that men united, as Eomer reunites with his king, save themselves.
c. Children. Damn powerful. Watching ten year old kids strapping on armor with that look on their face. Damn powerful. I hope that if SW Ep. 3 has something with the younglings, it is this powerful.
d. Celeborn. His death was not as powerful as Boromir's. Though it was touching for Aragorn to be there.
e. The Last Ride. Magic horses. Okay, it was really just funky editing. Pretty impressive I guess.
f. Eomer and crew. Okay, the long spears worked in Braveheart against heavy horse, but not here? Okay fine. Magic horses. Or just damn luck.
g. Overall, pretty well done, despite some tactical problems. I would have liked a little of that desperation that Boromir's last fight had though.
25. Shelob. I assume she is the she referred to by Gollum at the end. I think, depending on how it is in the third movie, that this is wise. It sets up a sort of cliffhanger that she is referred to in the second movie, but we don't know how she is. Yet.
26. Imagined Scene #3. Threesome with Eowyn, Arwen, and me, the plucky soldier extra #310. Yes, I am a bad bad man.
27. The other battle at that other place. With the battle at Helm's Deep it did not seem that well done. Though the Nazgul with the fell beast is cool. As well as Samwise saving Frodo, again. It also serves to show what Faramir is trying to protect.
28. Ties. Some nice referbacks to the first one. The rope and the Elven daggers. As well as the Evenstar pendent.
29. Large animals. The oliphants(sp), the trolls, etc. They did strain my suspension of disbelief a little, but they were overall pretty nice.
30. Did I enjoy it? Yes. Yes I did. Would I see it again? Yes. I was talking with this girl at a store and she planned on seeing it, about 6 hours after I had already seen it. Would I have gone with her if I could? And pay for a ticket this time? Yes. Yes I would.
Random Stuff
Saw the trailer for X-Men 2. I wanna see it. And not just for Kelly Hu and Anna Paquin. I also saw the trailer for Bruce Almighty. Might actually be enjoyable. Trailer for A Man Apart. I have a little hope that Vin Diesel might make it better than just a derivative "cop who plays by his own rules" flick. Bulletproof Monk. Chow-Yun Fat is God. Say it with me folks. Chow-Yun... *Stop looking at me like that* Okay, parts seemed kinda corny. However, that helicopter scene rocked. And Chow-Yun Fat needs a good American movie besides Anna and the King. And yes, I liked that movie. And yes ,I am secure in my manhood.
Christmas is coming. If you're religious/non-religious/heterosexual/homosexual/bisexual/etc., and I don't think you're a moron, happy holidays and I wish you the best. As for the morons, bite me.
And if anybody has any suggestions for anything cool to pick up as a souvenir, or anything I should or should not do culturally in Australia, please let me know. Thanks.
Agree? Disagree? Let your fingers be heard.
And if you have read this complete thread. Bravo. Seriously.
This is my combination going on vacation and The Two Towers reaction and random stuff thread. Sorry for another TTT thread, but I wanted to add some stuff that didn't seem to have been said.
Vacation
First of all, I am leaving for the great nation of Australia, oh and New Zealand, for 12 days for vacation. I am going home tomorrow and will leave on Wednesday, yes Christmas. I may post intermittently between now and then though.
The Two Towers
After viewing The Two Towers I have come to the conclusion that I like it. I have the viewpoint of someone that has some knowledge of the books, but has never actually read them. Yes, I will get to them eventually.
So I will mention some stuff about it that I found neat/interesting/bad/etc.
There will be spoilers, and stuff not for the faint of heart, or extremely easily offended.
1. The movie as a whole seemed good. However, it did feel forced for the first 20 minutes or so. It could better when they got to Edoras.
2. The music. For me the music did not seem as distinctive as that from the first one. I did hear some reoccurring themes, such as the Shire/Hobbits theme that played at times. There also did not seem to be powerful moments that had memorable music for me like the first one. These include the part where Gandalf says something like "the great Dwarven city of Dwarrowdelf. And the music where the fellowship is mourning Gandalf's departure outside Moria. And the music when Boromir is getting killed. And the fellowship theme near the bridge of Khazadum.
3. Edoras. Is it just me or does Edoras and the people of Rohan seem to be Norse? With the horns and the buildings and stuff. Maybe it's just me.
4. Eowyn. Major hottie. I wish she was in the movie more. I hear she will be in ROTK too. That is good. And her strength is a major turn-on. And damn sexy accent too.
5. Arwen. Major hottie 2. Her dream sequence with Aragorn seemed rather unnecessary. However, I liked Elrond's speech and her having to consider the ramifications of her decision.
6. My Imagined Scene #1. Eowyn seems to dig Aragorn. Arwen digs Aragorn. I would like a catfight that degenerates into some sweet sweet loving. Yes, I am a scumbag.
7. Smeagol. Incredible. One of the best CGI characters that I have ever seen. And that dual personality dualogue was cool. And that fish song? Forget about it. That just rocked.
8. Faramir. I have read the posts about him being Boromir lite. I agree up to a point. On the surfact he seems to want the ring for Gondor. Though he talks about his qualities and it seems that he wants it to elevate how people see him. Perhaps to come out from his brother's shadow. He did not seem so much as a clone, but as a character that was not completely fleshed out in this movie. I will reserve judgement until after the third movie. I do like however that he is willing to let them go at the end. It is something that Boromir could not do.
9. Aragorn. As nice as ever. But damn it, is there any culture where he can't pick up chicks? I want that power. His supposed death scene seemed unnecessary. But it did allow for that kick ass entrance later. And it allowed some more Eowyn scenes. So it's all good.
10. Imagined Scene #2. Eowyn likes Aragorn. Arwen likes Aragorn. There is only one way that this can be solved. Through a long and highly sexy threesome. Remeber, I'm a scumbag?
11. Legolas. Elf dude kicks ass. Some unnecessary parts however. The shield riding seemed a little corny, but still kinda cool. That horse trick was pretty tight. Gratuitous, but still cool.
12. Gimli. I like the character. However, his use as comic relief was a bit over the top. He was comic relief in the first movie as well, but no too this level. Subtlety would have been nice.
13. Ents. Cool. However, it may just be me, but the mass of them fighting seemed silly to me. That's just me though.
14. Merry and Pippin. They both have grown a lot. They are able to get the Ents to fight. They also realize that the war that is to come involves all of them. And that there may not be a shire left.
15. The fish song. That was just cool wasn't it?
16. Frodo. His character seems more complex. I realize that he is supposed to be strongwilled to resist the ring. However, to do this completely does not make as strong a drama in my opinion. It also ties into why Frodo so needs to redeem Smeagol. He sees that he is on the same path, and is scared that he may not be able to turn back himself.
17. Samwise Gamgee. Samwise the Brave. 'Nough said.
18. Eowyn. Damn she was such a hottie. And damn nice smiles. And those eyes. Forget about it.
19. Theoden. Odd transformation. A quick exorcism by Gandalf and he's fine? Kinda cheap in my book. And trying to hide at Helm's Deep? I didn't like that. Seemed odd considering his character later. I would have liked it if he was going to make his last stand there rather than trying to hide. Though I liked the part where he is getting his armor put on and gets some cool lines.
20. Wormtongue. Brad Dourif is Grima Wormtongue. 'Nough said.
21. Saruman. Okay. We get the anti-technology and anti-industry theme. We don't need to it beaten into us.
22. Elven teep. Odd thing. But necessary in my opinion. The dialog seemed fairly important and it seemed the only way to communicate it.
23. Gandalf. As fine as before. Though the exorcism seemed kinda corny. Oh, and the scene where he goes up to Theoden, and Gimli, Aragorn, and Legolas, beat up the soldiers while moving around, that was awesome.
24. Helm's Deep.
a. Badly designed fortress. And even more incompetent attackers. I could have done a better job commanding the Uruks and Orcs. They had catapults at the other battle, they could have been here, if you have to bring down some walls. But enough about tactics.
b. Elves. I was not so disappointed at their presence. They served the purpose that humans do not just have to stand alone. When Aragorn commented on asking Gondor for help, Theoden believes that men will stand alone, divided. The elves show that they do not have too. This looks important later when men must unite. They do not save the day. Eomer and his crew do. This follows with that theme in that men united, as Eomer reunites with his king, save themselves.
c. Children. Damn powerful. Watching ten year old kids strapping on armor with that look on their face. Damn powerful. I hope that if SW Ep. 3 has something with the younglings, it is this powerful.
d. Celeborn. His death was not as powerful as Boromir's. Though it was touching for Aragorn to be there.
e. The Last Ride. Magic horses. Okay, it was really just funky editing. Pretty impressive I guess.
f. Eomer and crew. Okay, the long spears worked in Braveheart against heavy horse, but not here? Okay fine. Magic horses. Or just damn luck.
g. Overall, pretty well done, despite some tactical problems. I would have liked a little of that desperation that Boromir's last fight had though.
25. Shelob. I assume she is the she referred to by Gollum at the end. I think, depending on how it is in the third movie, that this is wise. It sets up a sort of cliffhanger that she is referred to in the second movie, but we don't know how she is. Yet.
26. Imagined Scene #3. Threesome with Eowyn, Arwen, and me, the plucky soldier extra #310. Yes, I am a bad bad man.
27. The other battle at that other place. With the battle at Helm's Deep it did not seem that well done. Though the Nazgul with the fell beast is cool. As well as Samwise saving Frodo, again. It also serves to show what Faramir is trying to protect.
28. Ties. Some nice referbacks to the first one. The rope and the Elven daggers. As well as the Evenstar pendent.
29. Large animals. The oliphants(sp), the trolls, etc. They did strain my suspension of disbelief a little, but they were overall pretty nice.
30. Did I enjoy it? Yes. Yes I did. Would I see it again? Yes. I was talking with this girl at a store and she planned on seeing it, about 6 hours after I had already seen it. Would I have gone with her if I could? And pay for a ticket this time? Yes. Yes I would.
Random Stuff
Saw the trailer for X-Men 2. I wanna see it. And not just for Kelly Hu and Anna Paquin. I also saw the trailer for Bruce Almighty. Might actually be enjoyable. Trailer for A Man Apart. I have a little hope that Vin Diesel might make it better than just a derivative "cop who plays by his own rules" flick. Bulletproof Monk. Chow-Yun Fat is God. Say it with me folks. Chow-Yun... *Stop looking at me like that* Okay, parts seemed kinda corny. However, that helicopter scene rocked. And Chow-Yun Fat needs a good American movie besides Anna and the King. And yes, I liked that movie. And yes ,I am secure in my manhood.
Christmas is coming. If you're religious/non-religious/heterosexual/homosexual/bisexual/etc., and I don't think you're a moron, happy holidays and I wish you the best. As for the morons, bite me.
And if anybody has any suggestions for anything cool to pick up as a souvenir, or anything I should or should not do culturally in Australia, please let me know. Thanks.
Agree? Disagree? Let your fingers be heard.
And if you have read this complete thread. Bravo. Seriously.
) New Zealand now has a Minister for Lord of the Rings. It's true. Run a google search if you don't believe me.
Im a bad man too. 
I was looking really hard this time to see if anyone got speared. I can't honestly say I saw anyone go down. However, two things. Gandalf was blinding the orcs, and a lot of the shied away. Plus most of the shots were close ups of Gandalf and people around him, so if they did have riders getting knocked off, then I'd have to see it again to know for sure. Personally the battle of Helms Deep was spectacular. It felt like an all or nothing battle. Someone was bitching about Legolas 'surfing' down the stairs. When I saw that in the trailer, I about pissed myself. How the fuck do you top Legolas' manuver in FotR were he takes out an arrow, stabs a Uri Kai in the eye, pulls it out, to subsequently shoot another Uri Kai in the head? I got it, during the most intense battle, have the bastard kick up a sheild, ride it down a flight of stairs and take down five or six orcs in the process. Yet again, I cannot wait until Return of the King to see if they top themselves. I really, really loved the scene were they got on horse back and charged out the front gates. That to me was just the, we have to buy time, and this is something they won't expect. Charge!