Thoughts on the Hobbit movie

Okay, where to begin? If you have followed the news at all in the last few months, you will have noticed the hullabaloo surrounding Peter Jackson and New Line Cinema. Apparently, NLC has dropped PJ from the upcoming film version of J.R.R.Tolkien's The Hobbit. This is frustrating for many people, especially as PJ expressed his love of the books and desire to make them. The problem? New Line Cinema can't wait. Or won't wait. For the past few years after the LOTR trilogy ended, the fans have been persistent in their demands for a film version of the Hobbit. PJ intended to make it, if NLC allowed, but decided to do a couple of other projects first. What became of this? Well, NLC has finally given in to the demands of the fans. "Sure" they say. "We'll make The Hobbit". Well, fans. You got what you asked for. If you had been patient and waited for PJ, we might actually have a deep, rich wonderful film. Instead, your impatient demands have force NLC to drop the one man who is actually capable of directing such a staggering project. The fans now say it was a mistake and that they want Peter back. Sorry to break it to you, but it might be too late. PJ is reported as saying that since there was a legal dispute anyway, he is fine with not directing it. He didn't want to have to deal with legal problems AND a giant film. He told the press he had planned on resolving the lawsuit between his film studio and NLC before going forward with the Hobbit. Apparently, this has offended him or discouraged him.
The only hope we PJ fans have now is the giant petition that is online, to bring him back on board the project. If enough signatures are given, then New Line Cinema will have to notice. (Honestly, I think they already have). Then they might ask him back. Honestly, I hope he accepts. After what they did to him, he has every right to refuse. One fact that must be noticed, however, is the fact that EVERY SINGLE PERSON asked about the matter has stated that PJ is the only person qualified for making the Hobbit.

Visit www.theonering.net for a link to the petition and continuing information on The Hobbit.

Must have DVDs of winter

Okay,
as anyone who knows me will tell you-I am a movie junkie!
I love going to the movies, criticizing the films, and then getting the DVDs.

This Christmas several must have films were released on DVD. Here is a brief overview of what I think are the best.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe Extended Edition Unrated (Contains some PG-13 material in the extended battle sequence) *****
This is the same film that was released last Christmas, except with an added 15 minutes by director Andrew Adamson. For the most part, the additions aren't that noticable, but what is there adds a lot. For instance, there is an added scene that shows Narnia thawing with the arrival of Spring, there is more battle, and some added character development on the part of Edmund. Overall this film soars because of the effect the added material has on the film as a whole. However, at times the film quality doesn't quite match the theatrical version. Plus the set includes 3 extra discs with documentaries on C.S.Lewis and the making of the film.

Lady in the Water rated PG-13 for some frightening sequences ****
This film is the latest from writer/director M. Night Shyamalan. It is the story about an apartment complex handyman who discovers a fairy tale nymph called a Narf living in his pool. He must assist her in her trip back to her own world, even as she is hunted by the ruthless creatures called Scrunts. This film starred Paul Giamatti and Bryce Dallas Howard. It features an awesome message about finding one's purpose in life and was very clean for a PG-13 film.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest rated PG-13 for intense adventure violence and frighening images ****
What can I say, its Captain Jack Sparrow! This sequel to the 2003 surprise hit drags a bit in places, but has a well developed plot, witty humor and sweet sword fights. One note, this one is definitely NOT for little kids with some intense violence and the dark themes. Highly Recommended!

Ice Age: The Meltdown rated PG for some innuendo and mild language *****
This was a surprisingly funny movie for one reason--an extended role for squirrel/rat Scrat.
The plot was not as good as the first Ice Age, but the new characters-Possums, and a new love interest for Manny the mammoth created a heart-warming plot that is great for the whole family. This contains a few mild adult references and a curse word.

Jet Li's Fearless rated PG-13 for stylized martial arts violence. (DVD contains an alternate "unrated version" that I have not yet seen. It contains more intense violence than the theatrical version)****
This movie was just plain cool. It had no language, a moral lesson, and jaw-dropping martial arts fights that were not graphic. I liked this one a lot!

Hope you all got something out of this review! Stay tuned for more!

New Star Wars 2007 info!

Okay guys, it is officially official!
Youtube has several new videos posted that feature sample clips from the upcoming next-gen video game from Lucasarts. The videos clips showed some of the new inertia and particle effects that the Xbox-360 and PS3 game will feature.

Head on over and check it out! You can search for Star Wars Next Gen or Star Wars 2007 and you should find it.

And while you are there........check out the enormously funny Lord of the Rings: Dead Man's Chest!

Let me know what you think!

A New Year

Hello Everyone and welcome to my brand new blog- Bilbo's Red Book.

In this blog you will read everything from movie reviews to book reviews to thoughts on current events to what my dog did yesterday. As a huge fan of anything written by J.R.R. Tolkien, I thought that it might be appropriate to name this page after the large red book that Bilbo Baggins used to record all of his adventures and poetry.

Stay tuned for information regarding the Newgrass group Will Tell, their CD and their upcoming performances. Our brand new CD Si Bheag Si Mor just came out and will be hitting store shelves pretty soon, so stay in touch.

From one hobbit to another, thank you!

The Buckland Fiddler