The Rolling Stones‘ songs “Start Me Up” and “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” showed up in a pair of recent commercials. Does this signal the band has sold out? In addition, why isn’t this conversation more prevalent?
Songs by The Rolling Stones have been used to advertise many different things
At some point, classic rock became a fixture of commercials. Last year, moviegoers might be treated to David Bowie’s “Starman” in the trailer for Lightyear, The Doors’ “People Are Strange” in the trailer for Morbius, and The Rolling Stones’ “Beast of Burden” in the trailer for Dog starring Channing Tatum — all during the same trip to the movies!
The Rolling Stones are having a particularly good year as far as marketing is concerned. “Start Me Up” is the centerpiece of a new advertisement for an all-you-can-eat dinner at Applebee’s. It’s a pretty sexual...
Songs by The Rolling Stones have been used to advertise many different things
At some point, classic rock became a fixture of commercials. Last year, moviegoers might be treated to David Bowie’s “Starman” in the trailer for Lightyear, The Doors’ “People Are Strange” in the trailer for Morbius, and The Rolling Stones’ “Beast of Burden” in the trailer for Dog starring Channing Tatum — all during the same trip to the movies!
The Rolling Stones are having a particularly good year as far as marketing is concerned. “Start Me Up” is the centerpiece of a new advertisement for an all-you-can-eat dinner at Applebee’s. It’s a pretty sexual...
- 3/3/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
How do you follow up the most quintessential epic in all of fantasy? That's the multimillion dollar question that the new "The Lord of the Rings" movies under Warner Bros. Discover and Embracer Group now have to figure out, but they're far from the first to seek a magical solution to this riddle in the dark. Ever since director Peter Jackson's definitive trilogy proved that audiences would respond to an adaptation of some of the densest and nerd-friendly material in fiction writing, it's always been a matter of time before someone else came along and figured out a way to squeeze some more juice out of this cash cow.
Clearly, creative approaches to this conundrum widely differ. Upon acquiring the television rights to Tolkien's writings, Prime Video moved forward by looking to the past -- the very distant past, in fact, setting their prequel story thousands of years before...
Clearly, creative approaches to this conundrum widely differ. Upon acquiring the television rights to Tolkien's writings, Prime Video moved forward by looking to the past -- the very distant past, in fact, setting their prequel story thousands of years before...
- 3/1/2023
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
Making an interconnected shared universe of spinoff movies from Lord of the Rings is a terrible idea. Barely 10 years after Disney supersized Star Wars—unleashing the current glut of movies and shows so generally mediocre that even Liam Neeson, star of The Phantom Menace, seems wizened when he notes Disney has “taken away the mystery and the magic of the series”—it seems another beloved fantasy trilogy from decades ago is about to get oversaturated by a studio determined to capitalize on every last ounce of popular IP from when you were young.
Warner Bros. Discovery is now actively developing spinoff movies from Peter Jackson’s beloved Lord of the Rings trilogy that concluded nearly 20 years ago.
This attempt to mine the franchise’s nostalgic appeal has already begun thanks to Amazon’s divisive The Rings of Power television series. However, that show is based merely on some of Tolkien...
Warner Bros. Discovery is now actively developing spinoff movies from Peter Jackson’s beloved Lord of the Rings trilogy that concluded nearly 20 years ago.
This attempt to mine the franchise’s nostalgic appeal has already begun thanks to Amazon’s divisive The Rings of Power television series. However, that show is based merely on some of Tolkien...
- 2/27/2023
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
The following article contains spoilers for "Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania."
"Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania" is in theaters now, bringing us the further adventures of Ant-Man aka Scott Lang (Paul Rudd), his daughter Cassie (Kathryn Newton), his partner Hope van Dyne/The Wasp (Evangeline Lilly), and her parents Janet van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer) and Hank Pym (Michael Douglas). This time around, the happy-go-lucky size-changing superhero is resting on his laurels after saving the 50 percent of the population that was dusted in the Blip. He's written a memoir, which you can actually buy in September, and he's wandering around town, enjoying his fame and the free coffee that goes with it — even if the barista calls him Spider-Man. Hope has been using Pym particles to make the world a better place along with her parents, but Cassie has another plan. She's found a way to send a signal down to the Quantum Realm.
"Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania" is in theaters now, bringing us the further adventures of Ant-Man aka Scott Lang (Paul Rudd), his daughter Cassie (Kathryn Newton), his partner Hope van Dyne/The Wasp (Evangeline Lilly), and her parents Janet van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer) and Hank Pym (Michael Douglas). This time around, the happy-go-lucky size-changing superhero is resting on his laurels after saving the 50 percent of the population that was dusted in the Blip. He's written a memoir, which you can actually buy in September, and he's wandering around town, enjoying his fame and the free coffee that goes with it — even if the barista calls him Spider-Man. Hope has been using Pym particles to make the world a better place along with her parents, but Cassie has another plan. She's found a way to send a signal down to the Quantum Realm.
- 2/19/2023
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
The massive success of The Rings of Power and the undying popularity of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings film trilogy are proof of the longevity of J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendarium. But while Jackson’s extended editions have been pored over by fans for years, there are those who might have enjoyed the movies but have never read the books. The latter group might be surprised to learn that there are actually quite a few scenes in the films that you’ll never find in the books. Because they never happened on the page at all.
There is always a specific reason as to why changes are made, whether it’s in service of a screen adaptation’s pacing, deeper character development, or the notion that a new narrative twist can improve the experience in theaters. In many instances, things Jackson added to Tolkien’s saga have helped to...
There is always a specific reason as to why changes are made, whether it’s in service of a screen adaptation’s pacing, deeper character development, or the notion that a new narrative twist can improve the experience in theaters. In many instances, things Jackson added to Tolkien’s saga have helped to...
- 2/15/2023
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
10 movies deep into the Fast & Furious franchise, Vin Diesel is finding it so hard to continue its “mythologies” that he now relates to J.R.R. Tolkien’s creation of the epic Lord of the Rings series.
During a red carpet interview with Variety, Diesel was asked how working on Fast & Furious has gotten more difficult over the past two decades. He responded, “You know what gets harder? The work offscreen. The thinking, the expanding — there’s a reason why Tolkien stopped writing after a while. It’s so hard to continue mythologies. Nobody thinks about it in that context, but it’s real.”
When the Variety reporter quipped that the Fast series is The Lord of the Rings of action movies, Diesel agreed. “From your mouth to God’s ears. It’s so true,” he said, before switching to a bad English accent. “I should’ve stopped after The Hobbit.
During a red carpet interview with Variety, Diesel was asked how working on Fast & Furious has gotten more difficult over the past two decades. He responded, “You know what gets harder? The work offscreen. The thinking, the expanding — there’s a reason why Tolkien stopped writing after a while. It’s so hard to continue mythologies. Nobody thinks about it in that context, but it’s real.”
When the Variety reporter quipped that the Fast series is The Lord of the Rings of action movies, Diesel agreed. “From your mouth to God’s ears. It’s so true,” he said, before switching to a bad English accent. “I should’ve stopped after The Hobbit.
- 2/10/2023
- by Eddie Fu
- Consequence - Film News
Tl;Dr:
Keith Richards performed lead vocals on The Rolling Stones’ “Happy” instead of Mick Jagger.Richards explained why Jagger had this idea.Richards discussed the conditions under which he was willing to sing lead vocals. The Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger and Keith Richards | Keystone/Getty Images
Keith Richards sang lead vocals on The Rolling Stones‘ “Happy.” Subsequently, he explained why he took on that role instead of Mick Jagger. He also revealed he sometimes sang lead on songs when he didn’t want to.
Mick Jagger felt he couldn’t sing The Rolling Stones’ ‘Happy’ better than Keith Richards even if he tried for days
In the 2013 book 50 Licks: Myths and Stories from Half a Century of The Rolling Stones, Richards explained why he sang lead vocals on “Happy.” “It was mainly because we had the track, we liked it, but we hadn’t worked on the lyrics or...
Keith Richards performed lead vocals on The Rolling Stones’ “Happy” instead of Mick Jagger.Richards explained why Jagger had this idea.Richards discussed the conditions under which he was willing to sing lead vocals. The Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger and Keith Richards | Keystone/Getty Images
Keith Richards sang lead vocals on The Rolling Stones‘ “Happy.” Subsequently, he explained why he took on that role instead of Mick Jagger. He also revealed he sometimes sang lead on songs when he didn’t want to.
Mick Jagger felt he couldn’t sing The Rolling Stones’ ‘Happy’ better than Keith Richards even if he tried for days
In the 2013 book 50 Licks: Myths and Stories from Half a Century of The Rolling Stones, Richards explained why he sang lead vocals on “Happy.” “It was mainly because we had the track, we liked it, but we hadn’t worked on the lyrics or...
- 2/9/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
This Lord of the Rings article contains spoilers for The Rings of Power.
When a fantasy writer sits down to create an imaginary world, they tend to draw on all sorts of influences from reality. Different cultures, histories, and ideas all come together to create something that is new.
George R.R. Martin’s Westeros, for example, famously combines various elements of European history and cultures. The general setting is vaguely “medieval,” the Wall is inspired by the ancient Roman Hadrian’s Wall, the Iron Islands have a generically Viking feel to them, Dorne is an unusual mixture of Spain (in its landscape) and Wales (in its politics), and so on.
Tolkien was no different and several areas of his Middle-earth combine clearly identifiable real-world inspirations. Rohan, for example, broadly reflects various Germanic peoples of the early medieval period, both those who remained on the continent and the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes who colonized England,...
When a fantasy writer sits down to create an imaginary world, they tend to draw on all sorts of influences from reality. Different cultures, histories, and ideas all come together to create something that is new.
George R.R. Martin’s Westeros, for example, famously combines various elements of European history and cultures. The general setting is vaguely “medieval,” the Wall is inspired by the ancient Roman Hadrian’s Wall, the Iron Islands have a generically Viking feel to them, Dorne is an unusual mixture of Spain (in its landscape) and Wales (in its politics), and so on.
Tolkien was no different and several areas of his Middle-earth combine clearly identifiable real-world inspirations. Rohan, for example, broadly reflects various Germanic peoples of the early medieval period, both those who remained on the continent and the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes who colonized England,...
- 2/2/2023
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
By the late 1970s, there were two major animated adaptations of The Lord of the Rings in development. Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass, known for their holiday season specials like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman, had directed an animated dramatization of The Hobbit for television, broadcast in 1977 and they were planning a sequel, also for television, based on The Lord of the Rings. But filmmaker and animator Ralph Bakshi beat them to it in 1978 when he directed an animated feature film, The Lord of the Rings, which he intended to be Part 1 of 2. The studio (United Artists) refused to put Part 1 on the title though, and never greenlit Part 2. Instead, Rankin and Bass released a made-for-television sequel to their Hobbit film under the title The Return of the King, which finished off J.R.R. Tolkien‘s epic story.
The Rankin/Bass Hobbit film is seriously underrated these days,...
The Rankin/Bass Hobbit film is seriously underrated these days,...
- 1/17/2023
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
Since "The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies" was the last time Peter Jackson expected to be a part of the Tolkien universe, he needed the perfect song to end his sprawling cinematic journey across the magical Middle-earth. Although /Film called it "the worst Peter Jackson hobbit movie, "Five Armies" is elevated by the moving ballad "The Last Goodbye" in the end credits.
"The Last Goodbye" creates a full-circle moment by having Billy Boyd, who famously played the cheeky hobbit Pippin in the original trilogy, write and sing. This song serves as a callback to one of his most well-known scenes from "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" where he sings "The Edge of Night" for a scowling Denethor. Similar to "The Last Goodbye," it is a quiet piece composed by Boyd where his character reflects on the dangers of war and lost friendships. Boyd...
"The Last Goodbye" creates a full-circle moment by having Billy Boyd, who famously played the cheeky hobbit Pippin in the original trilogy, write and sing. This song serves as a callback to one of his most well-known scenes from "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" where he sings "The Edge of Night" for a scowling Denethor. Similar to "The Last Goodbye," it is a quiet piece composed by Boyd where his character reflects on the dangers of war and lost friendships. Boyd...
- 1/16/2023
- by Caroline Madden
- Slash Film
The outstanding behind-the-scenes documentary of "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers" on the extended edition DVDs and Blu-rays features footage of Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins in makeup that resembles a Gollum-like creature. He has thin hair, black nails, and blue eyes as pale as his wafer-thin skin. He stands with his back turned, rocking back and forth in mental and physical anguish.
The scene would have taken place shortly after Faramir discovers that Frodo has possession of the Ring. Pulling the prized possession closer with the tip of his sword, Faramir backs Frodo up into the rocks behind him. Suddenly, Frodo grabs the Ring and screams, "No!" and turns away, trembling in fear. There is a beat between the close-ups of Faramir's startled reaction that indicates where director Peter Jackson removed Faramir's brief but shocking vision of what would happen if Frodo kept the One Ring.
The...
The scene would have taken place shortly after Faramir discovers that Frodo has possession of the Ring. Pulling the prized possession closer with the tip of his sword, Faramir backs Frodo up into the rocks behind him. Suddenly, Frodo grabs the Ring and screams, "No!" and turns away, trembling in fear. There is a beat between the close-ups of Faramir's startled reaction that indicates where director Peter Jackson removed Faramir's brief but shocking vision of what would happen if Frodo kept the One Ring.
The...
- 1/13/2023
- by Caroline Madden
- Slash Film
Actor Sean Astin’s performance as Samwise Gamgee represents the beating heart of Peter Jackson’s ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy.
It’s an iconic performance for many fans, capped off by Astin’s powerful Mount Doom speech in which Samwise tells Frodo: “I can’t carry it for you, but I can carry you!” Suffice to say, Jackson’s ‘Rings’ movies would feel far different without Astin in the role, reports ‘Variety’.
Perhaps that’s why ‘Lord of the Rings’ fans are buzzing over James Corden’s recent revelation that he sought out the role of Samwise.
Corden appeared on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast and was if the rumors were true that ‘The Lord of the Rings’ was one of his first major film auditions. “Yeah,” Corden answered, adding that his audition was “not good”.
“Every single person in London auditioned for ‘Lord of the Rings’. Everybody,...
It’s an iconic performance for many fans, capped off by Astin’s powerful Mount Doom speech in which Samwise tells Frodo: “I can’t carry it for you, but I can carry you!” Suffice to say, Jackson’s ‘Rings’ movies would feel far different without Astin in the role, reports ‘Variety’.
Perhaps that’s why ‘Lord of the Rings’ fans are buzzing over James Corden’s recent revelation that he sought out the role of Samwise.
Corden appeared on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast and was if the rumors were true that ‘The Lord of the Rings’ was one of his first major film auditions. “Yeah,” Corden answered, adding that his audition was “not good”.
“Every single person in London auditioned for ‘Lord of the Rings’. Everybody,...
- 12/30/2022
- by News Bureau
- GlamSham
For many fans, the cast of Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy has come to define the iconic characters of J.R.R. Tolkein’s epic: Ian McKellen as the wise Gandalf the Grey, Orlando Bloom and Viggo Mortensen as the dashing Legolas and Aragorn, and Sean Astin as the loyal, loving Samwise Gamgee. But Samwise could have been played by many different actors who auditioned for the films — among them James Corden, who spoke on the podcast “Happy Sad Confused” about trying out for the role.
Corden was asked about his audition by one of the hosts, and confirmed that it was one of his first tryouts for a Hollywood film while he was starting out as an actor, adding that it was “not good.”
“Every single person in London auditioned for ‘Lord of the Rings.’ Everybody. I auditioned for Samwise. I was doing it! The accent and everything!
Corden was asked about his audition by one of the hosts, and confirmed that it was one of his first tryouts for a Hollywood film while he was starting out as an actor, adding that it was “not good.”
“Every single person in London auditioned for ‘Lord of the Rings.’ Everybody. I auditioned for Samwise. I was doing it! The accent and everything!
- 12/30/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy might have been very different if James Corden had achieved his goal of being cast as Frodo’s best friend and confidant, Samwise Gamgee. Appearing on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Corden confirmed a rumor that The Lord of the Rings was one of his first big-time auditions. Ultimately, the part went to Sean Astin, but Corden made it further into the casting process than one would assume.
When asked if the rumor about his audition was true, Corden said, “Yeah,” then added his audition was “not good.” According to Corden, “Every single person in London auditioned for ‘Lord of the Rings.’ Everybody. I auditioned for Samwise. I was doing it! The accent and everything! ‘Mr Frodo!'”
Corden was not alone when he auditioned for The Lord of the Rings. Two of his friends offered themselves as a tribute to the sprawling action-fantasy epic.
When asked if the rumor about his audition was true, Corden said, “Yeah,” then added his audition was “not good.” According to Corden, “Every single person in London auditioned for ‘Lord of the Rings.’ Everybody. I auditioned for Samwise. I was doing it! The accent and everything! ‘Mr Frodo!'”
Corden was not alone when he auditioned for The Lord of the Rings. Two of his friends offered themselves as a tribute to the sprawling action-fantasy epic.
- 12/29/2022
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Sean Astin’s performance as Samwise Gamgee represents the beating heart of Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. It’s an iconic performance for many fans, capped off by Astin’s powerful Mount Doom speech in which Samwise tells Frodo, “I can’t carry it for you, but I can carry you!” Suffice to say, Jackson’s “Rings” movies would feel far different without Astin in the role. Perhaps that’s why “Lord of the Rings” fans are buzzing over James Corden’s recent revelation that he sought out the role of Samwise.
Corden appeared on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast and was if the rumors were true that “The Lord of the Rings” was one of his first major film auditions. “Yeah,” Corden answered, adding that his audition was “not good.”
“Every single person in London auditioned for ‘Lord of the Rings.’ Everybody,” Corden said. “I auditioned for Samwise.
Corden appeared on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast and was if the rumors were true that “The Lord of the Rings” was one of his first major film auditions. “Yeah,” Corden answered, adding that his audition was “not good.”
“Every single person in London auditioned for ‘Lord of the Rings.’ Everybody,” Corden said. “I auditioned for Samwise.
- 12/29/2022
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
James Corden joined “every single person in London” to audition for “Lord Of The Rings”, the comedian has revealed.
Corden appeared on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast with Josh Horowitz, with the host questioning whether one of his first auditions was for the franchise.
The actor confirmed that was true, and that he’d put himself forward to play the part of hobbit Samwise Gamgee.
Read More: Ricky Gervais Calls Out James Corden For Stealing His Joke For ‘Late Late Show’ Monologue
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Josh Horowitz (@joshuahorowitz)
Corden admitted the audition was “not good,” despite him putting his all into it at the time.
He joked, “Every single person in London auditioned for ‘Lord Of The Rings’. Everybody. I auditioned for Samwise. I was doing the accent and everything.”
Corden added: “Two of my other friends went in [to audition] and then we all got called back the next day.
Corden appeared on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast with Josh Horowitz, with the host questioning whether one of his first auditions was for the franchise.
The actor confirmed that was true, and that he’d put himself forward to play the part of hobbit Samwise Gamgee.
Read More: Ricky Gervais Calls Out James Corden For Stealing His Joke For ‘Late Late Show’ Monologue
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Josh Horowitz (@joshuahorowitz)
Corden admitted the audition was “not good,” despite him putting his all into it at the time.
He joked, “Every single person in London auditioned for ‘Lord Of The Rings’. Everybody. I auditioned for Samwise. I was doing the accent and everything.”
Corden added: “Two of my other friends went in [to audition] and then we all got called back the next day.
- 12/29/2022
- by Becca Longmire
- ET Canada
James Corden’s career could’ve included a detour to Middle Earth, with the late-night host revealing one of his first auditions was a failed attempt at securing a role in The Lord of the Rings.
Corden spoke about the audition on a recent episode of the Happy Sad Confused podcast. Though he copped to the fact that his attempt to secure the role of Frodo Baggins’ friend Samwise Gamgee was “not good,” he noted there wasn’t particularly anything special about him getting the chance to try out for...
Corden spoke about the audition on a recent episode of the Happy Sad Confused podcast. Though he copped to the fact that his attempt to secure the role of Frodo Baggins’ friend Samwise Gamgee was “not good,” he noted there wasn’t particularly anything special about him getting the chance to try out for...
- 12/29/2022
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Forget "Star Wars," forget "The Matrix," forget "The Godfather." Only one film franchise successfully delivers the goods from start to finish — Peter Jackson's magnificent "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. Based on J.R.R. Tolkien's acclaimed novels, this staggering film series remains one of the most astonishing accomplishments in motion picture history thanks to its wondrous visuals, exciting battles, emotional story, and colorful characters.
Indeed, it boggles the mind to think "The Fellowship of the Ring" blasted into theaters over 20 years ago! The franchise went on to earn billions of dollars at the box office and a treasure trove of awards. "The Return of the King," the final entry released in December of 2003, won Best Picture and Best Director at the Academy Awards, becoming the first fantasy film to take home such honors. Truly, this monumental event captured the world's imagination to an astonishing degree.
"The Lord of the Rings...
Indeed, it boggles the mind to think "The Fellowship of the Ring" blasted into theaters over 20 years ago! The franchise went on to earn billions of dollars at the box office and a treasure trove of awards. "The Return of the King," the final entry released in December of 2003, won Best Picture and Best Director at the Academy Awards, becoming the first fantasy film to take home such honors. Truly, this monumental event captured the world's imagination to an astonishing degree.
"The Lord of the Rings...
- 12/16/2022
- by Jeff Ames
- Slash Film
In recent weeks Amazon has released a flurry of casting news for “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” season two. We have names of 15 actors who will join the Middle Earth cast: Gabriel Akuwudike, Yasen ‘Zates’ Atour, Ben Daniels, Amelia Kenworthy, Nia Towle, Nicholas Woodeson, Sam Hazeldine, Oliver Alvin-Wilson, Stuart Bowman, Gavi Singh Chera, William Chubb, Kevin Eldon, Will Keen, Selina Lo, and Calam Lynch. But details about their roles are scarce.
The only specific character information that accompanied the casting updates was the shocking news that Hazeldine (“Peaky Blinders”) will be taking over the role of orc-daddy Adar from Joseph Mawle. With showrunner Patrick McKay previously teasing elder elf (and ring bearer) Cirdan the Shipwright arriving next season, that still leaves 13 new roles shrouded in mystery.
Given the plot trajectory of season one and a hefty knowledge of J.R.R. Tolkien’s lore, here are the five...
The only specific character information that accompanied the casting updates was the shocking news that Hazeldine (“Peaky Blinders”) will be taking over the role of orc-daddy Adar from Joseph Mawle. With showrunner Patrick McKay previously teasing elder elf (and ring bearer) Cirdan the Shipwright arriving next season, that still leaves 13 new roles shrouded in mystery.
Given the plot trajectory of season one and a hefty knowledge of J.R.R. Tolkien’s lore, here are the five...
- 12/15/2022
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
Epic fantasy has been a popular genre in the movies for nearly a century. Classics like "The Wizard of Oz," "Jason and the Argonauts," and "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves" attracted hordes of moviegoers; they also won awards and drew rave reviews from critics. But not every fantasy film gets two thumbs up. For every "The Lord of the Rings," there's a "Hobbit"; for every "Labyrinth," an "Eragon."
And yet, some of these films might make you sit up and cheer anyway. It's not just the swords and sorcery that make them fun; it's the diverse and complex characters, the bizarre and creative creatures, and the wild and innovative settings. Many fantasy films were lambasted by reviewers when they were released, but if you sit down to watch them today, you'll have a fantastic time.
Don't believe me? These 14 epic fantasy movies were panned by professional commentators, but they're still a blast to watch.
And yet, some of these films might make you sit up and cheer anyway. It's not just the swords and sorcery that make them fun; it's the diverse and complex characters, the bizarre and creative creatures, and the wild and innovative settings. Many fantasy films were lambasted by reviewers when they were released, but if you sit down to watch them today, you'll have a fantastic time.
Don't believe me? These 14 epic fantasy movies were panned by professional commentators, but they're still a blast to watch.
- 12/14/2022
- by Brendan Knapp
- Slash Film
Peter Jackson's adaption of J. R. R. Tolkien's fantasy story "The Lord of the Rings" is rightfully considered one of the greatest film trilogies of all time. The story is epic in its depiction of the broad sweep of history and the movements of great armies, but at its core, it is about friendship and courage, and how even the smallest person can change the course of history.
But none of that would matter if the films were not absolutely thrilling. Each entry includes a number of standout action sequences. Ranging from small-scale skirmishes to the monumental clash of armies, these set pieces elevate the drama and quicken the heart. We've assembled the best of them and ranked them accordingly. One note worth mentioning: There is a difference between a fight scene and a battle sequence. For example, Helm's Deep is an enormous battle that contains several distinct fights.
But none of that would matter if the films were not absolutely thrilling. Each entry includes a number of standout action sequences. Ranging from small-scale skirmishes to the monumental clash of armies, these set pieces elevate the drama and quicken the heart. We've assembled the best of them and ranked them accordingly. One note worth mentioning: There is a difference between a fight scene and a battle sequence. For example, Helm's Deep is an enormous battle that contains several distinct fights.
- 12/10/2022
- by Eric Pierce
- Slash Film
Do you know what's the only quest tougher than Frodo traveling all that way to cast the One Ring into the fires of Mount Doom? Attempting to one-up the wildly successful first season of "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power." After introducing us to a brand-new batch of characters and getting all the necessary table-setting out of the way, season 2 appears set to pick up where the finale left off and run with it. The first step to realizing that ambition, of course, means adding even more major players to the ensemble. Less than a week after the first batch of new names were announced to join the sophomore effort of this epic fantasy streaming series, yet another group of actors have joined the cast in what's being described as recurring roles.
What are those roles, exactly? Well, as has been the case, those details remain locked...
What are those roles, exactly? Well, as has been the case, those details remain locked...
- 12/7/2022
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
In 1937, English author J.R.R. Tolkien penned a children’s book called “The Hobbit,” or “There and Back Again,” which ignited what would become one of the most popular franchises of all time across books, film and television. That means there’s a whole lot to watch, so we’ve put together a handy guide for anyone wondering how to watch all the “Lord of the Rings” and “Hobbit” movies in chronological or release date order.
Tolkien followed the success of “The Hobbit,” which features a Hobbit named Bilbo Baggins and his adventures in the Third Age of the fictional, mystical world of Middle Earth, with a sequel series called “The Lord of the Rings.” Set 60 years after “The Hobbit,” “The Lord of the Rings” follows an ensemble of different characters traveling to defeat the evil One Ring. The “Hobbit” and “Lord of the Rings” books later spawned some of the...
Tolkien followed the success of “The Hobbit,” which features a Hobbit named Bilbo Baggins and his adventures in the Third Age of the fictional, mystical world of Middle Earth, with a sequel series called “The Lord of the Rings.” Set 60 years after “The Hobbit,” “The Lord of the Rings” follows an ensemble of different characters traveling to defeat the evil One Ring. The “Hobbit” and “Lord of the Rings” books later spawned some of the...
- 11/27/2022
- by Aurora Amidon
- The Wrap
For the final film in his adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Ring" trilogy, Peter Jackson faced a seemingly insurmountable task: Getting the ending right. After all, as beloved as Jackson's film trilogy is today, when it first arrived it was buried under no shortage of scrutinizing criticism from Tolkien scholars and readers alike. As such "The Return of the King" needed to not only bring the trilogy's epic story to a close in a way that was true to its source material but also to Jackson's version of the tale.
Of course, Jackson's movies were never going to be a wholly faithful cinematic telling of Tolkien's novels — if such a thing could ever exist — and to assume otherwise would merely ensure one's inevitable disappointment. To his credit, Jackson actually squeezed quite a bit of Tolkien's books into his movies at a time when three-hour films were definitely not the norm.
Of course, Jackson's movies were never going to be a wholly faithful cinematic telling of Tolkien's novels — if such a thing could ever exist — and to assume otherwise would merely ensure one's inevitable disappointment. To his credit, Jackson actually squeezed quite a bit of Tolkien's books into his movies at a time when three-hour films were definitely not the norm.
- 11/19/2022
- by Steven Ward
- Slash Film
Is there any image in J.R.R. Tolkien's land of Middle-earth that's more famous than a big old pair of hobbit feet? Well, sure, there's the one ring itself, but that powerful relic isn't nearly as endearing as the fuzzy-footed group of heroes who end up saving the world from its dark magic.
When Tolkien dreamed up "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, "The Hobbit," and their accompanying texts, he described a people whose most noticeable feature -- other than their diminutive size -- was their hairy feet. Little did he know, those initial descriptions would lead to some creative movie magic decades down the line.
Despite a twenty-year gap between productions, the prosthetic feet for Peter Jackson's "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy and the new Prime Video series "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" were actually designed by the same person, the show's head of prosthetics Jamie Wilson.
When Tolkien dreamed up "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, "The Hobbit," and their accompanying texts, he described a people whose most noticeable feature -- other than their diminutive size -- was their hairy feet. Little did he know, those initial descriptions would lead to some creative movie magic decades down the line.
Despite a twenty-year gap between productions, the prosthetic feet for Peter Jackson's "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy and the new Prime Video series "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" were actually designed by the same person, the show's head of prosthetics Jamie Wilson.
- 11/19/2022
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings” trilogy still has a lot of aging to do before it catches up to Bilbo Baggins (Ian Holm) — recall that the hobbit is celebrating his 110th birthday with the long-expected party that makes up the early beats of “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.” But as each entry in the series reaches its 20th anniversary — “Fellowship” last year, “The Two Towers” this year, and “The Return of the King” in 2023 — it’s worth reflecting on more than the shadow of the past of the films themselves. Or more than their theatrical cuts, at least.
A month prior to the premiere of “The Two Towers,” New Line Home Video unveiled the “extended edition” of “Fellowship of the Ring,” with 30 minutes of additional footage spread across six new and 20 expanded sequences. The DVD box set’s packaging resembled a well-worn tome bound in green leather,...
A month prior to the premiere of “The Two Towers,” New Line Home Video unveiled the “extended edition” of “Fellowship of the Ring,” with 30 minutes of additional footage spread across six new and 20 expanded sequences. The DVD box set’s packaging resembled a well-worn tome bound in green leather,...
- 11/15/2022
- by Sarah Shachat
- Indiewire
History became legend. Legend became myth. And for two and a half thousand years, nerds like us refused to shut up about all the cinematic wizardry Peter Jackson and his production team employed to bring Middle-earth to life in their "The Lord of the Rings" film trilogy.
Two decades after Jackson's adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy tome took the world by storm, grossing billions of dollars at the box office and racking up well over a dozen Oscars for its efforts, "The Lord of the Rings" remains one of the all-time greatest feats of epic filmmaking. Naturally, its digital elements have come to show their age over the years, but in a way, that has only served to bring even more well-deserved attention to the many clever practical methods and in-camera tricks Jackson and his crew utilized to make the movies — not least of all, the ones that transformed...
Two decades after Jackson's adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy tome took the world by storm, grossing billions of dollars at the box office and racking up well over a dozen Oscars for its efforts, "The Lord of the Rings" remains one of the all-time greatest feats of epic filmmaking. Naturally, its digital elements have come to show their age over the years, but in a way, that has only served to bring even more well-deserved attention to the many clever practical methods and in-camera tricks Jackson and his crew utilized to make the movies — not least of all, the ones that transformed...
- 10/28/2022
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
This post contains spoilers for "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power."
The incredible, bombastic season finale of "The Rings of Power," which aired a few weeks back, has left a Middle-earth-shaped void in the hearts of fans. Due to the compelling nature of the episode's reveals, and a culmination of everything the show has been building up to, folks (that would be me) are excited to see more of the sprawling saga. Moreover, a lot of questions remain unanswered. Now that the Balrog is awakened, are the dwarves of Khazad-dûm in imminent danger? What happened to Isildur (Maxim Baldry) in Mordor, and is the dude okay? While these questions can only be answered in future installments of the show, the fate of the Three Witches, who could be a part of the Cult of Melkor, still remains unanswered.
"Rings of Power" showrunners J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay...
The incredible, bombastic season finale of "The Rings of Power," which aired a few weeks back, has left a Middle-earth-shaped void in the hearts of fans. Due to the compelling nature of the episode's reveals, and a culmination of everything the show has been building up to, folks (that would be me) are excited to see more of the sprawling saga. Moreover, a lot of questions remain unanswered. Now that the Balrog is awakened, are the dwarves of Khazad-dûm in imminent danger? What happened to Isildur (Maxim Baldry) in Mordor, and is the dude okay? While these questions can only be answered in future installments of the show, the fate of the Three Witches, who could be a part of the Cult of Melkor, still remains unanswered.
"Rings of Power" showrunners J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay...
- 10/28/2022
- by Debopriyaa Dutta
- Slash Film
From the moment Daniel Weyman as "The Stranger" came plummeting down to Middle-earth at the end of the series premiere for "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power," viewers have suspected he's actually Gandalf. And why wouldn't they? Sure, The Stranger is younger-looking than we're used to seeing our favorite pipe weed-smoking wizard, and he's far more uncertain of himself (not to mention tolerant of halfling shenanigans), but it's only to be expected. After all, he's still clearly getting used to the whole being human thing.
The "Rings of Power" season 1 finale seemed to confirm what many of us had assumed all along, affirming that The Stranger is a force for good and an intimidating spell caster when he needs to be — and let us not forget that he, like Gandalf, seems to have a thing for moths (said with no judgment). But no, there's nary a point...
The "Rings of Power" season 1 finale seemed to confirm what many of us had assumed all along, affirming that The Stranger is a force for good and an intimidating spell caster when he needs to be — and let us not forget that he, like Gandalf, seems to have a thing for moths (said with no judgment). But no, there's nary a point...
- 10/27/2022
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
One secret identity to rule them all?
Season 1 of "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" came to an epic conclusion almost two weeks ago and viewers are still buzzing about the major, game-changing reveal about which of the main cast of characters had actually been the Dark Lord Sauron all along. Creators J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay and their team of writers clearly had a lot of fun playing up this mystery for maximum impact, giving fans a pretty compelling reason to fall for the chemistry-laden pairing between Morfyyd Clark's Galadriel and Charlie Vickers' Halbrand ... until that plot twist in the season finale finally unmasked Halbrand as Sauron himself, pulling the rug out from under both Galadriel and the fanbase alike.
As challenging as it was to keep such a pivotal development hidden from prying eyes and ears, the Sauron/Halbrand reveal didn't come out of nowhere,...
Season 1 of "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" came to an epic conclusion almost two weeks ago and viewers are still buzzing about the major, game-changing reveal about which of the main cast of characters had actually been the Dark Lord Sauron all along. Creators J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay and their team of writers clearly had a lot of fun playing up this mystery for maximum impact, giving fans a pretty compelling reason to fall for the chemistry-laden pairing between Morfyyd Clark's Galadriel and Charlie Vickers' Halbrand ... until that plot twist in the season finale finally unmasked Halbrand as Sauron himself, pulling the rug out from under both Galadriel and the fanbase alike.
As challenging as it was to keep such a pivotal development hidden from prying eyes and ears, the Sauron/Halbrand reveal didn't come out of nowhere,...
- 10/27/2022
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
As We See It, Parenthood creator Jason Katims’ dramedy about roommates living on the autism spectrum, will not be returning for Season 2 on Prime Video, TVLine has learned.
Touted as “Katims’ best series since Parenthood” in TVLine’s Best Shows From the First Half of 2022, the eight-episode series told the story of three twentysomething roommates living on the autism spectrum as they attempt to “get and keep jobs, make friends, fall in love and navigate a world that eludes them.”
More from TVLineThe Peripheral: Chloe Grace Moretz and Amazon Team Up for a Mind-Bending Sci-Fi Tale -- Grade the Premiere!
Touted as “Katims’ best series since Parenthood” in TVLine’s Best Shows From the First Half of 2022, the eight-episode series told the story of three twentysomething roommates living on the autism spectrum as they attempt to “get and keep jobs, make friends, fall in love and navigate a world that eludes them.”
More from TVLineThe Peripheral: Chloe Grace Moretz and Amazon Team Up for a Mind-Bending Sci-Fi Tale -- Grade the Premiere!
- 10/20/2022
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
“I felt a real sense of responsibility,” confesses “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” co-supervising sound editor Damian Del Borrello. The artist had the daunting task of creating a Middle Earth soundscape for Amazon’s epic series while contending with high expectations thanks to Peter Jackson’s iconic film trilogy. Del Borrello moved to Wellington, New Zealand to work alongside the artists from those films, so he was determined to honor their work while giving the fans a worthy sonic landscape. Watch the exclusive video interview above.
See ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’: Top 6 award-worthy performances from season 1
“There was a tension between trying to do what’s already been done, but also bring something new to it,” explains Del Borrello. So, he “reacquainted” himself with the sound of the famous film trilogy and explored ways to bring a new spin to that world.
See ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’: Top 6 award-worthy performances from season 1
“There was a tension between trying to do what’s already been done, but also bring something new to it,” explains Del Borrello. So, he “reacquainted” himself with the sound of the famous film trilogy and explored ways to bring a new spin to that world.
- 10/20/2022
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
“The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” boasts an immense ensemble cast worthy of an epic Middle Earth tale. While it’s thrilling to see so many expert actors showcase their talents, huge ensembles can have trouble when it comes to awards races. There can be so much internal competition that cast members end up splitting the vote and the cast winds up with nothing. Just look at Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings” film trilogy: despite massive success at the Oscars, the trilogy only managed a single acting nomination for Ian McKellan’s Gandalf.
So with winter awards ceremonies looming and season one of Amazon’s fantasy series now concluded (spoilers ahead!), here is a look at the six performers who have the best shot at scoring nominations.
See ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’: Top 3 questions season 2 needs to answer...
So with winter awards ceremonies looming and season one of Amazon’s fantasy series now concluded (spoilers ahead!), here is a look at the six performers who have the best shot at scoring nominations.
See ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’: Top 3 questions season 2 needs to answer...
- 10/20/2022
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
Prime Video’s new series The Peripheral is some seriously dark and mind-bending science fiction — and it’s bending my mind a little trying to figure out what to say about it. On one hand, it’s a visually stunning, smartly realized story that kicks off with an exceptional pilot (premiering this Friday). On the other hand, the next two episodes I watched were a letdown, getting more meandering and confusing as they went. So do I recommend it, in the hopes that it finds a groove later on, or do I warn you away, despite all the fun sci-fi flourishes?...
- 10/20/2022
- by Dave Nemetz
- TVLine.com
“When in doubt, Elanor Brandyfoot, always follow your nose,” The Stranger tells the young Harfoot in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’s Season 1 finale.
The line is almost identical to what Gandalf (played by Ian McKellen) tells Pippin in Peter Jackson’s Fellowship of the Ring, leaving many wondering if The Stranger — who was revealed to be an Istari — is the famed Grey Wizard. Adding to speculation is his friendship with Nori and the other Harfoots, which feels reminiscent of Gandalf’s relationships with both Bilbo Baggins and Bilbo’s nephew Frodo.
More from TVLineAs We...
The line is almost identical to what Gandalf (played by Ian McKellen) tells Pippin in Peter Jackson’s Fellowship of the Ring, leaving many wondering if The Stranger — who was revealed to be an Istari — is the famed Grey Wizard. Adding to speculation is his friendship with Nori and the other Harfoots, which feels reminiscent of Gandalf’s relationships with both Bilbo Baggins and Bilbo’s nephew Frodo.
More from TVLineAs We...
- 10/20/2022
- by Keisha Hatchett
- TVLine.com
Warning: spoilers below for the season finale of "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power."
"The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" is not your granddad's Middle-earth. The question of who is inherently good — and who might be the devil in disguise — is a major conflict within the series. Our heroes routinely struggle with wrath and revenge, while even the bad guys manage to invoke our sympathy from time to time. "The Rings of Power" has introduced mystery, tension, and even a bit of ambiguity to a world that's typically relied on chastity and morality. Pairing all that with such a charismatic cast has made a series that (consciously or not) is actually really sexy — and that was all before the equally sexy Halbrand (Charlie Vickers) turned out to be Sauron all along.
There was a time — and not too long ago, either! — when the Sauron...
"The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" is not your granddad's Middle-earth. The question of who is inherently good — and who might be the devil in disguise — is a major conflict within the series. Our heroes routinely struggle with wrath and revenge, while even the bad guys manage to invoke our sympathy from time to time. "The Rings of Power" has introduced mystery, tension, and even a bit of ambiguity to a world that's typically relied on chastity and morality. Pairing all that with such a charismatic cast has made a series that (consciously or not) is actually really sexy — and that was all before the equally sexy Halbrand (Charlie Vickers) turned out to be Sauron all along.
There was a time — and not too long ago, either! — when the Sauron...
- 10/18/2022
- by Lyvie Scott
- Slash Film
Writers — they're just like us! If you thought we fans were the only ones getting all caught up in our feelings while watching these larger-than-life stories on such an unimaginably wide canvas, think again. "The Lord of the Rings" has always boasted a sincere streak that tugs right at the heartstrings of its fans, revealing author J.R.R. Tolkien as something of a softie when it comes to fantastical adventures, the power of friendship, and the nostalgic comforts of home. The symbolic representation of these ideas have traditionally come courtesy of the hobbits, the home-loving little folk with big feet and even bigger hearts. Frodo, Sam, Bilbo, and all the rest may be completely different characters, but they all share many of the same qualities that make them so easy to root for and identify with.
Perhaps much of the success surrounding "The Rings of Power" can be traced back to...
Perhaps much of the success surrounding "The Rings of Power" can be traced back to...
- 10/17/2022
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
This article contains spoilers for "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" season 1.
Tearful goodbyes and too many endings: we've come to expect those from "The Lord of the Rings," and the season 1 finale of "The Rings of Power" didn't disappoint in that regard. Like "Andor," "The Rings of Power" is a prequel to a prequel, and the challenge any such narrative faces is: how do you engage viewers with a story when they already know how it will ultimately end? "The Hobbit" movie trilogy began with "An Unexpected Journey," but maybe all it and "The Rings of Power" could ever hope to be was a journey to an expected destination, with some unexpected developments along the way.
"Better Call Saul" skirted this issue slightly by being both a prequel and a black-and-white sequel at the same time. "The Rings of Power" has done it by finding ample...
Tearful goodbyes and too many endings: we've come to expect those from "The Lord of the Rings," and the season 1 finale of "The Rings of Power" didn't disappoint in that regard. Like "Andor," "The Rings of Power" is a prequel to a prequel, and the challenge any such narrative faces is: how do you engage viewers with a story when they already know how it will ultimately end? "The Hobbit" movie trilogy began with "An Unexpected Journey," but maybe all it and "The Rings of Power" could ever hope to be was a journey to an expected destination, with some unexpected developments along the way.
"Better Call Saul" skirted this issue slightly by being both a prequel and a black-and-white sequel at the same time. "The Rings of Power" has done it by finding ample...
- 10/15/2022
- by Joshua Meyer
- Slash Film
This Lord of the Rings article contains spoilers for The Rings of Power.
Well, it has finally been confirmed – The Rings of Power’s Halbrand is, indeed, Sauron, as so many viewers had already guessed! For some of us, this was a bit unexpected. Even actor Charlie Vickers didn’t know the truth about his character for sure until he was deep into production, although he had a hunch.
“I knew from the third episode, so I filmed that sequence on the raft [in episode 2] wholeheartedly as Halbrand,” Vickers tells Den of Geek. “I had a suspicion because I auditioned with a Richard III speech, and with a speech where I was playing Satan in Paradise Lost, so I was like ‘Okay, there’s something a bit dodgy about this guy.'”
When showrunners J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay did reveal Halbrand’s secret identity, it then became Vickers’ challenge to play a dual role,...
Well, it has finally been confirmed – The Rings of Power’s Halbrand is, indeed, Sauron, as so many viewers had already guessed! For some of us, this was a bit unexpected. Even actor Charlie Vickers didn’t know the truth about his character for sure until he was deep into production, although he had a hunch.
“I knew from the third episode, so I filmed that sequence on the raft [in episode 2] wholeheartedly as Halbrand,” Vickers tells Den of Geek. “I had a suspicion because I auditioned with a Richard III speech, and with a speech where I was playing Satan in Paradise Lost, so I was like ‘Okay, there’s something a bit dodgy about this guy.'”
When showrunners J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay did reveal Halbrand’s secret identity, it then became Vickers’ challenge to play a dual role,...
- 10/14/2022
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
(Warning: Spoilers for the finale of "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" will follow.)
Despite the popular conception of "The Lord of the Rings" as a simple and straightforward tale about good overcoming evil, the journey that Morfyyd Clark's younger and brasher Galadriel embarked on throughout the first season of "The Rings of Power" repeatedly focused on the great evil that even a righteous elven warrior is capable of succumbing to. Her tendency to be reckless -- first with driving her fellow warriors so hard in the premiere during her hunt for Sauron that they essentially mutinied against her, and eventually reaching a boiling point as she threatened genocide against orcs to the point of making them sympathetic -- might seem like it stands at odds with her far more graceful and measured portrayal in "The Lord of the Rings." But does it, really?
The season finale...
Despite the popular conception of "The Lord of the Rings" as a simple and straightforward tale about good overcoming evil, the journey that Morfyyd Clark's younger and brasher Galadriel embarked on throughout the first season of "The Rings of Power" repeatedly focused on the great evil that even a righteous elven warrior is capable of succumbing to. Her tendency to be reckless -- first with driving her fellow warriors so hard in the premiere during her hunt for Sauron that they essentially mutinied against her, and eventually reaching a boiling point as she threatened genocide against orcs to the point of making them sympathetic -- might seem like it stands at odds with her far more graceful and measured portrayal in "The Lord of the Rings." But does it, really?
The season finale...
- 10/14/2022
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
"The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power"'s first season features a pretty huge mystery that it finally reveals the answer to in the season finale. The first episode ends with a giant meteor sailing over Middle-earth and landing not far from where the Harfoots have made their camp. Nori Brandyfoot (Markella Kavenagh) and her friend Poppy Proudfellow (Megan Richards) travel to the site where the meteor crashed out of curiosity. There, they're met with a strange sight: at the center of the broken flaming meteor is a very tall man, played by Daniel Weyman.
As the girls learn, he doesn't seem to speak the same language as them, has a hard time understanding what's going on, and isn't quite sure where he's from. In some ways, he seems silly and fun, but at other times, he can be imposing and quite terrifying. He also has magical powers...
As the girls learn, he doesn't seem to speak the same language as them, has a hard time understanding what's going on, and isn't quite sure where he's from. In some ways, he seems silly and fun, but at other times, he can be imposing and quite terrifying. He also has magical powers...
- 10/14/2022
- by Victoria Edel
- Popsugar.com
[Editor’s Note: The following article contains spoilers for “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” Season 1 finale, “Alloyed.”]
There were a few cards that “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” hadn’t really played yet. It’s a show that has largely stayed strong on its own merits, even when tossing in some nods to the entry point that a majority of viewers are most familiar with.
On some level, the identities of Sauron and Stranger were going to consume everything else in this season finale like a supernova. That’s partly due to the slow-plays and misdirects that have been built into the season to this point, and it’s also a symptom of how genre TV gets absorbed now. Regardless of the reason, “Rings of Power” was a little less coy at the close of Season 1.
As anyone looking to dissect the finale has no doubt seen by now, “Alloyed” ripped...
There were a few cards that “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” hadn’t really played yet. It’s a show that has largely stayed strong on its own merits, even when tossing in some nods to the entry point that a majority of viewers are most familiar with.
On some level, the identities of Sauron and Stranger were going to consume everything else in this season finale like a supernova. That’s partly due to the slow-plays and misdirects that have been built into the season to this point, and it’s also a symptom of how genre TV gets absorbed now. Regardless of the reason, “Rings of Power” was a little less coy at the close of Season 1.
As anyone looking to dissect the finale has no doubt seen by now, “Alloyed” ripped...
- 10/14/2022
- by Steve Greene
- Indiewire
This Lord of the Rings review contains spoilers for The Rings of Power.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Episode 8
Now that was more like it! Eight episodes in, The Rings of Power feels like it’s finally kicking into gear. This first season finale was full of dramatic action, answers to nagging questions, and it even killed off a loveable character. And not only did people talk about rings, they actually made some!
The show has finally cleared up the issue of who Halbrand and the Stranger actually are, thank goodness. And we will hold our hands up and say, we admit it, we were wrong! Halbrand is Sauron after all, as half the internet had guessed a few episodes ago. The reveal was nicely done, balancing the growing realization for fans of Tolkien with a dramatic and, more importantly, clear and unambiguous reveal for non-book readers.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Episode 8
Now that was more like it! Eight episodes in, The Rings of Power feels like it’s finally kicking into gear. This first season finale was full of dramatic action, answers to nagging questions, and it even killed off a loveable character. And not only did people talk about rings, they actually made some!
The show has finally cleared up the issue of who Halbrand and the Stranger actually are, thank goodness. And we will hold our hands up and say, we admit it, we were wrong! Halbrand is Sauron after all, as half the internet had guessed a few episodes ago. The reveal was nicely done, balancing the growing realization for fans of Tolkien with a dramatic and, more importantly, clear and unambiguous reveal for non-book readers.
- 10/14/2022
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
If, like your humble correspondent, you immediately assumed that The Stranger who fell from a star all the way back in the series premiere of “The Rings of Power” was Sauron, “Alloyed” is here to prove you right — or is it? The season finale drops that bombshell just moments after it’s begun, but just as not all who wander are lost, not all major plot reveals are to be trusted.
We learn of The Stranger’s true identity via those three otherworldly women who’ve been tracking him for several episodes now — two of whom seem to be called the Ascetic and the Nomad— and who offer such grand pronouncements as, “You fell from the stars, yet you are greater than they” upon finally encountering him. But he isn’t immediately won over by them, especially when they attack Nori as she and her fellow Harfoots try to rescue him — including their leader,...
We learn of The Stranger’s true identity via those three otherworldly women who’ve been tracking him for several episodes now — two of whom seem to be called the Ascetic and the Nomad— and who offer such grand pronouncements as, “You fell from the stars, yet you are greater than they” upon finally encountering him. But he isn’t immediately won over by them, especially when they attack Nori as she and her fellow Harfoots try to rescue him — including their leader,...
- 10/14/2022
- by Michael Nordine
- Variety Film + TV
Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power viewers have been left divided over a location reveal in the latest episode
The seventh instalment of Amazon Prime Video’s high-budget series saw the characters in the aftermath of the action-packed previous outing.
In the closing moments of the episode, viewers saw Adar watching Mount Doom in the wake of its eruption, telling his followers that this is their new home.
When one villager starts cheering “Hail Adar, lord of the Southlands,” Adar points out that the Southlands are no more – and when the villager asks what they should call their new home instead, he looks up at Mount Doom.
Here, “The Southlands” appears on the screen – only to burn away and be replaced with “Mordor”.
Mordor is a location known to casual Lord of the Rings fans who might have only watched Peter Jackson’s trilogy; it’s where Frodo...
The seventh instalment of Amazon Prime Video’s high-budget series saw the characters in the aftermath of the action-packed previous outing.
In the closing moments of the episode, viewers saw Adar watching Mount Doom in the wake of its eruption, telling his followers that this is their new home.
When one villager starts cheering “Hail Adar, lord of the Southlands,” Adar points out that the Southlands are no more – and when the villager asks what they should call their new home instead, he looks up at Mount Doom.
Here, “The Southlands” appears on the screen – only to burn away and be replaced with “Mordor”.
Mordor is a location known to casual Lord of the Rings fans who might have only watched Peter Jackson’s trilogy; it’s where Frodo...
- 10/8/2022
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Meat's back on the menu, but so are spoilers for the latest episode of "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power."
For most, the prospect of creating a show like "The Rings of Power" and having to live up to the expectations of every fan under the sun would make for a daunting challenge. Never mind that this series is the first major live-action adaptation of author J.R.R. Tolkien's work since Peter Jackson sailed into the sunset with both "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" trilogies under his belt. But even without the pressures of having to follow up on one of the most beloved and critically acclaimed blockbuster trilogies of all time, just the brand name alone comes with the kind of scrutiny that most other franchises simply never have to contend with.
In that light, nobody could blame the creative team if they'd...
For most, the prospect of creating a show like "The Rings of Power" and having to live up to the expectations of every fan under the sun would make for a daunting challenge. Never mind that this series is the first major live-action adaptation of author J.R.R. Tolkien's work since Peter Jackson sailed into the sunset with both "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" trilogies under his belt. But even without the pressures of having to follow up on one of the most beloved and critically acclaimed blockbuster trilogies of all time, just the brand name alone comes with the kind of scrutiny that most other franchises simply never have to contend with.
In that light, nobody could blame the creative team if they'd...
- 10/7/2022
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
The streaming series ‘The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power’ has enthralled the audience with its epic storytelling. As the season 1 inches towards an epic finale, the question remains – Who is Sauron after all? J D Payne and Patrick McKay, the showrunners of the series, recently provided answers to the question.
Talking about the importance of building the world before showing the evil force, McKay said, “It would be very tempting to make the first season of this show, The Sauron Show, very villain-centric. But we wanted that level of evil and complexity of evil to emerge from a world that you’re invested in – not because evil is threatening it immediately. We wanted you to fall in love again with Middle-Earth. We wanted you to understand and relate to the struggles that each of these characters are having before we test them in a way they’ve never been tested before.
Talking about the importance of building the world before showing the evil force, McKay said, “It would be very tempting to make the first season of this show, The Sauron Show, very villain-centric. But we wanted that level of evil and complexity of evil to emerge from a world that you’re invested in – not because evil is threatening it immediately. We wanted you to fall in love again with Middle-Earth. We wanted you to understand and relate to the struggles that each of these characters are having before we test them in a way they’ve never been tested before.
- 10/7/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
This Lord of the Rings review contains spoilers for The Rings of Power.
The most common storytelling structures for novels and films feature a moment of crisis before the hero works out how to get themselves through the climax and reach the story’s resolution. It’s often an “all is lost’”moment when it seems like the hero has completely failed. Think Mathesar being tortured in Galaxy Quest, Khan setting off the Genesis Device in The Wrath of Khan, or the disappearance of Fantasia in The NeverEnding Story.
That’s what this episode is. Having worked up to a major development in the action in the previous episode, “The Eye” takes a breather before the season finale to present a dark night of the soul for all our major characters. The Númenoreans and the Southlanders are counting their losses after the cataclysmic eruption of Mount Doom; Durin and Elrond...
The most common storytelling structures for novels and films feature a moment of crisis before the hero works out how to get themselves through the climax and reach the story’s resolution. It’s often an “all is lost’”moment when it seems like the hero has completely failed. Think Mathesar being tortured in Galaxy Quest, Khan setting off the Genesis Device in The Wrath of Khan, or the disappearance of Fantasia in The NeverEnding Story.
That’s what this episode is. Having worked up to a major development in the action in the previous episode, “The Eye” takes a breather before the season finale to present a dark night of the soul for all our major characters. The Númenoreans and the Southlanders are counting their losses after the cataclysmic eruption of Mount Doom; Durin and Elrond...
- 10/7/2022
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
The Southlanders and Númenóreans had no time to celebrate their perceived victory over Adar’s forces.
This week’s The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power found the humans immediately ravaged by ash and smoke and fire after that catastrophic volcano eruption from what we assume is Mount Doom. (Mount Doom is where Frodo destroys the One Ring thousands of years later.)
More from TVLineThe Wheel of Time Releases Season 2 Teaser, First Look at New Mat -- Plus, Rosamund Pike Interviews Moiraine!Rings of Power Star Morfydd Clark Breaks Down That Celeborn RevealDid P.D.'s Jay Owe Hailey a Convo?...
This week’s The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power found the humans immediately ravaged by ash and smoke and fire after that catastrophic volcano eruption from what we assume is Mount Doom. (Mount Doom is where Frodo destroys the One Ring thousands of years later.)
More from TVLineThe Wheel of Time Releases Season 2 Teaser, First Look at New Mat -- Plus, Rosamund Pike Interviews Moiraine!Rings of Power Star Morfydd Clark Breaks Down That Celeborn RevealDid P.D.'s Jay Owe Hailey a Convo?...
- 10/7/2022
- by Keisha Hatchett
- TVLine.com
Fans of Prime Video’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power have reason to celebrate this week. Not only is season 2 of this epic series already under production, but according to The Hollywood Reporter a new character has also been announced for next season. Círdan, one of the oldest elves in Middle-earth, is set to join The Rings of Power’s ensemble.
While the role has not yet been cast for The Rings of Power, the Amazon series will not be this character’s first live-action appearance. In Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Círdan is played by Michael Elsworth and appears briefly in the first and third films. In The Fellowship of the Ring, he can be seen as one of the three Elven ring-bearers during Galadriel’s (Cate Blanchett) opening speech. In Return of the King, you’ll spot him in the...
While the role has not yet been cast for The Rings of Power, the Amazon series will not be this character’s first live-action appearance. In Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Círdan is played by Michael Elsworth and appears briefly in the first and third films. In The Fellowship of the Ring, he can be seen as one of the three Elven ring-bearers during Galadriel’s (Cate Blanchett) opening speech. In Return of the King, you’ll spot him in the...
- 10/4/2022
- by Brynnaarens
- Den of Geek
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