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1. 

   Jabster
   Member

   @BillZBub

   I've always thought that Tolkien was a good at story telling just not a good writer (if that makes sense) and film is a much better medium for his books. Now it doesn't help that I'm no big fan of fantasy settings in the first place and sci-fi doesn't hold much appeal to me either which considering I used to a very keen AD&D, and others, player may sound a bit strange. Saying that, lumping genres together and saying they're all the same is always somewhat simplistic. So Alien may be a classed as sci-fi but it's not really is it and the same goes for Blade Runner.

   Of course you then have Red Dwarf, which is excellent, and the only sci-fi/sit-com that I can think of.

   Posted 2 years ago #
2. 

   Custador
   Moderator

   Tolkien's strength was in writing characters that the reader engaged with and cared about. The films sucked out most of the characters' actual character with a Goddam straw (the exceptions being Aragorn, Merry and Pippin). Honestly, they turned Gimli (who was written as a cold, implaccable, determined orc-killer) into fucking Jar Jar Binks. They took Legolas' natural grace and dexterity and turned him into some kind of fucking circus freak at the same time as making him a vaccuous, empty pretty-boy. They turned Faramir into a craven daddy's-boy (the LAST thing he was in the books). It was just painful.

   Posted 2 years ago #
3. 

   UrsaMinor
   Member

   I disagree. Tolkien's characters never rise beyond the level of archetype.

   Posted 2 years ago #
4. 

   Ebon Badger
   Member

   I liked the books, but Tolkien couldn't write a woman to save his life. And the whole "good guys from the north, bad guys from the south" smacked somewhat of "oh noes, darkies!". I'm still mildly annoyed that no radio or film adaptation has managed to keep Tom Bombardil in the story, he rocked. The films are enjoyable, although Frodo and Sam annoy me. I keep thinking "so when are you two getting it on then?"

   Posted 2 years ago #
5. 

   Custador
   Moderator

   Ebon... As a life-long Tolkien devotee, even I have to say: Tom Bombadil SUCKED.

   Posted 2 years ago #
6. 

   UrsaMinor
   Member

   I wouldn't say that Tom Bombadil sucked, but he was definitely out of place in LoTR. It is fairly clear that not even Tolkien knew who or what he was.

   Posted 2 years ago #
7. 

   WarbVIII
   Member

   Yea,Tolkien said as much about Bombadil specifically about how he did or did not in the LOTR saga.
   On another note though part 2 was very good as opposed to part 1 being just okay as far as the "winter is Comming" saga on tv.

   Posted 2 years ago #
8. 

   Francesco
   Member

   actually I found it to be very realistic, and I liked it very much. Can't wait for new episodes. Thank you all for making me know Game of Thrones

   Posted 2 years ago #
9. 

   Daniel Florien
   Administrator

   Just to interject one more meaningless opinion: I think Tolkien is a good writer of mythic prose and I enjoyed Tom Bombadil. :)

   Posted 2 years ago #
10. 

    DDM
    Member

    A vote for Tom Bombadil is a vote for Communism. You're not a Communist, ARE YOU? Also Hitler.

    Posted 2 years ago #
11. 

    JonJon
    Member

    HITLER!

    Posted 2 years ago #
12. 

    Ty
    Moderator

    Hitler was an atheist communist you know.

    Posted 2 years ago #
13. 

    Francesco
    Member

    and he also ate babies

    Posted 2 years ago #
14. 

    LRA
    Member

    Whoa! The guy who just sat down next to me at Mi Cocina in Plano has "A Clash of Kings" by [unnamed author] with him! LOL!

    This guy is asploding all over the place!

    Posted 2 years ago #
15. 

    Ty
    Moderator

    He's king of the world.

    Ne's in NY right now being honored by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people. It's crazy.

    Posted 2 years ago #
16. 

    Francesco
    Member

    anyone knows how often they are aired?

    Posted 2 years ago #
17. 

    Ty
    Moderator

    Every day on HBO it seems like.

    Posted 2 years ago #
18. 

    Custador
    Moderator

    Every Sunday on HBO / Sky Atlantic.

    Posted 2 years ago #
19. 

    Elemenope
    Moderator

    I really liked the guy they got for the "dance" master in this past episode. Really good casting.

    Posted 2 years ago #
20. 

    Custador
    Moderator

    Yeah, agree. Not how I pictured him from the book, but excellent nonetheless.

    Posted 2 years ago #
21. 

    Daniel Florien
    Administrator

    Saw the first episode. Thought it was a little slow, but I know there has to be decent character development... just seemed a little slow and awkward sometimes. But the filming was all done well and I enjoyed it! Looking forward to the 2nd episode.

    Posted 2 years ago #
22. 

    Francesco
    Member

    @Elemenope I've also liked that part, the little girl is quickly becoming one of my favourite characters (along with the Imp)

    Posted 2 years ago #
23. 

    Ty
    Moderator

    And he's a real fencer, so he'll look good doing the moves. Loved the accent he sort of made up for himself.

    Posted 2 years ago #
24. 

    Justice Gustin
    Member

    Here's something I found regarding Game of Thrones. Is this related in any way? I don't have HBO so I wouldn't know.

    http://soundcloud.com/alerttm/game-of-thrones-alerts-70s

    Posted 2 years ago #
25. 

    Ty
    Moderator

    It's a remix of the show's theme music.

    Posted 2 years ago #
26. 

    Bill
    Member

    Got sucked in to GOT the first week it aired. Very good so far. I hate everyone, which is making me love the show.

    I haven't read any sci fi/fantasy since high school (when I couldn't get enough Piers Anthony and the like), but seeing the show made me buy the book for my ipad. Enjoying it so far.

    Posted 2 years ago #
27. 

    Daniel Florien
    Administrator

    4 episodes in and it's still slow!

    Posted 2 years ago #
28. 

    DDM
    Member

    Jesus H Nonchrist, have a little patience, man!

    Posted 2 years ago #
29. 

    Sock
    Member

    A lot of people I've pointed this show out to have also said that it's slow. These people also loved LoTR. So, my explanation was this...

    You're watching LoTR, without having read the books first. Remember the first hour of Fellowship? It was cutesy and fun, but slow, too. Don't look at this series as your stereotypical fantasy series, with swords and sorcery and blood and war and blah blah blah. This is a drama series primarily, not action. There is action, but it comes later.

    Moving on, though... fssking LOVE it. It's awesome as hell.

    Oh, and hai guyz! Long time no see. ;)

    Posted 2 years ago #
30. 

    LRA
    Member

    Sock!!!!

    :D

    Posted 2 years ago #

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