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[Adam_Roman]

I just saw the third film, and I feel like BotFA was a great conclusion to the trilogy. I definitely preferred it to DoS (which I don't feel was bad, it just dragged on at parts). I saw all three films in HFR and I feel like it helped out so much in action sequences. I know plenty of people really disliked it, but I felt like it added so much to the experience.

I really hope they figure out a way to release the 48fps versions. The only way I could see it being possible currently is if they did a 60fps interpolated release (which would likely end up looking pretty bad), or had to specify it only works properly with G-Sync, FreeSync, or any other variable framerate-supporting monitors.

 

[Loxley]

I've never been a fan of the people who says "this is good, that is bad" instead of "I like this, I don't like that".

Sadly, in forums I usually meet more of the former.

For the new TolkienGAF thread we're planning for next year, one of the thread rules I'm going to put in place is no drive-by posts shitting on things. Yes, this is in response to the Hobbit films specifically, but it applies to everything. The Hobbit films have disappointed many, but it does not add to the conversation or thread in general to come in an say things like, "These movies still gutter-trash? Thought so. #trainwreck #clusterfuck #cashgrab". I want a thread where people who like or even love The Hobbit films can feel comfortable expressing that opinion and not feel like they're being judged.

Stuff like that has seeped into every single Tolkien thread on GAF since AUJ, and I'm tired of it. Obviously people are free to express their opinions, but don't be an antagonizing dick. Posts like that don't start constructive debates, they start arguments. We've had plenty of great discussions over the years about the weaknesses and strengths of these films, and I hope we continue to do so. Just in a way that doesn't make us look like angry teenage fanboys.

We're not going to become one of those GAF communities where people are warned "Don't go into that thread, those people are crazy and will eat you alive."

Nah, that's not TolkienGAF - we're hip. We're cool.

 

[Vashetti]

For the new TolkienGAF thread we're planning for next year, one of the thread rules I'm going to put in place is no drive-by posts shitting on things. Yes, this is in response to the Hobbit films specifically, but it applies to everything. The Hobbit films have disappointed many, but it does not add to the conversation or thread in general to come in an say things like, "These movies still gutter-trash? Thought so. #trainwreck #clusterfuck #cashgrab". I want a thread where people who like or even love The Hobbit films can feel comfortable expressing that opinion and not feel like they're being judged.

Stuff like that has seeped into every single Tolkien thread on GAF since AUJ, and I'm tired of it. Obviously people are free to express their opinions, but don't be an antagonizing dick. Posts like that don't start constructive debates, they start arguments. We've had plenty of great discussions over the years about the weaknesses and strengths of these films, and I hope we continue to do so. Just in a way that doesn't make us look like angry teenage fanboys.

We're not going to become one of those GAF communities where people are warned "Don't go into that thread, those people are crazy and will eat you alive."

Nah, that's not TolkienGAF - we're hip. We're cool.

Bless you Loxley, and Edmond.

It sucks being an avid fan of these movies on GAF. So much vicious hate.

If I see another post calling PJ the new George Lucas and how these are on the level of the Star Wars prequels, I might just start pulling my hair out

Edit: oh great, now there's an actual thread comparing the two. Save me from the stubbornness of GAF

 

[tryagainlater]

Good post, Loxley.

 

[kharma45]

Bless you Loxley, and Edmond.

It sucks being an avid fan of these movies on GAF. So much vicious hate.

If I see another post calling PJ the new George Lucas and how these are on the level of the Star Wars prequels, I might just start pulling my hair out

Edit: oh great, now there's an actual thread comparing the two. Save me from the stubbornness of GAF

And that's fine to feel that way, but there are also many who are extremely saddened to see what has come of the conversion of the book into film. The true test of the films will come over the next few years and the immediate hysteria has subsided.

 

[Man God]

I've found a bright spot to the soul crushing disappointment the Hobbit movies leave me with. I no longer care to examine all of many, many flaws that the LOTR movies have and found myself quite enjoying The Two Towers the other day when it was on tv.

 

[Napalm_Frank]

Can I still compare Radagast to Jar Jar?

 

[Man God]

Can I still compare Radagast to Jar Jar?

I don't see any reason not to compare the two. Both are prequel trilogies in a way, both have its fans and detractors that say it strayed too far from the path, both love the fuck out of bad CGI.

 

[Candeldandel]

For the new TolkienGAF thread we're planning for next year, one of the thread rules I'm going to put in place is no drive-by posts shitting on things. Yes, this is in response to the Hobbit films specifically, but it applies to everything. The Hobbit films have disappointed many, but it does not add to the conversation or thread in general to come in an say things like, "These movies still gutter-trash? Thought so. #trainwreck #clusterfuck #cashgrab". I want a thread where people who like or even love The Hobbit films can feel comfortable expressing that opinion and not feel like they're being judged.

Stuff like that has seeped into every single Tolkien thread on GAF since AUJ, and I'm tired of it. Obviously people are free to express their opinions, but don't be an antagonizing dick. Posts like that don't start constructive debates, they start arguments. We've had plenty of great discussions over the years about the weaknesses and strengths of these films, and I hope we continue to do so. Just in a way that doesn't make us look like angry teenage fanboys.

We're not going to become one of those GAF communities where people are warned "Don't go into that thread, those people are crazy and will eat you alive."

Nah, that's not TolkienGAF - we're hip. We're cool.

Thank you thank you thank youuuuuu /sobbing into hands

I've been actively avoiding Hobbit threads because of that, and it makes me utterly depressed since TolkienGAF is the only community I really enjoy and participate in If I can't say anything positive without someone coming in and shitting on my opinion, and I shouldn't feed the trolls... there's not much left to add. Then it's just you & Edmond & a few others (with thicker skin than I) left holding the banners, and I want to be there too

 

[Franchuzas87]

For the new TolkienGAF thread we're planning for next year, one of the thread rules I'm going to put in place is no drive-by posts shitting on things. Yes, this is in response to the Hobbit films specifically, but it applies to everything. The Hobbit films have disappointed many, but it does not add to the conversation or thread in general to come in an say things like, "These movies still gutter-trash? Thought so. #trainwreck #clusterfuck #cashgrab". I want a thread where people who like or even love The Hobbit films can feel comfortable expressing that opinion and not feel like they're being judged.

Stuff like that has seeped into every single Tolkien thread on GAF since AUJ, and I'm tired of it. Obviously people are free to express their opinions, but don't be an antagonizing dick. Posts like that don't start constructive debates, they start arguments. We've had plenty of great discussions over the years about the weaknesses and strengths of these films, and I hope we continue to do so. Just in a way that doesn't make us look like angry teenage fanboys.

We're not going to become one of those GAF communities where people are warned "Don't go into that thread, those people are crazy and will eat you alive."

Nah, that's not TolkienGAF - we're hip. We're cool.

Nice to know that. It's a shame I'm not good enough at writing English to contribute too much, but at least it would be a pleasure to read.

 

[Edmond Dantès]

Nice to know that. It's a shame I'm not good enough at writing English to contribute too much, but at least it would be a pleasure to read.

Your English is fine and your contributions are welcome.

 

[Vashetti]

Nice to know that. It's a shame I'm not good enough at writing English to contribute too much, but at least it would be a pleasure to read.

TolkienGAF isn't just going to be book and "literature" discussion. It's essentially going to be a safe haven for both book and movie fans.

This thread will pretty much die early next year, as the Hobbit movie series is pretty much over, bar the release of the last EE.

We'll all need to migrate somewhere

 

[Franchuzas87]

Your English is fine and your contributions are welcome.

Thank you. It's tricky thinking in one language and writing in another if you're not fluent, but I'm slowly learning. The LOTR and Hobbit films are actually a good help since I usually watch them in English.

 

[Edmond Dantès]

Thank you. It's tricky thinking in one language and writing in another if you're not fluent, but I'm slowly learning. The LOTR and Hobbit films are actually a good help since I usually watch them in English.

The books too are quite helpful to build a vocabulary.

 

[Edmond Dantès]

From the previously posted interview:

And what about a book?

PJ: As Guillermo was picking up to go, we talked about it. He said, "Wouldn't this be great?" And I said, "Yeah, when the time is right." Which, I think, from Warner Bros' point of view, is when the three movies are out on DVD, so my three films will be out and done. We all have a great idea and intention for all of Guillermo's design work, all eighteen months worth, will be out in some form, whether it's a book or a DVD supplemental feature. But he's keen to do that and I'm very keen to do that too. It'll happen at some point.

Something very interesting to look forward to. The predicted ultimate edition of the saga is certainly shaping up. A storyboard of Guillermo's Hobbit would be just perfect, although that might be asking too much.

 

[bengraven]

For the new TolkienGAF thread we're planning for next year, one of the thread rules I'm going to put in place is no drive-by posts shitting on things. Yes, this is in response to the Hobbit films specifically, but it applies to everything. The Hobbit films have disappointed many, but it does not add to the conversation or thread in general to come in an say things like, "These movies still gutter-trash? Thought so. #trainwreck #clusterfuck #cashgrab". I want a thread where people who like or even love The Hobbit films can feel comfortable expressing that opinion and not feel like they're being judged.

Stuff like that has seeped into every single Tolkien thread on GAF since AUJ, and I'm tired of it. Obviously people are free to express their opinions, but don't be an antagonizing dick. Posts like that don't start constructive debates, they start arguments. We've had plenty of great discussions over the years about the weaknesses and strengths of these films, and I hope we continue to do so. Just in a way that doesn't make us look like angry teenage fanboys.

We're not going to become one of those GAF communities where people are warned "Don't go into that thread, those people are crazy and will eat you alive."

Nah, that's not TolkienGAF - we're hip. We're cool.

Fantastic. Fantastic.

 

[Jacob]

We're not going to become one of those GAF communities where people are warned "Don't go into that thread, those people are crazy and will eat you alive."

Nah, that's not TolkienGAF - we're hip. We're cool.

If you don't want that reputation, then maybe try encouraging people to not respond to drive-by posts instead of creating rules that limit criticism of the movies? Or just be willing to say you love the films even though it's not a universally-held position. But saying that criticism is only okay if it follows certain rules seems like a really strange rule to put out there if you do in fact want to foster open discussion, and doubly so since the thread is being billed as TolkienGAF, not JacksonGAF.

 

[Loxley]

If you don't want that reputation, then maybe try encouraging people to not respond to drive-by posts instead of creating rules that limit criticism of the movies?

I probably should have worded my statement differently. I obviously can't reach through the internet and stop someone from making a post like that, it's going to happen regardless of what rules we set in place. That said, I don't think I'm "limiting criticism" by strongly encouraging people to not make posts that are a step removed from thread-whining. I also don't think I should have to say this, but people can come in and criticize the films (and the books, games, etc) as much as they want - so long as they don't sound like they're trying to troll/get a reaction out of people, which is a problem we've had in Tolkien threads for a while now thanks to the middling reaction to the Hobbit films. It's why I rarely post in non-OT Tolkien threads.

Or just be willing to say you love the films even though it's not a universally-held position. But saying that criticism is only okay if it follows certain rules seems like a really strange rule to put out there if you do in fact want to foster open discussion, and doubly so since the thread is being billed as TolkienGAF, not JacksonGAF.

Which I'm not saying. Like, at all. Hell, if someone came and said something exactly like the example I gave in my post, I would honestly be totally fine with it if they bothered to elaborate on their criticism (which they often don't).

I want to make something else clear, this door swings both ways. With the new thread, we're going to strongly encourage in-depth discussion like what we've had in the past with our Tolkien Literary Works and Silmarillion threads. As much as it a place to say you like or dislike something Tolkien related, you should feel encouraged to talk about why you feel the way you do. So you dislike the Hobbit films more than you've ever disliked anything in the history of planet earth - okay, that sounds pretty serious. Lets talk about what it is hat made you feel so betrayed. So you think Shadow of Mordor or some LOTR fan-film is the greatest thing since sliced bread - why?

The name of the game is fostering a discussion, which, in my opinion, is what helps make a strong community on a forum like GAF. In order to do that, I'm discouraging people from making from one-sentence "This is the shittiest thing ever"/"This is the most amazing this ever". They'll of course be more than free to do so, but I want this new thread to be more than that.

 

[Jacob]

I appreciate the elaboration, Loxley, particularly regarding the encouragement of discussion going both ways.

 

[HomerSimpson-Man]

For the new TolkienGAF thread we're planning for next year, one of the thread rules I'm going to put in place is no drive-by posts shitting on things. Yes, this is in response to the Hobbit films specifically, but it applies to everything. The Hobbit films have disappointed many, but it does not add to the conversation or thread in general to come in an say things like, "These movies still gutter-trash? Thought so. #trainwreck #clusterfuck #cashgrab". I want a thread where people who like or even love The Hobbit films can feel comfortable expressing that opinion and not feel like they're being judged.

Stuff like that has seeped into every single Tolkien thread on GAF since AUJ, and I'm tired of it. Obviously people are free to express their opinions, but don't be an antagonizing dick. Posts like that don't start constructive debates, they start arguments. We've had plenty of great discussions over the years about the weaknesses and strengths of these films, and I hope we continue to do so. Just in a way that doesn't make us look like angry teenage fanboys.

We're not going to become one of those GAF communities where people are warned "Don't go into that thread, those people are crazy and will eat you alive."

Nah, that's not TolkienGAF - we're hip. We're cool.

Bless you Loxey.

 

[Loxley]

I appreciate the elaboration, Loxley, particularly regarding the encouragement of discussion going both ways.

Hey it's all good man I'm excited for that thread to get going. Dantes and I still need to hammer out the specifics so there's no ETA yet as to when it'll arrive, but at this point I would assume by the end of January.

In other news, here's a neat little video covering the hierarchy of the Legendarium in 4 minutes.

 

[SYNTAX182]

I saw all 3 films and quite enjoyed them. I'm just a casual fan though. I enjoyed watching what happened before the originals and that's it.

What are the common complaints? Is there a list of complaints I can read without going through the whole thread?

 

[Loxley]

I saw all 3 films and quite enjoyed them. I'm just a casual fan though. I enjoyed watching what happened before the originals and that's it.

What are the common complaints? Is there a list of complaints I can read without going through the whole thread?

I actually just posted something like that over on Gaming side, in the Giant Bomb thread (of all places):

I need to watch The Hobbit. I need to know why everyone hates it.

Here's a run-down of the main reasons why people have disliked The Hobbit films:

- Peter Jackson didn't make the fun children's book they know and love, and instead made an epic Lord of the Rings prequel trilogy that covers the events of the Hobbit.
- People hate CGI and the Hobbit films use a lot of it, and it looks unfinished in a number of scenes across all three films.
- The book was split into three films which is seen as a "blatant cashgrab".
- People don't like Jackson's additions/alterations story to the (such as turning certain scenes from the book into action sequences when they originally weren't).

It should be said that there are plenty of people who do like The Hobbit films. I mean, these movies have each made around a billion dollars for a reason - people enjoy them.

 

[SYNTAX182]

I actually just posted something like that over on Gaming side, in the Giant Bomb thread (of all places):

Thank you Loxley

Edit: I guess as a casual fan I just went in there and didn't really try to look for faults and just watched it. I never read the books so those complaints are already invalid in my case. I guess if you're hardcore about the books and stuff some of those are legitimate complaints though. Still overall an enjoyable series to watch and re-watch. These 3 films make me want to watch the originals again.

 

[Curufinwe]

While still being a significant step down from the LotR films, I liked BotFA a lot more than AUJ and DOS.

Spoiler

The two things that bugged were the trolls who looked like giant babies, and Beorn only getting 10 seconds of screen time. The latter should hopefully be fixed by the EE.

I was kind of expecting/hoping Tauriel would be killed of along with Kili. Not because I hated her character, I just thought it would have been fitting if she was the one who avenged his death and maybe died herself in the process.

I thought Thorin's descent into madness was very well done, and very well acted. It certainly took the character miles away from being like Aragorn. The scene with Dwalin was kind of heartbreaking.

As a fan of Billy Connolly from way back hearing his unmistakable voice come out of Dain was a real treat. I'm hoping to hear more from him in the EE.

 

[Ixion]

Saw it and enjoyed it.

All three films weren't on the same level of LOTR, primarily because there were a decent amount of scenes that dragged or were unnecessary. Also, some of PJ's additions to the story felt forced.

But at the end of the day, I would give each movie a 7/10. A good, but not great, trilogy.

 

[Franchuzas87]

The books too are quite helpful to build a vocabulary.

I'm sure of it. The hard part for me is to get the time for read books as big as those in my non-native language. Maybe I'll start The Hobbit someday, since is such a light read. I remember a teacher made us read it in school when I was like 10 or 11 (but in Spanish). I fell in love with it and then decided to read LOTR on my own. Good times.

 

[Quick Mustard]

I loved TBoTFA but can anyone confirm if they said the title in the film like they do with the other 5?
I don't remember hearing anyone say "This is the battle of the five armies" or something similar to it.

 

[witness]

I just saw the third film, and I feel like BotFA was a great conclusion to the trilogy. I definitely preferred it to DoS (which I don't feel was bad, it just dragged on at parts). I saw all three films in HFR and I feel like it helped out so much in action sequences. I know plenty of people really disliked it, but I felt like it added so much to the experience.

I really hope they figure out a way to release the 48fps versions. The only way I could see it being possible currently is if they did a 60fps interpolated release (which would likely end up looking pretty bad), or had to specify it only works properly with G-Sync, FreeSync, or any other variable framerate-supporting monitors.

I loved the 48fps in theaters, it's so easy on the eyes if someone has problems with 3D typically. I just love the way it moves with action scenes. It looks so damn good. I have the 3D versions at home and I put my TV on smooth motion to give it a very similar effect. Obviously it's not as nice as the theater or a true HFR experience, but it's still pretty damn good for a home experience.

 

[Curufinwe]

I loved TBoTFA but can anyone confirm if they said the title in the film like they do with the other 5?
I don't remember hearing anyone say "This is the battle of the five armies" or something similar to it.

I'm sure I heard five armies said by someone.

We saw it in 2D and it looked fine, but I plan on seeing it in IMAX during the long New Years weekend.

 

[MisterHero]

*watched Battle of the Five Armies on Friday*

If they can't adapt any more movies they might as well do some Legolas movies. That last movie kept careening into that direction anyways.

 

[Franchuzas87]

I loved TBoTFA but can anyone confirm if they said the title in the film like they do with the other 5?
I don't remember hearing anyone say "This is the battle of the five armies" or something similar to it.

If I'm not mistaken, they never said "an unexpected journey" in the first film either.

 

[Cinders]

Wasn't the original idea to have two films, one that covers The Hobbit and the other to bridge The Hobbit with The Lord of the Rings? What happened with the script/materials/whatever for that second movie? Or did they not get around to it all? I would have liked to see some of the ideas they had.

 

[Edmond Dantès]

Wasn't the original idea to have two films, one that covers The Hobbit and the other to bridge The Hobbit with The Lord of the Rings? What happened with the script/materials/whatever for that second movie? Or did they not get around to it all? I would have liked to see some of the ideas they had.

The original plan was indeed for one film dealing with the narrative of The Hobbit and a second bridging the 60 year gap between the two tales. Some of the ideas may have been integrated into the trilogy; much of it though is stored somewhere, waiting to be released in some form. Peter has confirmed that this material, much of which is Guillermo's, will be released at some point in the future.

 

[Ixion]

After the trilogy was complete, I know I said on here that I would make a "Hobbit VS Star Wars Prequels" thread, but since BOFA left me with a good taste in my mouth, I don't know if I want to start that madness.

It will happen eventually though. Brace yourselves.

EDIT: Never mind. Someone already made the thread. lol

 

[Curufinwe]

The overall quality of the acting is so much higher in the Hobbit movies.

 

[Blue Lou]

As dumb as this may be, are these two 'extended editions' the equivalent to one another?

They look so different.

 

[Napalm_Frank]

As dumb as this may be, are these two 'extended editions' the equivalent to one another?

They look so different.

Yup. I wish they had something more akin to the LOTR EE even tho being on Blu-Ray it obviously would be a thinner box unless you include some swag. I just bought them digitally for now and probably will get the blu-rays when they come in a neat 6 movie box.

 

[Blue Lou]

Yup. I wish they had something more akin to the LOTR EE even tho being on Blu-Ray it obviously would be a thinner box unless you include some swag. I just bought them digitally for now and probably will get the blu-rays when they come in a neat 6 movie box.

Thanks. I think I'll wait for the extended Hobbit box set. I have the extended original trilogy already.

 

[Melon Husk]

The overall quality of the acting is so much higher in the Hobbit movies.

 

[SCULLIBUNDO]

The overall quality of the acting is so much higher in the Hobbit movies.

What in the actual fuck?

 

[#1 defender]

What in the actual fuck?

I think he meant in comparison to the SW prequels.

 

[FUBAR McDangles]

Liked the third movie a decent amount and went out and bought AUJ and DOS Extended Editions today. Beefy cases with tons of extras. Cannot wait to dive into them.

Now to just get around to ordering LOTR Extended Editions. I know Amazon had them for $30 on black friday. Hopefully I can get it for around the same in the next few months. Maybe an after christmas sale.

 

[Loxley]

I think the performances have been one of the highlights of these films. Not a single actor strikes me as miscast for their role. Sure, certain characters may not be mirror-images of their literary counterparts, but the acting itself has been on-point. Not that I need to mention how great Ken Stott has been yet again, but man Ken Stott has been great.

 

[RelentlessRolento]

Saw it today. Outside of certain CG "peoples", loved it but

Spoiler

lots of dem' feels... teared up at parts

 

[witness]

Saw it today. Outside of certain CG "peoples", loved it but

Spoiler

lots of dem' feels... teared up at parts

I did during the very last scene, it was perfect.

 

[Vashetti]

Is it weird that the acorn scene made me tear up?

Just a very well done scene between Martin and Richard.

 

[CassSept]

I think the performances have been one of the highlights of these films. Not a single actor strikes me as miscast for their role. Sure, certain characters may not be mirror-images of their literary counterparts, but the acting itself has been on-point. Not that I need to mention how great Ken Stott has been yet again, but man Ken Stott has been great.

The performances are mostly great and casting has been quite spot on (well, it bothers me how much Orlando Bloom and Luke Evans look alike), but there are some weird aspects that can be chalked up to writing. The one that stood out the most for me is Thorin. Richard Armitage is great, but it feels like his character is very inconsistent. Saying he is bipolar would be a gross exaggeration, but I felt there were some weird shifts in his attitude (esp. towards Bilbo) that don't really mesh well with character arc. At least throughout the first two movies.

My memory could be faulty though, for what it's worth I've only watched these movies once.

 

[Melon Husk]

Liked the third movie a decent amount and went out and bought AUJ and DOS Extended Editions today. Beefy cases with tons of extras. Cannot wait to dive into them.

Now to just get around to ordering LOTR Extended Editions. I know Amazon had them for $30 on black friday. Hopefully I can get it for around the same in the next few months. Maybe an after christmas sale.

Here's a teaser taster of the LOTR dvd extras.
"Miniatures"

...
Yeah. Stereo video took more than it gave.
I feel like Gandalf:

2000 vs. 2011

 

[strafer]

that's George Lucas territory.