What would you say are the top movies of this decade?

Geekyfanboy · August 30, 2009, 02:05:00 PM

Quote from: AlanP on August 30, 2009, 12:45:34 PM
I was debating on whether or not to tell this story. But when the Lord of the Rings movie came out, I wasn't paying much attention to what movies were coming out. Somehow I had never heard of the Lord of the Rings books. I heard through word of mouth that a Muhammad Ali movie was coming out. I drove by the theater, saw the marquee "Lord of the Rings" and thought that's got to be the Ali movie. Saw like 15 minuets of it, and walked out.

I still haven't watched the LOTR movies.

It took you 15 minutes before you realized that it wasn't a film about Muhammad Ali. I figured after the first few seconds of the opening battle I would have thought hmmm what does this have to do with a boxer.

alanp · August 30, 2009, 02:18:30 PM

Ha Ha. Definitely not my brightest moment, Kenny.

I first thought it was a trailer, then a short. Around that time there were elaborate Matrix shorts before movies like Dreamcatcher. I was thinking it was something like that. Then I didn't really know what to make of it. It did look kind of good but not really what I was there to see. After about 15 (or what felt like it) minutes I guessed this must be the movie.

PepperDude · August 30, 2009, 02:42:23 PM

Wow, AlanP?! You should give the trilogy another try. The movies are fantastic!

alanp · August 30, 2009, 03:06:54 PM

Yeah, I know. People keep telling me I'll like it.

It's just so big. 3 films, 3 hours each. I'll need some time.

You all like it?

Rico · August 30, 2009, 03:53:02 PM

Quote from: AlanP on August 30, 2009, 03:06:54 PM
Yeah, I know. People keep telling me I'll like it.

It's just so big. 3 films, 3 hours each. I'll need some time.

You all like it?

Frankly, if you have not read the books I would read those first and then watch the movies. The books are true fantasy classics that so much fantasy literature has "borrowed" from over the years that you owe yourself a chance to imagine the story, setting, characters, and all of Middle Earth before you see the films. The movies are great I think and very well done, but nothing can compare to your own mind and imagination.

ori-STUDFARM · August 30, 2009, 04:30:07 PM

At times LOTR can drag a little. My advice would be to stick with it. Even my wife agreed that the long "boring parts" (as she called them!) were worth it for all the action. The cost of staying as loyal as Jackson was to the books I'm afraid! Personally, I loved even the "long boring parts".

Nobody has mention Peter Jackson's King Kong. That is one of my highlights.....I'm not afraid to admit that I shed a tear when ever I watch it...then cringe 2 minutes later with Jack Black's final line delivery! A homage to the original that is the only negative of such an awesome movie! Pity it's the final line....

Jobydrone · August 31, 2009, 07:45:27 AM

AlanP, I can't imagine seeing the LOTR films without having a historical knowledge or baseline going in. I would hazard to guess that someone with absolutely no history of the story might find the first movie a bit slow or confusing. I would agree with what Rico said but I'd strongly suggest to first read the prequel story, the Hobbit. It's much more accessible and if you find, like most do, that after reading the Hobbit you fall in love with the characters and the world, you will be much more likely to give the LOTR books a fair shot as they can be a challenging read the first time through.

ChadH · August 31, 2009, 11:34:33 AM

I agree with everyone else who suggested reading the books, or at least "the Hobbit" before seeing the movies. I also recommend that you not watch all the movies back-to-back. I had a free weekend all to myself a couple of years ago and decided to spend it playing catch up on TLOTR movies. Contrary to what one may think, it is indeed possible to overdose on epic battle scenes.

Bromptonboy · August 31, 2009, 05:36:27 PM

I agree - my wife had not read the books and she was totally lost in the first movie, and would not see the rest with me. So it is good advice to give the books a go first.

For a real treat find the Rob Inglis unabridged audio books of The Hobbit, and the Lord of the Rings trilogy - you won't be disappointed - he is a fabulous reader giving each character a unique voice.

Ktrek · August 31, 2009, 05:51:16 PM

My wife had not read the books at all and thoroughly enjoyed and could follow the films just fine. However, that said, I agree that reading the books first would really add to your enjoyment. My wife has since read the books and she said she liked the movies better but what does she know! LOL

Kevin