The New Hobbit Hole

[2Jedismom]

My mother is so funny...she critisized me harshly for being too excited about the movie and told me I shouldn't get so excited about things. Then, she buys be stuff related to it! LOL (She bought me the Nat'l Geographic LOTR special).

Just today, she bought me a book called Finding God in The Lord of the Rings! Have either of you read it? It looks pretty good at first glance. It's by Kurt Bruner and Jim Ware.

[Penny1]

I have flipped through that little booklet. It is good, it has a lot of nice things in it. My only complaint with it is that it doesn't go far enough, or deeply enough, into the themes and symbolism of the book. The things they do bring out are great, but they could have gone much further than they did.

I think one thing that is very helpful about it, though, is that it's a clear defense of the work against those who deny its Christian themes.

[2Jedismom]

I've just read through the first few pages and I think maybe he's preaching to the choir with me. However, I have a very good friend who shies away from LOTR even though I've tried to tell her it's "ok" and even our church librarian has told her it's a good book. I'm thinking of lending her this book. The "shallowness" of this book may be just enough to hook her. I would love to be able to talk to her about it, but as it is I feel uncomfortable even bringing it up.

[Penny1]

Very good idea. I have a feeling that may have been part of the rationale behind that book being written. There is a lot of confusion out there about why LOTR is different from your run-of-the-mill fantasy fare...

[Penny1]

I am only trusting those theaters who are beginning their run of LOTR on Friday, or those who haven't been showing it for a while who are bringing it back.

Thankfully, there are a couple of theaters in my area that are beginning new runs of LOTR...I can't wait!!!!! :)

[2Jedismom]

I am reminded at this time of how I felt on December 21st (I saw the movie the first time on the 22nd...our tenth anniversary).

I feel pretty much the same way today...

[Penny1]

I know exactly what you mean, 2JM! And it's just a preview! Can you imagine what we'll all be long on December 18th? Or 19th, or whatever date it is...

[Penny1]

That's "all be LIKE" not "all be long"

Maybe I need more coffee or something....

[HairOfTheDog]

You also should post the more groomed photos of our Aragorn from when he was in Rivendell and Lothlorien. Mr. Irishtenor should know that he only looks rough when he has been out in the wilds for weeks. He does clean up nice when there are ladies around.

[BibChr]

Okay, here's the Fandango saga.

My first letter to Fandango:

"Your web site mentions the Two Towers trailer, to be attached to copies of The Fellowship of the Ring tomorrow, Friday. It says 'Click Here to Learn More.' I click, and it says NOTHING more about the trailer (=preview), just lists theaters that will be showing FOTR.

"My question: are you GUARANTEEING that ALL of those theaters will be showing the version with the preview attached, starting tomorrow?

"If so, why don't you SAY it, since it said 'to learn more'?

"I hope you'll answer today. If so, thanks. (Signed)"

Doesn't that sound pretty clear?

Well, here is Fandango's answer to me:

"Dear Dan,

"Thank you for contacting Fandango!

"Fandango is currently running a banner ad that promotes a "preview" of 'The Two Towers' the next installment of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. The banner ad links to the Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring movie page.

"This 'preview' of The Two Tower is not a sneak preview of the entire film. It is a preview of a few minutes of select footage from 'The Two Towers' that will be shown along with the Fellowship of the Ring main feature presentation.

"If you have any further questions, please reply to this message or call Customer Service toll-free at 1-866-688-6675.

"Thanks again for visiting Fandango! (Signed)"

At this point, I am feeling a reality disconnect. So I write this Second Letter to Fandango:

"Hi Joan,

"I appreciate your response, but I have to wonder whether you read my letter before sending it.

"I **said** it was a preview, called it a preview, know it's a preview.

"My only question is: since the link just goes to theaters playing FOTR, are you *guaranteeing* that all those theaters will play the version with the PREVIEW attached? And why doesn't the site say so, if that is so? (Signed)"

Ay, yi yi. I'll keep you posted.

Dan
/c8

[Overtaxed]

I am only trusting those theaters who are beginning their run of LOTR on Friday, or those who haven't been showing it for a while who are bringing it back.

Don't think I have much choice. It's showing in only 4 theaters after today. One has been showing it for 2 and a half weeks, the others since Dec. 19.

[2Jedismom]

Some people just seem to be dumb as stumps.

[Penny1]

Okay, I just want to know if it's a requirement that everyone that works in the cinema business have an IQ of about 30...

Sheesh!

[BibChr]

There's a wild Fandango loose... in the theater....

[Penny1]

Hehehe, good point....

...course, I kinda like his disheveled look myself, there are so few men who can actually pull that look off without looking like bums.

[Penny1]

ROFL!

[Overtaxed]

As long as he doesn't track dirt all over the house. :)

[Penny1]

There is some good news....

It is being reported as confirmed that the Cinerama will begin a re-release of LOTR:FOTR with TTT preview on April 5. So, HOTD, we might want to schedule a viewing for April 9 if you'll be in Seattle that day...

:)

They're kicking ET out...hehehe...

[Penny1]

I was going to upload the link to the Seattle cinerama Line party to our Yahoogroup so you could check the info on the Cinerama and the line parties up here on Friday. However, Yahoogroups doesn't seem to like my work Internet connection, so I will post it here for you:

Seattle Line Party Community Message Board

[HairOfTheDog]

I will check it out! - April ASAP sounds like a good plan to me!