The Dark Knight Trilogy (2005–2012)

The Dark Knight Trilogy (2005–2012)

Batman Begins (2005)

C – 140m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Batman Begins: The Imax Experience, The Intimidation Game, Batman: Intimidation, Batman 5
Characters By: Bob Kane
Story By: David S. Goyer
Screenplay By: Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer
Dir.: Christopher Nolan
Starring: Christian Bale, Sir Michael Caine, Liam Neeson, Katie Holmes, Gary Oldman, Tom Wilkinson, Rutger Hauer, Morgan Freeman, Larry Holden, Sara Stewart, Richard Brake, Matt Miller, John Burke, Spencer Wilding and Mark Rhino Smith.
Cinematography By: Wally Pfister
Music By: James Newton Howard and Hans Zimmer

After training with his mentor, Batman begins his fight to free crime–ridden Gotham City, from the corruption that Scarecrow and The League Of Shadows have cast upon it. A tad overlong, with a deliberate slow pace but when action is around it has an adrenaline rush to it. The performances are fine… Hindsight being 20/20 this film struck the right tone for the evolving dystopian society that was morphing into existence after 9/11/2001. See this one! 

Trivia:

Christian Bale hated wearing the Batman costume and used his distain for it to fuel his character’s foul mood. Christian Bale lost his voice three times while filming this movie, after altering his voice for playing Batman. Though Bale performed most of his own stunts, he was not allowed anywhere near the Batmobile. Reportedly a drunk driver crashed into the Batmobile while the production was shooting in Chicago, IL. He was quoted as saying that he crashed into the Batmobile because he believed it was an invading alien spacecraft.

There was no second unite on this film, which forced Christopher Nolan to over see every shot of the film for the entire 129 day shooting schedule. Both Tim Burton and Michael Keaton, from Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992), stated that they were, “impressed,” by this film. Heath Ledger was considered for the role of Bruce Wayne / Batman while this film was in development. He was later cast as The Joker in the next entry in the Trilogy, The Dark Knight (2008). David S. Goyer stated that his favorite pre–audition choice for Batman was Jake Gyllenhaal but was swayed into Christian Bale by watching his audition tape. Sir Anthony Hopkins was offered the role of Alfred but declined and Laurence Fishburne was considered for the role of Lucius Fox. Gary Oldman agreed to play James Gordon without reading the script.    

Oscar® nominated for: Best Cinematography – Wally Pfister.
Followed by: The Dark Knight (2008) and The Dark Knight Rises (2012).
Rated: [PG–13] – Intense Action Violence, Disturbing Images & Some Thematic Elements
Available on 4K & Regular Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

The Dark Knight (2008)

C – 153m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen / 1.43:1 – Fullscreen (Imax Scenes) / 1.78:1 – Widescreen (Imax Scenes)
A.K.A.: The Dark Knight: The Imax Experience, Untitled Batman Begins Sequel, Batman: The Dark Knight, Batman Begins 2, Rory’s First Kiss, Winter Green
Characters Created By: Bob Kane
Story By: Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer
Screenplay By: Jonathan Nolan and Christopher Nolan
Prod. – Dir.: Christopher Nolan
Starring: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Sir Michael Caine, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, Eric Roberts, Ritchie Coster, Anthony Michael Hall, William Fichtner, January Stern and Robert Patrick Stern.
Music By: James Newton Howard and Hans Zimmer
Sound Editing: Richard King
Film Editing: Lee Smith

A menace known only as The Joker starts terrorizing Gotham City while Harvey Dent seeks appointment to a higher office until he has something happen that scars him for life and a new foe is born, Two–Face. Batman must try to stop the increasing number of bad buys in Gotham before the city meets a dark and twisted end. Some people describe this film as dark and disturbing. They are right! This was the next to darkest Batman film but one that should be admired. Everything works here. Only the length may be a hindrance to some people, though not to this reviewer. There is action and suspense to spare in this nail-biting sequel to: Batman Begins (2005). This reviewer would argue that this is the BEST of the trilogy it is a part of. Haunting performances are given all around, particularly by Heath Ledger who posthumously won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar®. Two–Face’s face is hair–raising to say the least. See it! 

Trivia:

It was Sir Michael Caine’s opinion that Heath Ledger topped Jack Nicholson as The Joker. He felt that Nicholson’s portrayal was just nutty where as Ledger’s was psychotic. In preparation for his role of The Joker, Heath Ledger secluded himself into a motel room for about six weeks and worked on the voice, mannerisms and look of The Joker. This film was dedicated to Heath Ledger, who died of an accidental drug overdose before the film’s release, and Conway Wickliffe, a stuntman who died while doing a car crash stunt for this film. This film featured scenes shot on Imax cameras, hence the ever–changing widescreen aspect ratios during the film. Heath Ledger’s Oscar® win was the first time a comic book film won in a major category at The Oscars®.

Christopher Nolan offered the chance to reprise the role to Katie Holmes, who turned it down. Sarah Michelle Gellar, Isla Fisher, Emily Blunt and Rachel McAdams were all considered as replacements for her before Maggie Gyllenhaal got the role. This was the highest grossing Batman film. Matt Damon was offered the role of Harvey Dent but turned it down to make Invictus (2009) with Clint Eastwood and Morgan Freeman. Aaron Eckhart said he based his portrayal of his character in part on Robert F. Kennedy. Bob Hoskins and James Gandolfini auditioned for the role that went to Eric Roberts.

Oscar® winner for: Best Supporting Actor – Heath Ledger and Best Sound Editing – Richard King. Additionally Oscar® nominated for: Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing – Lee Smith, Best Art Direction, Best Makeup, Best Sound Mixing and Best Visual Effects. Golden Globe winner for Best Supporting Actor – Heath Ledger.

Sequel to: Batman Begins (2005), and followed by: The Dark Knight Rises (2012).
Rated: [PG–13] – Intense Sequences Of Violence & Some Menace
Available on 4K & Regular Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

 C – 164m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen / 1.43:1 – Fullscreen (Imax Scenes) / 1.78:1 – Widescreen (Imax Scenes) / 1.90:1 – Widescreen (Imax Scenes)
A.K.A.: The Dark Knight Rises: The Imax Experience, Magnus Rex, Batman 3, T.D.K.R., Gotham, Arkham
Characters Created By: Bob Kane
Story By: Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer
Screenplay By: Jonathan Nolan and Christopher Nolan
Prod. – Dir.: Christopher Nolan
Starring: Christian Bale, Gary Oldman, Tom Hardy, Joseph Gordon–Levitt, Anne Hathaway, Marion Cotillard, Morgan Freeman, Sir Michael Caine, Matthew Modine, William Devane, Joey King, Liam Neeson and Aaron Eckhart (Archive Footage, uncredited).  
Music By: Hans Zimmer
Film Editing By: Lee Smith

Eight years after The Joker’s reign, Batman must help Catwoman and is forced from his exile to save Gotham, which is on the edge of annihilation from Arkham escapee Bane and his followers. Deadening in its level of bleak material. This film is overlong, more than sluggishly slow and the CGI is way more obvious that the previous two entries in the Nolan Batman Trilogy. Acting is the saving grace here and even that leaves this film dangling by a thread. If you were to skip this one, you’d be a wiser film buff than this reviewer. Not that it is a feat worth bragging about. SKIP this one!

Trivia:

Reportedly Christopher Nolan considered using a mix of CGI and deleted scenes from The Dark Knight (2008) to have Heath Ledger’s Joker appear briefly in this film. He reportedly decided it was disrespectful to Ledger to do so, and did not do it, as can be seen in this film. Gary Oldman said that Christopher Nolan told all the actors the end of the film verbally so that there would be less likelihood of it being leaked. According to producers the line, “That’s a lovely, lovely voice,” was improvised by Tom Hardy. Each entry in this trilogy is 12 minutes longer than it’s predecessor: Batman Beings (2005) – 140m, The Dark Knight (2008) – 152m (153m), and this film is 164m. The first draft of the script was reportedly 400 pages.

Rated: [PG–13] – Intense Sequences Of Violence And Action, Some Sensuality & Language
Available on 4K & Regular Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Male Sexual Abuse Films (1996–2015)

Male Sexual Abuse Films (1996–2015)

Sleepers (1996)

C – 147m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
Novel: Sleepers by Lorenzo Carcaterra
Writer – Prod. – Dir.: Barry Levinson
Co–Prod.: Lorenzo Carcaterra
Starring: Kevin Bacon, Robert De Niro, Minnie Driver, Dustin Hoffman, Bruno Kirby, Jason Patric, Billy Crudup, John Slattery, Brad Pitt, Jonathan Tucker, Gerry Becker, Ben Hammer, Paul Herman, Lennie Loftin, Danny Mastrogiorgio, Mary B. McCann, Pat McNamara, Peter McRobbie, Mick O’Rourke, James Pickens, Jr., Wendell Pierce and Sean Patrick Reilly.
Music By: John Williams

After a prank goes disastrously wrong, a group of boys are sent to a detention center where they are brutalized. Over ten years later, they get their chance for revenge. Deliberately slowly paced but has great actors turning in great performances. The film is slightly over–long but the cinematography is impressive as are the aforementioned performances and an almost stellar script. There are a few lines that may invoke a, “No duh,” or other wised colored version of that statement from viewers. Period detail is fine and the soundtrack is fun. The indecision on a star rating is the fault of this reviewer. This reviewer can make arguments as to why this should just be a three star film but can also make arguments as to why it is the near perfect three and a half star film rating too. Rather than split hairs, this reviewer will cop to saying: flip a coin on it yourself after you have seen it and see where it lands for you. It does come highly recommended though!  

Trivia: Film Critic Roger Ebert criticized this movie as, “homophobic.” During filming, the two younger actors who play the roles that would become Brad Pitt and Jason Patric, wore contact lenses so they would have the same eye color as Pitt and Patric. This movie was filmed at Fairfield Hills, a former psychiatric hospital in Newtown, Connecticut; right after the state took possession of the property. Billy Crudup and John Slattery, in addition to this film, appeared in Spotlight (2015), which also revolves around similar themes of abuse.

Oscar® nominated for: Best Original Score – John Williams. 
Rated: [R] – Language, Graphic Violence, & Two Scenes Of Strong Sexual Content
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Mystic River (2003)

C – 138m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen (Theatrical) / 2.40:1 – Widescreen (Blu–ray)
Novel: Mystic River by Dennis Lehane
Screenplay By: Brian Helgeland
Prod. – Dir.: Clint Eastwood
Starring: Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Kevin Bacon, Laurence Fishburne, Marcia Gay Harden, Laura Linney, Kevin Chapman, Tom Guiry (as Thomas Guiry), Emmy Rossum, Spencer Treat Clark, Andrew Mackin, Adam Nelson, Robert Wahlberg, Jenny O’Hara, John Doman, Cameron Bowen, Jason Kelly, Connor Paolo, T. Bruce Page (as Bruce Page), Miles Herter, Cayden Boyd, Joe Stapleton, Tom Kemp, Bill Thorpe, Ken Cheeseman, Duncan B. Putney, Ed O’Keefe, Michael McGovern, Susan Bergeron (uncredited), Kevin Conway (uncredited), Brian Frates (uncredited), Eli Wallach (uncredited), Victor Warren (uncredited), Jillian Wheeler (uncredited), Brian A. White (uncredited) and Kris Williams (uncredited).
Music By: Clint Eastwood

The lives of three men who were childhood friends are shattered when one of them has a family tragedy. Heavy but powerful film focuses on the tight bonds of three guys who grew up in or around Southie, Boston. It adds to the enjoyment of the film if one is familiar with the area. Solid performances abound here and Eastwood masterfully handles the direction chore. The length may not be for all tastes but this reviewer doesn’t mind it. If one can look past the language, violence and thematic element of sexual abuse of a boy, there is a lot to be enjoyed here. The subtext is as rich as the plot and the characters. Good cinematography to boot… Dig the score composed and performed by Clint Eastwood too. A MUST for Boston or Boston area natives!

Trivia: The situation at the opening of this film is based on an incident when, as a child, author Dennis Lehane’s mother castigated him for getting into a car with two men who claimed to be plain–clothes policemen. The studio execs at Warner Brothers wanted Clint Eastwood to shoot this film in Toronto, Canada to save money. Eastwood refused and pushed to have the film shot in Boston where the story takes place. He won. Michael Keaton was originally cast as Sean Devine, played here by Kevin Bacon, and had already done several table reads with the principle cast and was well on his way in his research for the role with the Massachusetts State Police Department, when he got into a huge argument with Clint Eastwood. As a result of the argument, Keaton left the film and was replaced by Kevin Bacon.

This film was shot in 39 days. Forest Whitaker was the original choice for the role of Whitey Powers, played here by Laurence Fishburne, and he almost accepted the role but backed out due to other conflicts. Clint Eastwood narrated the teaser trailer. The liquor store scene was shot in Costello’s, a liquor store on Boylston Street in the Back Bay of Boston, next to Berklee College Of Music. After filming, screen shots from the scene were placed in the front display windows. Costello’s closed in January 2007. In the novel the surname of Jimmy and his family is Marcus but in the film it is Markum. 

Oscar® winner for: Best Actor – Sean Penn and Best Supporting Actor – Tim Robbins. Additionally Oscar® nominated for: Best Picture – Robert Lorenz, Jodie Hoyt and Clint Eastwood, Best Supporting Actress – Marcia Gay Harden, Best Director – Clint Eastwood, and Best Adapted Screenplay – Brian Helgeland. Golden Globe winner for: Best Actor – Motion Picture – Drama – Sean Penn and Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture – Tim Robbins. Additionally Golden Globe nominated for: Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director – Motion Picture – Clint Eastwood, and Best Screenplay – Motion Picture – Brian Helgeland.

Rated: [R] – Language & Violence
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy 

Spotlight (2015)

C – 128m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
Writers: Josh Singer and Tom McCarthy
Exec. Prod.s: Jonathan King and Josh Singer
Dir.: Tom McCarthy
Starring: Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Live Schreiber, John Slattery, Brian d’Arcy James, Stanley Tucci, Elena Wohl, Gene Amoroso, Doug Murray, Sharon McFarlane, Jamey Sheridan, Neal Huff, Billy Crudup, Robert B. Kennedy, Duane Murray, Brian Chamberlain, Michael Cyril Creighton, Paul Guilfoyle, Michael Countryman, Gary Galone, Nancy Villone, Joe Stapleton, Maureen Keiller, Laurie Murdoch, Richard O’Rourke, David Boston (uncredited), Richard Jenkins (voice, uncredited) and Colleen Kelly (uncredited).
Music By: Howard Shore

The true story of how The Boston Globe uncovered the massive scandal of child molestation and cover–up within the local Catholic Archdiocese, shaking the entire Catholic Church to its core. This is a splendid dramatization of the facts around the Catholic Church sex abuse scandal and how The Boston Globe uncovered it. While this may not technically be a thriller there is tension built during the film that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Wonderful acting by a colossal cast and a very impressive set of actors to be sure. The set on which parts of this film was shot is an achievement as well. While the subject matter may be a sore spot for some, or even unappealing or repulsive to others, the depiction of the victims of the abuse and their stories are handled with dignity and there is nothing graphically depicted here. While the purported numbers of abuse cases may be indeed huge, there are likely some minor embellishments, as is the case with most dramatizations. Should this wreck the film for you? Or even keep one from seeing the film? No. It works on too well to be ignored as a film. Watch it! 

Trivia: The Boston Globe offices were all a big set. When Michael Keaton met the man he played in the film, he did an impression of him based on tapes he had watched of the man, etc. It was so good that it unnerved the real person Keaton played in the film. The guy was quoted as saying, “If Michael Keaton robbed a bank they would come and arrest me!”

Oscar® winner for: Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay – Josh Singer and Tom McCarthy. Additionally Oscar® nominated for: Best Supporting Actor – Mark Ruffalo, Best Supporting Actress – Rachel McAdams, Best Director – Tom McCarthy, and Best Editing. Golden Globe nominated for: Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director – Motion Picture – Tom McCarthy, and Best Screenplay – Motion Picture – Josh Singer and Tom McCarthy.

Rated: [R] – Some Language Including Sexual References
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Jake LaMotta Double Feature

Jake LaMotta was a boxer. He wrote a few books as he got older. Below are the reviews of the two films made from a couple of his books.

Raging Bull (1980)

C – 129m (Theatrical Cut) / 121m (Television Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: The Raging Bull
Based On The Book By: Jake La Motta (as Jake LaMotta)
With: Joseph Carter and Peter Savage
Screenplay By: Paul Schrader and Mardik Martin
Producers: Irving Winkler, Robert Cartoff and Peter Savage
Dir.: Martin Scorsese
Starring: Robert De Niro, Cathy Moriarty, Joe Pesci, Frank Vincent, Nicholas Colasanto, Theresa Saldana, Mario Gallo, Charles Scorsese, Bernie Allen, Jack Lotz, Peter Savage, Martin Scorsese, John Turturro, McKenzie Westmore and Jimmy Williams.
Cinematography By: Michael Chapman
Editing By: Thelma Schoonmaker

The emotional self–destructive journey of Jake La Motta from his highs in the ring and his lows outside of it. Gripping and yet repulsive character study of boxer Jake LaMotta is tops! Wonderful cinematography, editing, acting and sound. A MUST WATCH! De Niro certainly earned his Oscar®.

Trivia: When Jake LaMotta first saw the film he realized how nasty he was. He asked the real person who Cathy Moriarty played, “Was I really like that?” She replied, “You were worse.” This is Cathy Moriarty’s film debut. In 1978 Scorsese was near death in a hospital due to a Cocaine addiction. Robert De Niro visited him and told him to clean up so he could do this film. Scorsese refused because he didn’t like sports film but gave in because De Niro persisted. Scorsese has since said that De Niro saved his life by getting him back into work. Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci really punch each other in the, “Hit me” scene. Robert De Niro accidentally broke Joe Pesci’s rib in a sparring scene. Years later Pesci would have the same rib broken making: Casino (1995), with De Niro and Scorsese. Robert De Niro gained 60 pounds for play an older LaMotta, while Joe Pesci lost weight to play the older version of his character. Finally, the editing of the film lasted almost up to the last minute that the film was set to be released. 

Oscar® winner for: Best Actor – Robert De Niro and Best Editing – Thelma Schoonmaker. Additionally nominations for Oscars® were: Best Picture – Irving Winkler and Robert Cartoff, Best Director – Martin Scorsese, Best Supporting Actor – Joe Pesci, Best Supporting Actress Cathy Moriarty, Best Cinematography – Michael Chapman and Best Sound. Golden Globe winner for: Best Actor – Motion Picture – Drama – Robert De Niro. Additionally Golden Globe nominated for: Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director – Motion Picture – Martin Scorsese, Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture – Cathy Moriarty, Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture – Joe Pesci, New Star Of The Year In A Motion Picture – Female – Cathy Moriarty and Best Screenplay – Motion Picture – Paul Schrader and Mardik Martin.

Rated: [R]

Out Of Print on VHS and Laserdisc but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

The Bronx Bull (2016 / 2017)

C – 94m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Raging Bull II
Raging Bull 2
Based On The Book By: Jake LaMotta, Chris Anderson and Sharon McGehee
Screenplay By: Rustam Branaman and Martin Guigui
Exec. Pro. – Dir.: Martin Guigui
Starring: William Forsythe, Joe Mantegna, Tom Sizemore, Paul Sorvino, Penelope Ann Miller, Ray Wise, Natasha Henstridge, James Russo, Robert Davi, Cloris Leachman, Mike Starr, Joe Cortese, Dom Irrera, Rebecca Forsythe and Joey Diaz.

Another take on the LaMotta drama in and out of the boxing ring. A sorry excuse for a remake / sequel features a great cast but nothing else. The talents of the cast can’t even save the less than sub–par material.

Rated: [R] – Brutal Fights, Pervasive Language & Some Sexual Content / Nudity
Available on DVD & Digital Copy

Peter Jackson’s Tolkien Trilogies (2001–2014)

The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy (2001–2003) was released in the early 2000’s and then nine years later The Hobbit Trilogy (2012–2014) was released. Although The Hobbit takes place before The Lord Of The Rings, it is presented in review form here after The Lord Of The Rings because that is the order in which the films were made.

The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring (2001)

C – 178m (Theatrical Cut) / 228m (Full Extended Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring: The Motion Picture
The Fellowship Of The Ring
Novel By: J.R.R. Tolkien
Co–Writer – Co–Pro. – Dir.: Peter Jackson
Starring: Alan Howard, Sean Astin, Sala Baker, Sean Bean, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Billy Boyd, Sir Ian Holm, Sir Christopher Lee, Andy Serkis, Sir Ian McKellen, Peter McKenzie, Sarah McLeod, Viggo Mortensen, Liv Tyler, Hugo Weaving, Elijah Wood, Peter Jackson and Bret McKenzie.

A fellowship is formed by a wizard consisting of a hobbit and dwarfs to destroy the ring of The Dark Lord Sauron. Masterfully done version of the first book is by far the best way to go with the story. Splendid visuals and enough action to keep one riveted… A MUST WATCH! The preferred cut is the Extended Cut.

Trivia: Sir Christopher Lee would read The Lord Of The Rings trilogy once a year, from the time of it’s publication to the time of his death in 2015. He was also the only cast member to have ever met J.R.R. Tolkien. As such he could often be found visiting the makeup department, giving tips on characters’ appearances. Gandalf’s banging his head against a beam in Bilbo’s hobbit hole was not in the script. Director Peter Jackson thought that Sir Ian McKellen did such a good job acting through the mistake that he left it in.

Viggo Mortensen did his own stunts. Orlando Bloom did most of his own stunts and broke a rib in the process. The reason why the ring stays on the floor when Bilbo dropped it is because the floor was magnetized. The symbolism being: the weight and seriousness of the ring. And finally: The original cut of the film ran 4 hours 30 minutes.

For more information listen to the commentary tracks on the Blu–rays and DVDs and watch the plethora of extras on the Extended Editions of the Blu–rays and DVDs.  

Oscar® winner for: Best Cinematography, Best Makeup, Best Original Musical Score and Best Visual Effects. It was additionally nominated for Oscars® for: Best Picture, Best Director – Peter Jackson, Best Supporting Actor – Sir Ian McKellen, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Art Direction – Set Decoration, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing, Best Original Song – “May It Be” and Best Sound. The film was also nominated for Golden Globes for: Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director – Motion Picture – Peter Jackson, Best Original Score – Motion Picture, Best Original Song – Motion Picture – “May It Be”.

Rated: [PG–13] – Epic Battle Sequences & Some Scary Images
Available separately in Theatrical Cut and Extended Cut on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers (2002)

C – 179m (Theatrical Cut) / 235m (Full Extended Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: The Two Towers
Novel By: J.R.R. Tolkien
Co–Writer – Co–Pro. – Dir.: Peter Jackson
Starring: Bruce Allpress, Sean Astin, John Bach, Sala Baker, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Boom, Billy Boyd, Brad Dourif, Bernard Hill, Bruce Hopkins, Sir Christopher Lee, Sir Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Andy Serkis, Liv Tyler, Karl Urban, Hugo Weaving, Elijah Wood, Sean Bean and Peter Jackson.

Frodo and Sam edge closer to Mordor aided by Gollum, and he rest of The Fellowship make a stand against Sauron’s new ally, Saruman. Long but masterfully done second film in the Lord Of The Rings Trilogy.

Trivia: When Gollum eats a raw fish, it is actually Andy Serkis chewing on a fish shaped lollipop. For more on the plethora of trivia watch the bonus features on the Extended Cut Blu–rays and DVDs.

Oscar® winner for: Best Sound Editing and Best Visual Effects. It was additionally nominated for the Oscars® for: Best Picture, Best Art Direction – Set Decoration, Best Film Editing and Best Sound. The film was also nominated for Golden Globes for: Best Motion Picture – Drama and Best Director – Motion Picture – Peter Jackson.

Rated: [PG–13] – Epic Battle Sequences & Scary Images
Available separately in Theatrical Cut and Extended Cut on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King (2003)

C – 201m (Theatrical Cut) / 263m (Full Extended Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: The Return Of The King
Novel By: J.R.R. Tolkien
Co–Writer – Co–Producer – Dir.: Peter Jackson
Starring: Ali Astin, Sean Astin, John Bach, Sean Bean, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Billy Boyd, Bernard Hill, Sir Ian Holm, Bruce Hopkins, Sir Ian McKellen, Bret McKenzie, Sarah McLeod, Viggo Mortensen, John Noble, Andy Serkis, Liv Tyler, Karl Urban, Hugo Weaving, Elijah Wood, Alan Howard, Sala Baker, Brad Dourif, Sir Christopher Lee and Peter Jackson.

Gandalf and Aragorn create a distraction with The World Of Men so that Frodo and Sam can get to Mount Doom to destroy the ring. A masterful ending to the trilogy!

Trivia: A normal movie has about 200 visual effects shots, this film had 1,488 visual effects shots. Peter Jackson had arachnophobia and based the Shelob’s designs on the kind of spiders he is afraid of. And finally the final day of shooting happened over a month after the movie was theatrically released and three weeks after the 2004 Oscars®. Peter Jackson thought it was funny to be shooting a film that already won Oscars®. The final shot is available on the Extended Edition of the film.  

11 Award Oscar® winner for: Best Picture, Best Director – Peter Jackson, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Film Editing, Best Art Direction – Set Decoration, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup, Best Original Score, Best Original Song – “Into The Mix”, Best Sound Mixing and Best Visual Effects. The film was additionally won for Golden Globes for: Best Director – Motion Picture – Peter Jackson, Best Original Score – Motion Picture, Best Motion Picture – Drama and Best Original Song – Motion Picture – “Into The West”.

Rated: [PG–13] – Intense Epic Battle Sequences & Frightening Images
Available separately in Theatrical Cut and Extended Cut on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy 

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

C – 169m (Theatrical Cut) / 182m (Extended Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 – Widescreen / 2.00:1 – Widescreen (IMAX)
Note: 2D – 24 – 30 Frames Per Second / 3D – 60 – 80 Frames Per Second
A.K.A.: The Hobbit: Part I, The Hobbit: Part 1, The Hobbit Part I, The Hobbit Part 1
Novel By: J.R.R. Tolkien
Co–Screenwriters: Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson and Guillermo del Toro
Co–Pro. – Dir.: Peter Jackson
Starring: Sir Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Ken Stott, William Kircher, James Nesbitt, Stephen Hunter, Peter Hambleton, Sir Ian Holm, Elijah Wood, Hugo Weaving, Cate Blanchett, Sir Christopher Lee, Andy Serkis, Bret McKenzie, Benedict Cumberbatch and Peter Jackson.

A hobbit gets talked into taking a journey with dwarfs to recover their treasure from a dragon. They start their journey… A long anticipated and delayed first entry in the prequel trilogy to The Lord Of The Rings (2001–2003), is appreciable but a bit of a letdown from what it could have been if given the same quality treatment that Rings received. Still it is superior to the animated version of The Hobbit (1977).

Trivia: Daniel Radcliffe, Shia LaBeouf, James McAvoy, Erryn Arkin and Tobey Maguire were all considered for the role of Bilbo Baggins, though Martin Freeman was always the first choice according to Peter Jackson. As such, Jackson rearranged the shooting schedule to accommodate Freeman, who was also contracted for the television series: Sherlock (2010–2017). According to Peter Jackson: When Jackson issued the invite to this movie’s premier via phone to Christopher Lee, Lee reportedly said, “I’m still in the movie?” This was a snarky remark stemming from a brief falling out that Lee and Jackson had because Jackson cut Lee from the theatrical cut of The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King (2003). For more trivia check out the bonus features on the various editions of this film.

Rated: [PG – 13] – Extended Sequences Of Intense Fantasy Action Violence & Frightening Images
Available in 2D & 3D and in Theatrical Cut & Extended Cut on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug (2013)

C – 161m  (Theatrical Cut) / 186m (Extended Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 – Widescreen / 2.00:1 – Widescreen (IMAX)
Note: 2D – 24 – 30 Frames Per Second / 3D – 60 – 80 Frames Per Second
A.K.A.: The Hobbit: There And Back Again Part II, The Hobbit: There And Back Again Part 2, There And Back Again Part II, The Hobbit: Part II, The Hobbit: Part 2, The Hobbit Part II, The Hobbit Part 2, Novel By: J.R.R. Tolkien                 
Co–Screenwriters: Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson and Guillermo del Toro
Co–Pro. – Dir.:  Peter Jackson
Starring: Sir Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Ken Stott, Graham McTavish, William Kircher, James Nesbitt, Stephen Hunter, Peter Hambleton, Orlando Bloom, Cate Blanchett, Benedict Cumberbatch, Luke Evans, Stephen Fry, Stephen Colbert, Peter Jackson and Ed Sheeran.

The company continues their journey to get their land back from Smaug the dragon.  Bilbo has, “the one ring to rule them all.” The best entry in The Hobbit Trilogy boasts of wonder CGI in the creation of Smaug the dragon. Almost everything works here!

Trivia: Orlando Bloom performed all his own stunts. Benedict Cumberbatch suggested writing and reading the Necromancer’s Black Speech backwards and then having the editors reverse it in order to make it sound demonic and unholy. And: Sir Christopher Lee stated that he would have loved to voice Smaug the dragon.

Oscar® nominated for: Best Sound Mixing, Best Visual Effects and Best Sound Editing.

Rated: [PG–13] – Extended Sequences Of Intense Fantasy Action Violence & Frightening Images
Available in 2D & 3D and in Theatrical Cut & Extended Cut on 3D on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies (2014)

C – 142m (Theatrical Cut) / 164m (Extended Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 – Widescreen  / 2.00:1 – Widescreen (IMAX)
Note: 2D – 24 – 30 Frames Per Second / 3D – 60 – 80 Frames Per Second
A.K.A.: The Hobbit: There And Back Again, The Hobbit: Part III, The Hobbit Part III, The Hobbit: Part 3, The Hobbit Part 3
Novel By: J.R.R. Tolkien
Co–Screenwriters: Fran Walsh, Pilippa Boyens, Peter Jackson and Guillermo del Toro
Co–Pro. – Dir.: Peter Jackson
Starring: Sir Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Ken Scott, Graham McTavish, William Kircher, James Nesbitt, Stephen Hunter, Peter Hambleton, Orlando Bloom, Cate Blanchett, Sir Christopher Lee, Sir Ian Holm, Benedict Cumberbatch, Luke Evans, Stephen Fry, Billy Connolly, Billy Boyd and Peter Jackson.

Bilbo and company enter battle in order to keep The Lonely Mountain from falling into the hands of the rising darkness. A satisfactory conclusion to The Hobbit Trilogy features a deadening battle that lasts most of the film. Pacing is a bit uneven this time around though. Still, it stands stand up well as part of the trilogy. 

Trivia: This was the last film featuring Sir Christopher Lee to be completed and released before his death at age 93 on June 7, 2015. And: Sir Ian Holm and Sir Christopher Lee filmed their scenes in Pinewood Studios in London, England because of a concern about traveling to New Zealand due to health issues. 

Oscar® nominated for Best Sound Editing.

Rated: [PG – 13] – Extended Sequences Of Intense Fantasy Action Violence & Frightening Images (Theatrical Cut)
[R] – Some Violence (Extended Cut)
Available in 2D & 3D and in Theatrical Cut & Extended Cut on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy