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jenjinn
Reviews
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
Frodo Baggins and his friends set out on an epic quest to save Middle-Earth from destruction.
I am incredibly pleased with this film, having walked into the theater with great respect but little love for Tolkien. I have never been particularly entertained by the Rings saga, but the film has succeeded in drawing me in where the books could not. For a fantasy-lover such as myself, "The Fellowship of the Ring" was a heady experience, illustrating the world of Tolkien's novels with subtle beauty. This is one of the few films that I feel truly has something for everyone. I found myself admiring the horseback scenes greatly, having been a rider for most of my life, and was drawn in by the balance of dark forces against light. The sense of balance was heightened by the interplay between characters, ranging from moments of humor and contentment to wry acceptance of less than auspicious circumstances. Though the film is somewhat long, I feel it is worth the time and look forward to the sequel.
The Black Stallion Returns (1983)
Alec Ramsey learns of his magnificent stallion's roots in this breath-taking 1983 film.
"The Black Stallion Returns" is one of my favorite novels, and one of my favorite films. Readers familiar with Walter Farley's saga will note several discrepencies between the books and the films, but that certainly does not detract from the enjoyment to be derived from this film. The cinematography is spectacular, and the Black is as gorgeous as ever, played by horses who capture the true spirit of Farley's legendary stallion. Kelly Reno's skills as an actor have vastly improved in this film, and it is wonderful to see the wide variety of characters that people the Black's world. In many ways, this film is richer than its predecessor ("The Black Stallion"), particularly in its soaring soundtrack that seems to have been custom-composed for the equestrian. Viewers who enjoy this film may also be interested in "The Miracle of the White Stallions," "The Man from Snowy River," and the 1994 production of "Black Beauty."