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An error has ocurred. Please try againNote: This list contains movies, TV series and short films too. For a list containing only movies, go here: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls057974409/
Reviews
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)
The tale of of Frodo's uncle, Bilbo Baggins who unexpectedly sets off on a journey to the Lonely Mountain with Gandalf and 13 sprightly dwarfs
When I first heard that Peter Jackson planned on adapting The Hobbit into 3 parts, I must say I was rather worried how they would turn out to be. Would it be dragging things too far? Did Bilbo have it in him for 3 movies? The Lord of the Rings had hordes of characters, side - plots, twists and long descriptive passages. It had to have 3 parts.
However, after I watched this film in the theater, I was as captivated as when I was watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Jackson directed a hell of a movie here. It was surprising that the movie was so long, but I didn't mind. In fact, I felt like it should never end.
Although the Lord of the Rings trilogy was great and visionary, it didn't match the tone of the book exactly. J. R. R. Tolkien (the author of both works) created a world where the characters were not as hostile as shown in the trilogy. Of course, the antagonists were exactly as they are shown, but characters like Faramir, Boromir, Theoden etc are portrayed like villains who turn to friends in the end. However, here in this movie, the makers have kept the tone exactly like in the book. Jackson has made a beautiful piece of art. He has included some things that weren't mentioned in the book (The Hobbit), like the Michael Palin - like character of Radagast the wizard (mentioned briefly in The Lord of the rings books), or a council between Gandalf, Lady Galadriel, Elrond and Saruman, where Gandalf expresses his misgivings about the Dark Lord (the titular Lord of the Rings). Galadriel and he are shown to be on excellent terms, which is exactly how they are in the books (she secretly wanted Gandalf to be the head of the Wizard Council). It is things like these that make you wonder how many times Peter Jackson must have read and re-read the Tolkien books.
I'm not saying the film is flawless. A scene where the Dwarfs run into giant 'Transformers' - like rock monsters was absolutely unnecessary. Maybe they must have been mentioned in the appendices by Tolkien, but they didn't fit in here.
But I digress. In a nutshell, the Hobbit is a loyal adaptation of its source material (both the Hobbit and Lord of the rings) and a thrilling ride. Do not be discouraged by the length of the movie. I assure you, it's well worth your time. I, for myself, can't wait for the next part!
NOTE: I would advise those who haven't seen it to first watch the Lord of the rings and then go for this.
Duck Soup (1933)
Mayhem and chaos ensue when Rufus T. Firefly is declared the ruler of Freedonia and when he causes a war with Syldavia.
This movie is unarguably the best of the Marx brothers' films. Funnier than "A Day at the Races" and even "A Night at the Opera". The fact that it takes place in a political backdrop is even funnier. You may get more enthusiastic about this film after learning that the Marx brothers' funny nonsense is combined with politics and war here. Not only that, it's an amazing satire! And for a movie from the 1930s, the technology is great too. The special effects (during the war and when Harpo is in Groucho's office) are amazingly well. However, the movie belongs to Groucho Marx, as the irresponsible, hyperactive and ready-witted Rufus T. Firefly. Chico and Harpo are two bumbling detectives who cause mayhem wherever they go, and boy, are they funny! The Marx brothers improvised a lot over their roles. Groucho as the cigar-smoking, bespectacled, big-black-mustache donning "upstart", Harpo as the dumb, joker-haired and childlike prankster and Chico as the Italian-accented wise guy. Unfortunately, Zeppo couldn't do that. He became more like a filler. Anyway, unfunny though he may be, he does do justice to his role in "Duck Soup". Another key element is Margaret Dumont (Mrs. Teasdale). She provides a target for Groucho's jokes in many of the Marx Brothers films, and "Duck Soup" sure isn't an exception. Her acting skills are noteworthy, and she fits extremely well into the amazing world of the Marx Brothers. This movie is, for me, the best of the best comedies of all time! A movie buff's life is unfulfilled if he hasn't watched at least one of the Marx Brother films. None of the Marx Brothers are among us now, but their legacy will last on!