The Fellowship of the Ring

Goodreads Synopsis:    The Fellowship of the Ring is the first part of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic adventure, The Lord of the Rings.

Sauron, the Dark Lord, has gathered to him all the Rings of power - the means by which he intends to rule Middle-earth. All he lacks in his plan for dominion is the One Ring - the ring that rules them all - which has fallen in the hands of the hobbit Bilbo Baggins.

In a sleepy village in the Shire, young Frodo Baggins finds himself faced with an immense task, as his elderly cousin Bilbo entrusts the Ring to his care. Frodo must leave his home and make a perilous journey across Middle-earth to the Cracks of Doom, there to destroy the Ring and foil the Dark Lord in his evil purpose.

My Thoughts:

-    I love this series! It has been a part of my life since I was small. My father and brother read The Hobbit to me for the first time when I was 5, and I've loved Middle Earth and all it's inhabitants since. 

-    I enjoy all the songs. What would Tolkien be without the songs? His songs are iconic!

-    Bilbo's ironic parting gifts are hilarious! I laughed at each one.

-    I will NEVER forgive Frodo for selling Bag End, and especially to the Sackville-Bagginses!

-    I loved every part that mentioned characters or events from The Hobbit. I really enjoyed the part where Bilbo and Gloin catch up.

-    I like where the book ends. I know there is more, so I'm okay with how Tolkien left things. The fellowship broke up, but each party has their own new adventure.

-    Even though Tolkien is a heavier read, I enjoy his style. I like how he describes things.

-    Alan Lee's illustrations are stupendously awesome! I love them! I think it was genius for Peter Jackson to create Middle Earth through Alan Lee's eyes.

White Christmas

My Thoughts:

-    This is such a classic Christmas movie!  I love it!

-    One of the things that makes this a great movie, is the cast line up!!  Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye!!  So awesome!

-    The songs and dance numbers are fantastic.  I really didn't know Danny Kaye could dance.  Vera Ellen has some crazy skinny long legs.

-    I love the part where Bob and Phil do the Sister Sister song!  I crack up every time!

-    The little misunderstanding between Betty and Bob is frustrating and a little dumb.

-    The general's hair looks blue.  I don't know why, but I think the lighting was off or something.  

-    This is one of my favorite shows to watch during the holiday season!  It is so fun!

Tyson's Thoughts:

-    I wanted a World War II musical, and I'm disappointed.

-    Judy's face is maddening, but she had good dresses.

Hubby's Thoughts:

-    That girl had toothpick legs and looked like an old lady in the face.

The Two Towers

Goodreads Description:   The Two Towers is the second part of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic adventure, The Lord of the Rings.

Frodo and the Companions of the Ring have been beset by danger during their quest to prevent the Ruling Ring from falling into the hands of the Dark Lord, Sauron, by destroying it in the Cracks of Doom. They have lost the wizard Gandalf in a battle with an evil spirit in the Mines of Moria; and at the Falls of Rauros, Boromir, seduced by the power of the Ring, tried to seize it by force. While Frodo and Sam made their escape, the rest of the company was attacked by Orcs.

Now they continue their journey alone down the great River Anduin -- alone, that is, save for the mysterious creeping figure that follows wherever they go.

My Thoughts:

-    I get the feeling that Tolkien didn't like technology or machinery.

-    Alan Lee's illustrations are beautiful and so accurate!  I love how they added those in this version.

-    Thank you publisher or whoever for the map at the front and end of the book!!  It was SUPER helpful.

-    I like how the book is split into book 3 and 4.  Book 3 is all about Aargorn, Gimli, Legolas, Merry, and Pippin.  Book 4 is all about Frodo, Sam, and Gollum.  I like that Tolkien didn't go back and forth.  I got to read their stories all the way through.  

-    I like how the perspective changes.  The book has so much in it, and it is nice to see things from different characters.

-    The Frodo and Sam ending was a pretty big cliffhanger!  You'd think Tolkien could have chosen to split the book in a different spot, but no! 

Re-Read Thoughts:

-    I love the friendship between Gimli and Legolas. 

-    I love the way Same talks. The words he uses and the way he describes things are funny. 

Previous Lord of the Rings Book

(click on cover to see my thoughts)

Three Coins in a Fountain

 

My Thoughts:

I just picked this up from the Library.  It caught my attention cause the Gaston from Gigi was on the cover.

-    The opening/theme song is sung by Frank Sinatra.  While he is singing, it shows off some of the beauties of Rome.  I thoroughly enjoyed the opening.

-    Georgio and Prince Dino were very dashing and charming.  I liked them both, but I felt bad for them.  They both got the shaft! 

-    Half the movie is sad, and the other half is happy.  I was glad the ending was a happy one.  I was scared for a little bit it wasn't going to be a good ending.

-    Prince Dino went to pick up Maria, and he honked the horn for her!!  I can't stand it when people do that, especially if you are picking a girl up for a date! 

-    I can't decide if I like it or not.  I had to watch it twice, and I'm still undecided.  I like a lot of things about it, but other things bug me a little.  I might need another female's perspective.  Any of you want to watch it with me?  Overall I don't think it was amazing, but I think I could learn to really like it.  Right now, I'm sitting at "it was good, but I didn't like _________."

-   If you love romance and chick flicks, you'd love this movie!  I can think of a few of friends who would probably adore this one.