Okay, so I should probably just get this post done. I've been stressing about it, actually if you'd believe it.
Right, so Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug was pretty awesome.
I loved pretty much all of it.
Bilbo was adorable. And smart. Did anyone else freak out when Thranduil is like 'I see you hiding in the shadows' and you're like 'Oh, awkward.' Then you work out that he isn't talking about Bilbo at all. I was surprised that Bilbo was actually a lot more of a follower in this movie though. Yes, he showed his ingenuity and all that, but the really didn't say anything about some of the dwarves being left behind which was not what I was expecting. I love how awkward he can be though, like when he forgets how he is going to get out of the Elves strong hold once the barrels are gone. And he reminds me of John Watson, seeing as he is actually the same actor. The part with the key was so obvious that it was going to be Bilbo who worked it tou that I was smiling. And they almost lost the key, too! I was actually a bit worried that they would butcher the spider part as Bilbo was wrapped up, thankfully this was not what happened as I had been looking forward to that part more than any other part in the entire movie. I know Smaug was quite a big part of it, but I wanted to see Mirkwood more than anything else.
Thorin was pretty uninteresting in this movie, I just think he's a bit of a grump frankly. Yes, he was wise to not say yes to Thranduil, I agree with him there. But isn't it obvious when he promises the men that he most certainly won't give them what he promised them. After all, he does get rather greedy in the book, if anyone remembers that little detail. And yeah, rather grumpy like I said. Also, you'd think after all they'd been through that Thorin wouldn't leave any of the dwarves behind at all. Despite the fact that Kili got a arrow in his leg. And he didn't even seem to care very much. And he was rather bossy, too.
Gandalf was an alright character. I was utterly disgusted that Azog had the nerve to hit him , much less, fight him. Even, after the movie I kept saying to the others, 'He hit Gandalf!' in a disgusted voice. The parts in Dol Guldur with Gandalf were both scary and cool. I loved the fact that Gandalf so clearly represented good. And as in all movies, good triumphs over evil, the question is though, how the heck is he getting out of that cage? And I mean this is Gandalf, the wizard who would alter on defeat the Balrog, he's stronger than he looks. But he was facing Sauron, it also has to be admitted.
And I think we were all as scared as Gandalf when Radagasts bird flew out at his face.
Kili was a more main character in this movie. And I didn't have a problem with that. The plot device of him getting an arrow in his leg worked. I was rather worried about him, I admit. My favourite part with him probably has got to be his conversation with Tauriel in Thranduil's dungeons. With the talisman. And I really liked it how he said his mother thought he was reckless. Because, that's true. I was also like, when he says about how she wants him to come home to her safe, I thought unhappily, 'Well, that's not going to happen.' Because as we all know, he dies. We just need to make sure that it's extremely epic, along with Fili's and Thorin's deaths as well.
Tauriel was an extremely cool new character. She really stood out from the other elves seeing as she has red hair. But she was really, really, cool. And I really liked her. She's deadly when she fights but also a great listener and talker. Sadly, my whole 'telling-of-Legolas' thing didn't really happen. Did anyone think 'It's Arwen all over again,' when she's healing Kili with the Athalas. Much like what Arwen does for Frodo before the get to Rivendell. She was smart and resourceful, though a little attached to the dwarves, adn most importantly to Kili.
The Kili/Tauriel relationship. Now, some peopel frown on this and others don't mind it at all. I rather liked it. And I liked Tauriel's 'He is rather tall for a dwarf' comment to Legolas. It made me smile. :) Some Ringers are absolutely disgusted with this proceeding. I don't mind it. And before people are ready to stamp me into the ground, might I just point out, that the Aragorn/Arwen relationship is not that much different. Expect maybe for the fact that Arwen is more elf than human. But just thought I'd point that out. Also, I reckon Tauriel will die as well. Just sayin'
Please excuse the Italian? I've no idea.
Legolas was surprisingly a very interesting character to follow, I really quite enjoyed everything with him. From his awesome fighting, (Orlando Bloom has not lost his touch) to all the dialogue moments with him in them. Him and Tauriel are best friends but whereas he likes more than that, as far as I can gather, she sees him just like a brother. The love triangle thing better be cleared up, because it is a bit irritating nevertheless. I think that either Legolas will free Gandalf, or that he will see the armies approaching and somehow find out that Gandalf's imprisoned, or maybe he'll bump into Radagast and they plan a rescue, that would be fun to see! :D I actually think that Legolas was better in DOS than he was in the LOTR trilogy because he didn't just fight, he talked, and that gave him more character depth.
Smaug. Now, everyone was excited about seeing Smaug, weren't they? I was also doubly excited because Benedict Cumberbatch was doing his voice and he's Sherlock. And I also think that it was funny seeing as he's best friend in the T.V. series is John Watson who is also played by Martin Freeman. So very funny. :D
I was actually disappointed with Smaug. The thing that irritated me more than anything else, was the fact that his wings were attached to his front feet instead of being folded in behind his head on his sides. That just really irritated me. I like European dragons and I have never, ever imagined Smaug like that. Also, I always imagined him very, very red. Not gold.
Had to share, sorry. :)
And his voice wasn't that impressive. Sorry, it's just I was disappointed. And I didn't like the fact that Bilbo pulled off his ring. But chasing after the Arkenstone was pretty funny to watch. Who knows, maybe he'll improve in the final movie.
Bard was a nice addition to the cast, I really liked him. And his relationship with his son and daughters, and he is very obviously a weary man. Question is, how is he going to get out of prison and kill the Smaug.
Honourable and un-honourable mentions: Balin in honourable, Azog un-honourable, Master of Laketown un-honourable, other-whats-name-I-can't-remember-who-is-after-Thorin-for-Azog-Orc-character/thingie un-honourable. Master of Laketown's assistant un-honourable. Fili honourable. Radagast honourable. And so on.
And to end this post. I thoroughly enjoyed The Desolation of Smaug and look forward to There and Back Again. Though it did have a few slow bits more to the end I liked it anyway. And the ending was really annoying! Argh! I don't like cliff-hangers, but on the other hand, I do. :)
How about you guys?
Well it seems that a lot of these post lately have been random updates on things. Frankly, I haven't had very much time to post at all. It's just been so busy!
Sunday was our anniversary of becoming Catholic seven years ago, and though I had started a blog post as you have probably observed, it didn't get published.
CONGRATS TO US!!!
Advent has been great so far, and I am really enjoying our Advent study. One problem though, we really need to catch up on Jothams Journey and find out what happens, though I am of the firm belief that Nathan is the best in Bartholomew's Passage (beside that being my favourite).
It was really funny starting to read it because I was mouthing stuff to Saxon and Mum like 'Decha's he's uncle,' and "It's Decha!" And "Nathan is in the next chapter!" If you have never read any of the Arnold Yeetride books, three being Jothams Journey, Bartholomew Passage, and Tabithas Travels which are all advent books leading up to all of them meeting back in the manger where the newborn Jesus is sleeping.
I've been working on Christmas presents though I am not feeling overly rushed, I've only got a few things left but I wanted to share what I am making for my sister, Eden. Eden, if you are reading this do NOT scroll down.
Hopefully she's gone. Anyway here is what it is!
I am very, very proud of this. If you are wondering what it's connected to, it's a prequel/novella of Alan 'a' Dale before he met Robin Hood and after. It's really fun to write and is sort of a break from Outlaw. I even wrote a summary of it and I must say, though it's my first, I'm rather proud of it.
Summary: The son of a count. A nobleman. The right-hand man
to one of history's most famous outlaws. Find out what happened to Alan 'a'
Dale before he joined Robin Hood's gang, how he ran away from his father's
castle in southern France, how he came to England as a minstrel, how he was one
night rudely thrown out of a inn, and that very same night, while wandering
through Sherwood, and feeling rather faint from lack of food, was saved by
Robin Hood, himself. And now, journey with him as he tells the stories of the
many adventures he, his chief, and friends and outlaws, embarked upon in their
fight against injustice and tyranny.
I must echo my previous statement, I'm very happy with it. :)
I've been listening to quite a few things lately. Soundtracks, Christmas music, and one particular song 'What Makes You Different (Makes you Beautiful)' By Backstreet Boys. Which by the way I haven;t heard properly in years. :)
I've watched a few new movies, and watched a few Christmas ones as well.
We got the Prestige out the other week and I saw it for the first time, luckily I wasn't the only one who hadn't seen it, my sister Autumn also hadn't seen it either. We also got 'Now You See Me' out just the other night. As you can see we are a bit into magicians at the moment. :D The twist with 'Now You See Me' was like, you felt so stupid! The Prestige's twist on the other hand was like 'What? And then, once again, I FEEL SO STUPID!!!' All us younger kids have also been walking around quoting 'The Lorax' which I finally saw all the way through and I thought it was really good. :)
Autumn surprised me the other day by coming home with a 'Man of Steel' poster for me. Needless to say it is hanging up already and I am very happy with it. :)
The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug will be released here on Boxing Day and I am very excited! It is my number one Christmas present. Some people are saying it is good, and some saying that it is bad. Me? Well, I'll go with the positive rather then the negative. I also need to read or skim (probably skim) over the middle part of the book. (I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THE SPIDERS!!!)But not be too pure-isty about it either.
And no matter what people say about Tauriel, anyone who can give Legolas a talking to is awesome! Plus, she's a girl elf, she got red hair, and looks awesome. :D
I've also been hearing really good reviews about 'Frozen' and I really want to see it in theaters, of course if it was a choice of it or DOS I'd choose DOS.
Hmm, what other things have I been doing? Well, we hosted a Homeschoolers Christmas Party at our house and it was great! Learning to get to know the older girls a bit better then before. And organising an all-nighter at our house on the 20th of January. I also lended some of my books to one of my friends as I'd told her about them, she was very interested in borrowing my Sherlock Files as I introduced her to the show, and she likes it. :)
Now, the biggest surprise of my life of the past week or so? Yep, wait for it, I'll tell you. It was just an ordinary day, and I walked outside to do my guinea pigs, I walked to the top of the stairs that descend a few short steps to the outside laundry, and totally freaked myself out. Can you guess why? A snake was swiftly crawling away into the garage, a BROWN SNAKE!
Very aggressive and very, very dangerous, so that ended any play outside as you can imagine, Dad got home later, checked the garage and found that the snake had gone. Thank goodness for that. Since then, the line everyone has been using when someone goes outside is 'Watch out for snakes!'
We've been Christmas cooking me and Myffwyn have been making Gingerbread.
And as a last note: Does anyone have any idea when Sherlock season 3 is released in Australia? I would assume that it would be the same as UK but not sure.
Anyway I'd better go.
Jamie over at Throughtwoblueyes gave me this tag. It's actually James' tag and if you would like to go to the post click here. Check out both their blogs! They are awesome! :)
Great video tribute James, I look forward to the rest!
So anyway, further up and further in!
The Rules:
1: List favorite movies (in any format that you like and the movies do not have to be in order).
2: Post my video tribute (above) somewhere in your post.
3: "Tag" other bloggers (optional)
Middle Earth: I say Middle Earth, because I don't just mean The Lord of the Rings, I also mean the Hobbit. From books to movies these have probably been the most well done. I mean, you go have a look at a lot of other movies based on books and they butchered them! Not so with these movies. Peter Jackson and all the other movie-making people knew what they were doing. These movies, the stories come under the words 'fantastic, amazing' and 'incredible'. No go and imagine if Tolkien hadn't written these books, try and imagine a world without Middle Earth, sounds horrible doesn't it? :P
The Star Wars Saga: I love Star Wars!!! Star Wars! Epicness absolutely! Yeah, and I'm also in the Prequels better than the Originals club, too. Anyone who hasn't seen Star Wars, I take pity on you. You don't know what you are missing, and by the way, it's called a light-saber, and they are pretty awesome. Oh and I Anakin Skywalker is my favourite character! I want a Jedi Starfighter, they really need to start inventing those, that and speeders....... "Luke, I am your Father!" People who haven't seen the saga have no idea why this line is so important, Star Wars fans do. :)
The Chronicles of Narnia: Who doesn't like stories of children who go into a wardrobe and on the other side find a completely different world? One full of centaurs, fauns, and one rather nice lion. Yes, I know Prince Caspian in from book to movie wasn't extremely close, but hey, its Narnia! Lucy has always been the one I'd want to be if we played Narnia games, and we have, she was the best character out of the entire thing! And I like Edmund as well. The battles in the first two are great as well, I love it when in Prince Caspian they unsuccessfully try and capture the castle, another thing with Narnia is it's music! Have you ever heard the battle? It's Epicness at its best, that battle is so cool as well. 'Are you with me?' 'To the death.'
Swords and fighting and faith and awesomeness, that's Narnia. Prince Caspian is my favourite out of the three movies. They really need to get those rights back so they can make more before the actors get too old.
The Pirates of the Caribbean Franchise:
Okay, so no kidding, I watched the first movie when I was eight, yep eight. :) POTC is funny, its a good storyline and great acting. Do not speak to me of the 4th though, that was horrible! The first is the best and I think most fans generally think so as well. but my order goes like this in descending order: one, three, two, and four. The thing with the 4th one was it wasn't very sailing, type thing. They ruined Barbossa and some of the stuff, like Jack escaping from the tree he's tied to just seems extremely realistic. Anyway, moving on. The first movie introduces us to Captain Jack Sparrow, he may not be a good guy in some respects, like his out for his own self gain and the fact that he's a pirate and that sort of thing, but he's a bucket load of fun to watch on screen. He would be one of the most irritating, annoying people in real life! Am I the only one who feels sorry for Norrington? Do we have any Norrington sympathisers? Good cos I'm one of them, too! Elizabeth was so horrible.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe:
The first Marvel movie I watched was Thor, then Captain America and then the Avengers, and then only this year, Iron man's 1,2, and 3. The thing I like about them all is that yes, I know they all save the world type thing, but its the WAYS that we want to see them save the world. They could be the most repetitive movies ever, adn sometimes that is what is seems like with me. Then I watch them and though they all have some cliche bits they are just as good as ever. Loki is the one of the best villains and the Mandarin was good as well. Red Skull was a little creepy and yeah, he had a red skull. Then we have the good guys, Tony Stark, Steve Rogers, Thor, Natasha Romanoff, Hawkeye, Dr. Banner, oh and can we put Pepper Potts in there to? Cos I love Pepper! The best Marvel girl out of the lot! One word of advice with these movies: Get used to the fact that New York city is always under attack, kay?
Boys Town: Boys Town is a very old movie, its black and white and is one of the movies that I love to bits! Its a fictional story based on a true person, Fr. Flanagan the priest in America who opened up Boys Town for all boys, no matter who they were.
This movie is beautiful, its wonderful, anyone else want to be Pee Wee and get chocolate for being good. It's a good, clean story and the things Whitey Marsh does like trying to be all cool and going to the barber shop and putting posters up for him to be mayor are amusing and funny. Boys Town is a great movie to watch anytime, anyplace, it is very, very close to my heart
The Scarlet Pimpernel: Sink me! This is a very good movie! I love this movie. It's set in the French Revolution period. An Englishmen falls in love with a French actress by the name of Marguerite, they are married and Marguerite does not understand why it is he is so distant. While this is happening the daring Scarlet Pimpernel, who always leaves his mark where the heads of the Revolution can see it, is abroad in France saving people from the Guillotine. It is based off two of the books of Baroness Orczy (pronounced or-see) El Dorado and the Scarlet Pimpernel. It has a great start the middle is a bit dull, but its climax is superb! And we don't like Armand, and Percy is the best and he awesome and we like Marguerite as well, and we hate Chuavelin and did I mention he is played by Ian McKlennan? The actor of Gandalf? The rhyme sir Percy makes up is quite catchy 'they seek him here, they seek them...'
The Princess Bride: I've had this movie my entire life! My entire life! It's a family favourite, and you can see why. It has what some people class as 'chessy' or 'stupid' things like Westley being 'only mostly dead' and stuff like that. It's good fun to watch and you can tell if someone has seen the Princess Bride and loves it when you walk up to them and say: "Hello, My name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father, prepare to die." Humperdank is such a idiot as well. Miracle Max is funny, too. In fact in the study (the room I am typing this) we have a 2013 calendar of the Princess Bride and Miracle Max is the one featured at the moment! Oh and haven't you heard that Australia is entirely inhabited by criminals? And that you should never go in against a Sicilian when death is on the line? hahahah! I'm working on building up my own Iocaine Powder immunity and I'm not left-handed! Inigo is the best!
Ever After: This is a retelling of Cinderella set in the Medieval times, its even got Leonardo Da Vinci in it. I could practically quote this movie all day! I want to be one of the gypsies! Danielle tells Henry what she thinks of him and so she speaks her mind. Her opinion of Utopia by Sir. St. Thomas More (Sir. St. kind of cool to write that) is much higher than his, he found it 'sentimental and dull' Marguerite and her mother are the most horrible step sister and step mother, ever. That part where Danielle punches her and she goes right acorss the bed is classic! And anyone who deosn't love Henry's speech at the end, is obviously 'sentimental and dull' unless of course they are a guy which in some cases is allowed.
Getting shorter now because I sort of want to finish this.
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Princess Diaries 1 and 2. I prefer 2 because its got Nicholas in it but these are funny, likeable movies which I would most certainly watch over and over again! They are enjoyable and not too hard on your head like some movies are.
Hornblower: Hornblower is a set of eight movie-length episodes based upon C. S. Foster's books. They are about a young Naval Officer by the name of Horatio Hornblower, they are good, entertaining, nice and historically accurate and Hornblower is a true gentlemen. Archie I prefer of course, but that's beside the point. There are however, one or two skip scenes I think they are both in the sixth episode, the one when Archie dies, *sobs* very heartbroken about that! And Hornblower was the thing that started off my fascination with the British Royal Navy. :)
The Young Victoria: I own this movie and love it! It's the story of Queen Victoria in the early years of her reign, her courtship with Prince Albert and all the things that happened to her. Saxon and I joke that we are Ernest, Albert's older brother who basically looks over Albert's shoulder at his friendship with Victoria and gives him advice. And Albert is awesome! Nuff' said! And we hate Lord Melbourne!
Cars 2: This has got to be one of my favourite animated movies of all time! I know a lot of Pixar fans did not like it very much but I love it, and so does my family. I do not, however, like the first movie, in one word that can be described 'BORING!' this movie is much more entertaining, secret agent cars, and Mater and a more mystery like feel to it that I love!
Kung-Fu Panda 1 & 2: You know those movies where the first one is great and the second is top-notch? That is what KFP 1 and 2 are. They have very good story lines and Po is adorable! The Kung Fu is awesome and everything in it is well done! My hat is off to you, Dreamworks!
How to Train Your Dragon: Lots of people love this movie, including me! Hiccup is funny and Toothless is so cute! The story-line is excellent and fresh and very nice to watch. Watch it twice before you make your final verdict because I remember the first time we watched it we weren't overly impressed, the second time though, we loved it! It has a great blend of funniness and character depth and I am looking forward to the second and third movies! Dreamworks don't let me down!
The Amazing Spiderman: This is a much darker movie than the other Spiderman's and it takes longer to get into but it is good anyway. Andrew Garfield is my preferred Spiderman and Gwen Stacey is soooooooo much better than Mary Jane. I'm a member of the 'I hate Mary Jane, because she is so brainless' club. :D
I've only seen it once all the way through but it was very good, and I am excited to see what the second will have!
So there is some of my favourite movies. Plus, Tangled and most likely a few more which I can't remember at the moment. :)
I would like to tag: Arda and JT you don't have to do it if you don't want to! :)
NOTE: Hornblower can be both a T.V. show and movie and so yeah anyway, its on here!
I stole this from James and Jacobs' blog J and J Productions if you haven't read their blog you should defiently take a look.Another reason to post this is so I can post a cool picture as well. :)
p.s. sorry I haven't been posting much. It's just I haven't had much time, lately and everything is pretty busy. :)
Listening to Rangers Apprentice: Halt's Peril and loving how cool and calm Will can be and how Halt say he's a 'wonderful conversationalist.' :D
Wanting to watch Batman Begins after Saxon told me the ENTIRE story-line. And I don't mind that he did and he loved telling it too!
Reading The Shining Company by Rosemary Sutcliff and really liking it.
Walking outside in the morning on an exercise walk
Plotting out more of my Robin Hood story titled 'Outlaw'
Being reminded of Samwise the Brave's words to Frodo Baggins: "That there's some good in this world; and its worth fighting for.
Enjoying doing some embroidery which I haven't done for a while
Missing my biggest sister at College and seeing that I need to also deepen the relationships with my Dad and Mum and siblings at home as well.
Regretting the fact that I missed wishing Pope Benedict Emeritus a happy birthday on his birthday. Happy late Birthday Emeritus, we love you!!! :)
Enjoying looking up the Battle of Trafalgar for school because I am doing a study on the British Navy for History. And just seeing how awesome the Royal British Navy was. Oh, yeah, and I want to see the Victory at Portsmouth one day. :)
Being sad because I realised that there is only going to be one more Rangers Apprentice book and thinking of a tribute post which I would like to do on October 1st when it comes out.
And the humour in them is awesome :)
Also my day dream to have John Flanagan sign my books of his which would be just awesome. Yes, and I did mention Rangers Apprentice twice in this post but hey, who's counting?
Waiting, for the Hobbit:An Unexpected Journey to be released on DVD only about two more weeks! :D
Also I love this quote. :)
Planning blog posts like the best musuicals and stuff like but also because though I mean not to be offensive,
I am so sick of people misunderstanding the Catholic Faith and what it stands for that I am going to do a blog post (or a series of blog posts) on the Catholic Faith titled "An Introduction to Catholicism'
Finding things funny. Here is a funny story about Pope Francis and the Swiss Guard that was guarding his door:
The surprising greatness of this new Pope Francis is in the small things. For example, the ability to say, “Brothers and sisters, good evening,” instead of appealing to the centuries, the Scriptures or the universe to present himself to the world. To wear an iron cross of instead of a golden one. To wash the feet of the prisoners.
Or yet, to care for the Swiss Guard who guards the door of his apartment in Casa Santa Marta every night until dawn.
A few days ago, at dawn, the time the Pope wakes up, he came out to the corridor, and he found in front of his door the sentry, a Swiss Guard standing with his halberd at attention.
He asked him: “And what are you doing here? Have you been up all night?”
"Yes," replied the guard with deference and a bit surprised.
"On your feet?"
"Your Holiness, my duty since I took over from my companion."
"And aren’t you tired?"
"It’s my duty Your Holiness; I should watch for your safety."
Pope Francis looked at him again with kindness, went back to his suite and after a minute he came out carrying a chair:
"At least sit down and rest." The guard rolled his eyes and answered: “Santo Padre, forgive me, but I cannot! The regulations do not allow that."
"The regulations?"
"Orders from my captain, Your Holiness."
The Pope smiled, "Oh, really? Well, I'm the Pope and I order you to sit down."
So, caught between the regulations and the Pope, the Swiss Guard (so much for the halberd) chose the chair.
The Pope returned to his apartment.
After a couple of minutes, the Pope came back to the Swiss Guard, still obediently seated on the chair, carrying “panino con marmellata” (Italian bread with jam) which he had prepared.
Before the soldier could say anything, the Holy Father, exhibiting his Argentinean smile, told the Swiss Guard, “With all the hours spent standing on guard you must be a bit hungry.”
The Swiss Guard had no time to object because the Pope right away wished him a good bite: "Bon appetit, brother."
