Welcome to our collection of TORn’s hottest topics for the past week.Aragorn at Weathertop If you’ve fallen behind on what’s happening on the Message Boards, here’s a great way to catch the highlights. Or if you’re new to TORn and want to enjoy some great conversations, just follow the links to some of our most popular discussions. Watch this space as every weekend we will spotlight the most popular buzz on TORn’s Message Boards. Everyone is welcome, so come on in and join in the fun!

Continue reading “TORn Message Boards Weekly Roundup – March 25, 2012”

With just one day left in the second round of our Middle-earth March Madness, it is time to summarize the competition and do a little cheerleading for the characters.

The first match up in the Rankin/Bass division is between Gandalf (1) and Feanor (4) and is running extremely close. You best get your votes in, this one could go either way. The second match up in the Rankin/Bass division is Galadriel (2) versus Smaug (6). Again, this one is extremely close, will it be the Lady of the Golden Wood, or Smaug the Golden, their fate is in your hands, so vote now.

In the Ralph Bakshi division, the first match up is between Bilbo (1) and Gollum (4). Bilbo has a little lead, but it is not to say Gollum couldn’t sneak up and take this contest, so get your votes out. The second match up in this division has Thorin (3) up against Aragorn (2) and it appears at the moment the current lead hero is besting the previous lead hero, so pick your favorite hero and vote, vote, vote.

Checking in on the Tolkien Family Division, Legolas (1) is taking on Pippin (4) and as you might expect, the Elf Prince has a comfortable lead. Pippin fans, where are you? The other contest in this division pits Faramir (3) against Frodo (2). Currently, the Gondorian heir to the Stewardship who could not be swayed by the ring is beating the Ringbearer, please vote for your favorite in this contest.

And finally, in the Peter Jackson division, Glorfindel (1) is up against Merry (5) and the Elf lord is handily beating out the Esquire of Rohan. Make sure this one ends the way you want it, so vote now to ensure your favorite wins. And the last contest is between Samwise (2) and Boromir (3) with Samwise beating out everyone’s favorite Son of Gondor. How will it all end, only you can determine that by voting.

Middle-earth March Madness second round voting

Join TheOneRing and the Tolkien Society, who started the event, by celebrating Tolkien Reading Day! Held annually since 2003, it is meant to encourage reading and is a great day to dust off a copy of one of J.R.R. Tolkien’s many works and dig in. (It also marks the downfall of Barad-dûr and the passing of Sauron, but that happened long before 2003.) Many schools mark the day with an in-class read, but since this year it falls on a Sunday, parents will be in charge of helping children celebrate but reading to pets, the infirm or yourself is also more than acceptable. Enjoy!

There is a certain irony that audiences will sit revulsed by the society depicted in The Hunger Games this weekend because it enjoys watching the blood sport of children while real-world audiences have forked over millions to enjoy a film about — the blood sport of children. (Yes, there are obvious differences too. One isn’t real for starters.)

The film, brought to the big screen from Suzanne Collins’ first of a series of novels, is absolutely critic proof. It has a dedicated, devoted audience of readers who are nearly automatic ticket buyers and they are destined to love the film, and those that will come after, which are already poised to make serious cake. They will also champion the movie and see it many times over. Legions will enter theaters wrapped in tribute tees already knowing, before the film plays, it will be the “best film ever.” (Some of this might sound familiar to Middle-earth movie audiences!)

But is it any good? Continue reading “Film review: Lawrence elevates ‘Hunger Games’”

The headline on their website reads: WE’RE BACK!!!  And with that, LA’s Tolkien fandom has a very good reason to smile again. It is safe to say that “Fellowship! The Musical” is a beloved part of local LOTR fan’s experiences after the films came out, and any chance to see it again is a reason to rejoice. So, it is with extreme pleasure that we announce the return of Fellowship to the local theater scene.

Performances will begin in April on Friday the 13th, and commence every Friday evening through June 29. Yes, you read that right, these performances will only be on Fridays. On the plus side, there will be two performances each Friday, at 8pm and again at 11pm. The show will run at the Trepany House at The Steve Allen Theatre at 4773 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90027 

For Tickets and further details, please visit their website at the Fellowship website

Looking to pad your collection of LOTR themed T-shirts? The official WBShop.com has just added a slew of new designs to their online shop, upping the total catalog to approximately 35 unique designs. The new styles include a Middle-earth map shirt, a shirt with the Boromir quote “One does not simply walk into Mordor,” Saruman’s White Hand, and more. To sweeten the pot they are offering $10 OFF when you purchase two shirts together. (Some of you may notice that the entire website has been redesigned as well!) Happy Shopping! [LOTR Section of WBShop.com] If you do get a shirt, we’d love to see you in it – post a pic on our Facebook page!