MADRID (AFP) – Spanish novelist Arturo Perez Reverte lauded the film adaptation of the exploits of his hero, Captain Diego Alatriste, by director Agustin Diaz Yanes in “Alatriste,” which debuts on Spanish screens this week. “I liked it very much, as it is fearsome, pitiless and heroic — as was my story,” Perez Reverte told a pre-screening gathering in Madrid. Alatriste, played in the film by US actor Viggo Mortensen, 47 of “Lord of the Rings” fame, is a unscrupulous 17th century adventurer in the movie, set in Spain’s “golden age” under King Philip IV which coincided with the emergence of artistic giants such as Velasquez and the development of the “New World.” [More]

Elric writes: I just wanted to let anyone who might be interested know that the Cinemaworld in Melbourne, Florida will be showing all three films in a marathon screening on Sep. 2nd with a 45 minute break in between. The cost is $12.50 per person, or $21.00 with unlimited drink and popcorn refills. One thing though: These are the theatrical versions, and the extended versions. I haven’t heard back yet as to why they didn’t get the extended versions. [More]

Wenham's 'Three Dollars'
Garfeimao writes: I was quite surprised at how much I liked “Three Dollars”. I’d heard of the film, but was not sure if it was a story I was going to like, but it was quite charming. It’s a real basic family drama, but is wonderfully acted by David as the husband, Francis O’Connor as his wife and an adorable young Joanna Hunt-Prokhovnik as their daughter. The little girl was just so natural and the two main adults worked so well together and with her that it felt like a real family. That was the charming bit.

The drama was fairly typical, but very well done. My one gripe would be that in the flashback sequences, that they tried a bit harder on hair and clothes to really get the feeling of being in the past. Because they didn’t do much with hair or make up or costuming, the flashbacks weren’t always obvious enough to pick up on what timeline we were in. Oh, and any film that ends with Joy Division is worth the price of admission alone.

The crowd turn out wasn’t what was hoped for, but with a 5pm screening on a Tuesday, it was nice to see more than 20 people there. David Wenham came up and introduced the film and his history working with the director before. It seemed like the audience enjoyed the film, and they should have, it was quite a nice little gem to discover at the festival.

The pictures included are of David alone, David with Gregg Schwenk, the Director of the Newport Beach Film Festival and the man who offered free entrance to anyone who came from TheOneRing.net’s post about the film, and then the last pics are David with me and Elisa, a fellow Ringer. For those who were unable to make it, I can not tell you if “Three Dollars” will ever get a release in the US, but you should definitely be on the look out for it if it does.

On a side note, the Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation, which screened on Monday night, was absolutely amazing. I can not even begin to describe just how amazing this film is. It’s not high tech, it’s not even good quality film, having been done 20 years ago on Betacams, but it’s just a marvel to see. I guess the best way to describe it is to say it’s a ‘Love Letter’ to the Magic of Film. You can’t help but feel joy while watching it, it reminds you what it was like to be a kid, playing in the yard, acting out your favorite films or TV shows. These kids did the same thing, only with a camera, an attempt to make costumes and sets, and the absolute belief they could do everything Lucas and Spielberg did. And to qoute one audience member I overherd “These kids were fearless”, which is proven by one being set on fire and others climbing around on a moving truck. If this fan film ever screens in your area, run, don’t walk, to the theater and get ready to relive the innocent years when your imagination would let you believe you could be Indiana Jones.

Ringer staffer Garfeimao, just rang from the Newport Beach Film Festival with great news for LOTR, Faramir and David Wenham fans!

The first 200 people to arrive at the Lido Theater (Newport Beach, CA) with a printed copy of this story will be admited for FREE to see David Wenham’s lastest film ‘Three Dollars.’ David will introduce the film as well as stick around for a question and answer session afterwards.

The film will show as part of the Newport Beach Film Festival, Tuesday at 5pm at the Lido Theater.

There will be a special TheOneRing.net line in which the first 200 people will be taken into the theater.

And just so we are clear… all you need to do is to print this story – yes, the one you are reading right now (at this url: http://www.theonering.net/perl/newsview/8/1145931662) – and bring it as proof that you heard about this exclusive opportunity right here at TORn!

If you need directions to the Lido theater, check out Garfeimao’s line party page for complete details. [Click here]

Good luck!

Garfeimao writes: Last year at the Newport Beach Film Festival, it was “Ringers: Lord of the Fans” and Billy Boyd’s short “Instant Credit” making LOTR fans happy. This year it will be Sir Ian’s “Neverwas” on opening night, April 20, Viggo’s “Spirit Riders” the following day and David’s “Three Dollars the next week. The Newport Beach Film Festival has something for everyone, features, shorts and documentaries from around the world. It even features a legendary Fan Made film called “Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation”. For an exclusive TORn interview with the filmmakers, please click here! [More]

For the full schedule and ticketing info, please head to the Festival Website.