Wow.  What a guy.  You know, I’ve always admired Viggo Mortensen as an actor, and I do think he makes a wonderful Aragorn, but in terms of crushes I was always more of a Faramir sort of gal.  Until now…  Mortensen is charming, funny, humble, laid back, erudite, fascinating – oh, and did I mention, very handsome?  During the various events at the Coolidge Theatre, Mortensen showed himself to be worthy of every bit of praise you’ve ever read about him.  The internet is buzzing with excitement following his appearances in Boston; and here at TORn we’ll be bringing you a three-part report on all the fun.  (This is a man who has A LOT to say!)  Meanwhile, here’s a video of the moment when he actually received the award (the best I could get in a crowded room of excited folks!)

Continue reading “Viggo Mortensen charms the crowd… (more video!)”

Tolkien Forever will hold our annual Reading Day on March 24, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m., at the Cat and Fiddle, 6530 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles. Since 2012 marks the 75th year since the publication of “The Hobbit” and will also see the release of Peter Jackson’s “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey”, it is also not unexpected that the theme of Reading Day 2012 will be “The Hobbit”.

Editors note: The image links to a High-Res version, feel free to print and share with other fans.

Continue reading “Tolkien Reading Day in LA”

The excitement never stops – at any rate, not when Aragorn is in town!  Today Viggo Mortensen was back at the Coolidge Theatre in Boston, and at a Q&A session following a screening of Eastern Promises, he decided that rather than just sing Aragorn’s coronation song, he would teach it to the packed theatre.  So here’s your chance to sing along:

There is much more to tell and report – Mortensen is a fascinating speaker – and there’s another event this evening!  Read all about it here at TORn – as soon as I can get it written up!

It’s all happening here in Boston! Yesterday the Coolidge Theatre hosted a trilogy screening, in honour of Viggo Mortensen – to whom they are today giving the Coolidge Award. It’s always fabulous to see the Lord of the Rings films on the big screen, and to enjoy them with an army of fellow fans. The 442 seat theatre was sold out – and everyone who secured a ticket was in for a treat indeed!

Jesse Hassinger and Mark Anastasio, the Program Manager and Program Coordinator at the Coolidge, welcomed us all before we settled in to watch Fellowship of the Ring. Between that and Two Towers, TORn staffer greendragon (that’s me!) had a chance to say hi to the crowd and to remind them all (as if we could forget!) that The Hobbit is coming! Then, just as we were settling again for Return of the King, Denise Kasell, the Coolidge’s Director, told us all that they had a ‘little surprise’ for us – and in walked the king himself, Viggo Mortensen! (More text after the video)


Continue reading “Viggo Mortensen – One sing to rule them all! (video)”

Friend and discussion board member, Jason Fisher (a.k.a. ‘visualweasel’ on the boards), is hosting a workshop on J.R.R. Tolkien and source criticism at the Art Center of Corpus Christi this Saturday, March 3, at 1:00 p.m. His presentation will draw on essays from his recently published book “Tolkien and the Study of His Sources: Critical Essays.” The cost of the workshop is $20. He will also be offering his book at a 30% discount at the workshop. South Texas residents and travelers, be sure and check it out!

Calling all So Cal Ringers, TheOneRing.net will be presenting a panel at Wondercon in Anaheim later this month.  We are slated to kick off the weekend by taking to the podium on Friday, March 16 at 12:30pm in room #207. We’ll be talking all things Hobbit, as well as any other Tolkien related news that pops up this month. Barring any internet connectivity issues, the panel will be streamed live for those unable to attend, and there will be constant streaming from the convention floor all day after the panel as well. Come join us as we welcome this rare occurrence of Wondercon south of SFO. You can find all the details on their website at Wondercon, and they just posted the full schedule on Leap Day.