LOTR: The War of Rohirrim (what to expect)
Scorecard, non-XMas Holiday movies, Beloved Zombies, HP pod
Some of us (basically just NMD) are staunch comic book movie stans. But with the recent reveal that Kraven The Hunter received a 14% on Rotten Tomatoes, can we officially say that Sony is doing everything in their power to ruin the Marvel IP that they have the rights to (Morbius - 14%, Madam Web - 11%)? Sound off in the chat, friends.
Here’s what we have for you this week:
Concession Stand Scorecard: The Lord of the Rings: The War of Rohirrim
Temp These Takes: Favorite non-Christmas holiday movie
Watchlist Worthy: It’s been 28 years, but we couldn’t be more ready
Pod Drop: The Order of the Phoenix⚡️
This week’s movie - “The Lord of the Rings: The War of Rohirrim”
Letterboxd Description:
Hope has yet to abandon these lands.
183 years before the events chronicled in the original trilogy, a sudden attack by Wulf, a clever and ruthless Dunlending lord seeking vengeance for the death of his father, forces Helm Hammerhand and his people to make a daring last stand in the ancient stronghold of the Hornburg. Finding herself in an increasingly desperate situation, Héra, the daughter of Helm, must summon the will to lead the resistance against a deadly enemy intent on their total destruction.
Best Watched With
That friend who always reminds you that The Lord of the Rings is one book.
End credit thoughts
The Lord of the Rings: War of Rohirrim is a prequel that extends the edges of the LOTR world, giving us some history of the Rohirrim people and how the fortress of Helm’s Deep came to be named. Expectations are always high for anything LOTR-related, and this anime addition gives fans much to consider.
From the vast landscapes of Rohan to the creatures and people of Tolkien’s world, seeing Middle-Earth be reimagined and made into a Japanese animation is a fun and striking sight. Even if most of the things we’ve already seen in the live-action movies, the tip of the hat goes to Kenji Kamiyama and the production team. The color palette and some borrowed film score from the original trilogy do the heavy lifting of making sure you feel the life and spirit of a LOTR epic.
Miranda Otto, though not in the movie per se, reprises her role as Éowyn and narrates this cinematic journey. Overall, the voice acting is good, but the clear standout is Brian Cox. Whether he’s Logan Roy, Agamemnon, or Helm Hammerhand, his iconic voice is commanding, making his presence known and felt. He is made for characters like Helm and gives a performance that sticks with you.
Visually, this movie has a lot to offer, but as far as fantasy animes go, the story feels a touch bland and lackluster in comparison. There are exciting moments that get you to lean forward but not enough to keep you there. And though Hèra (Gaia Wise) is a badass character and a great lead, we wish the writing gave her something new to work with. It does achieve a few heartfelt moments, but most of the emotional connections between characters feel thin.
The movie looks beautiful, brings back some Howard Shore score, and Brian Cox leaves a lasting impression. LOTR fanatics and admirers of Japanese animation who want to see these two worlds collide will have a good time watching this in theaters. But for most people, this movie will be best watched in your living room.
Wait to stream this one at home.
Favorite Non-Christmas Holiday Movie
Eric
Favorite non-Christmas Christmas movie is anything from the Scream series. Don't ask me why. I'm not really sure. They are just fun to watch on a cold winter night, fire place running, popcorn in hand, Christmas lights blinking through the window, etc. etc.
Josh
Kelly might be upset with this pick, but I’ll have to go with Perks of Being of Wallflower (2012). In the midst of this depressing coming-of-age movie, there is a Secret Santa segment that is just wholesome AF, and Charlie reaps the benefits of being a wallflower. It's one of my favorite book-to-movie adaptations and, for some reason, a great movie to cozy up, get warm, and cry a little with a hot beverage during the Christmas season.
New Mexico Drew
Call me basic, but is there anything better than the Harry Potter movies this time of year? I just watched The Order of the Phoenix, and it was the emotional equivalent of wrapping myself up in a warm, soft blanket on a frigid night. It just feels right. Not even Umbridge's uptight ass could ruin these vibes.
What’s your take? Hit Reply or leave a comment below and let us know!
28 Years Later (2025) Directed by Danny Boyle
I am officially requesting (as many have before me) that Best Trailer Editing become a category at the Academy awards. 28 Years Later would 1,000% win this time around. Did you watch it yet? If not, SMASH that link below for your viewing pleasure. Before reading this.
Done? Good.
In theaters June 2025 and directed by Danny Boyle, who has some HITS on his hands—Trainspotting (1996), 28 Days Later (2002), Steve Jobs (2015), Slumdog Millionaire (2008), etc—the S&C crew (Josh and Sarah included) cannot wait for this one. ALSO, screenplay by Alex Garland (who also did the screenplay for 28 Days later(2002))? Ex Machina (2015)? Annihilation (2018)? Civil War (2024)? COME ON NOW.
The cast is also stacked with Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes, and the mighty Cillian Murphy returning.
Set almost three decades since the rage virus escaped a lab, some have found ways to exist amidst the infected. The story will follow one group of survivors and one who discovers secrets, wonders, and horrors that have mutated the infected and other survivors.
This should be a treat. 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later (2007) were incredible movies, the former being one of the better horror/zombie/infection/apocalypse (purists, don't come for me for not categorizing properly) movies ever made.
-Eric
Letterboxd Description:
In 28 days it began. In 28 weeks it spread. In 28 years it evolved.
It’s been almost three decades since the rage virus escaped a biological weapons laboratory, and now, still in a ruthlessly enforced quarantine, some have found ways to exist amidst the infected. One such group of survivors lives on a small island connected to the mainland by a single, heavily-defended causeway. When one of the group leaves the island on a mission into the dark heart of the mainland, he discovers secrets, wonders, and horrors that have mutated not only the infected but other survivors as well.
Also Directed by Danny Boyle:
Sunshine (2002)
127 Hours (2010)
Yesterday (2019)
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: The Medium Project #044
🎧 Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
Re-releasing the Harry Potter Medium Project series we originally released on our other channel onto this one.
In this episode, Sarah and Josh discuss the adaptation of Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix.
Despite their sarcasm, the duo explores their genuine excitement and frustration with the book and its film adaptation. They discuss the lengths of the book and film, character development, major plot points, and casting decisions. Key segments include 'Bloody Brilliant' where they highlight the best scene adaptations, 'Bloody Hell' where they critique what didn't work, and 'Best Cast' where they praise standout performances. They further entertain with categories like 'Worst Cast,' 'Lightning Bolt Scar Quick Round,' 'Hermione Haymaker' where they muse about physical satisfaction in the storyline, and 'Quibbler's Popular Opinion' featuring their controversial takes.
Tune in next week for | Mufasa: The Lion King
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