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Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim – Non spoiler Review

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Does The War of the Rohirrim live up to Peter Jacksons Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit? The answer is Yes and No. This film was made from a different point of view than its predecessors, one big indication is that is an anime. But also, it still connects to Peter Jacksons version of Middle Earth. How does this film connect to the original films though?


This story takes place 183 years before the events of The Fellowship of the Ring. We follow the main character that was specifically made for this story Hera, whom is not part of Tolkien’s writings, is the daughter of Helm Hammerhand, who is the Ninth king of Rohan. There is struggle of authority when Frecca shows up to Edoras and challenges Helm for the right to rule. The conflict that follows, moves the plot forward in a direction that fans may or may not agree with.


The first half of the story lives up to hype of the original films. We dive deeper into the lore and history of Rohan, the continuous anger towards the Kingdom of Gondor, and of the course battle that creates mayhem for Hera and her family. Hearing classic themes from Howard Shores score from the original films, takes us back to that first time we saw Edoras on screen!


The films pacing is questionable. After the end of the first half of film the pacing slows down. The second half of the film feels like a tv show, where each small story that occurs, ends like a tv show would. There are also certain scenes that contradict different parts of the original LOTR Trilogy. However Helm Hammerhand lives up to his name in the end. Brian Cox brought this Character to life in such a spectacular way, he is one of the best parts of the film!


Even though Hera’s character was made for this film, and not from any Tolkien lore, she still makes an impact on the future kingdom of Rohan. To the relationship with her father, and her involvement in the events in this story, rhyme with the character Éowyn which we first meet in The Two Towers. She’s headstrong and helps set the course of history of where we see Rohan in the future.


With all that being said it is a great addition to Peter Jacksons Middle Earth franchise. It shows the depth of loyalty and honor in King Theodens bloodline, and what sacrifices and consequences might happen as a leader. From exploring more of the lore of Rohan, seeing familiar locations, and familiar faces, this story is great on its own, but also adds an amazing backstory to one of the greatest kingdoms and bloodlines to Middle Earth. If you are fan of Lord of the Rings and want to feel nostalgic, this is the film for you. Go see The Lord of the rings: The War of the Rohirrim, in theaters now.


Colin's love of cinema and pop culture began as you might expect... a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away... But in all seriousness, from Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Lord of the Rings, Back to the Future, Marvel, DC, Karate Kid, Harry Potter, Disney, and more, Colin loves it! Colin is also one of the founders of the Star Wars Stuff Podcast! Being part of that podcast led him down the path of prop/costume building as well.

Movie Reviews

Dangerous Animals –  A Thriller That Takes a Bite Out of Fear!

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Just when you though it was safe to get back in the water at Volente Beach in Austin, Texas, Dangerous Animals celebrates its premiere screening presented by Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Rolling Road Show and hosted by Fons Pr.

Director Sean Byrne and Texas native Hassie Harrison made a special appearance to introduce their film Dangerous Animals. Guests had a fun time floating on the lake in shark themed tubes and while watching the movie. There were even two guys in scuba gear submerged in the water with red lights to set a frightening tone.

Dangerous Animals is the perfect summer thriller on the beach movie. It takes place in Australia where charter boat operator Bruce Tucker (Jai Courtney) takes tourists for shark excursions, but uses them as bait for his sick and twisted sadistic pleasure. Bruce goes on the hunt to seek out his next victim, which happens to be a strong willed surfer Zephyr (Hassie Harrison). To Bruce’s amazement, the situation now becomes predator-prey reversal.

This thriller movie has intense graphic scenes, with many nail biting situations and of course, huge ferocious sharks! It will definitely make viewers jump out of their inner tubes. Yes, Jaws would approve.

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Movie Reviews

Appalachian Dog – An Astonishing Dramatic Indie Film

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If you are a true cinemaholic, you will appreciate this independent film. Appalachian Dog is written and directed by Colin Henning who also stars in his film along with a decent cast: Georgia Morgan (“Interview with a Vampire”, “Penelope!”), Hayleigh Hart Franklin, Brooke Elizabeth (“Dear DIEry”), Colin Henning (“Wild Crime”).

The storyline is intriguing with many plot twists. It takes place post War World II, a young solider, Teddy, returns to his home in the Appalachian Mountains where is wife Marion has set up a small welcoming gathering with two of her female friends, Peggie and Cate. Teddy appears aloof and uninterested in resuming his life as a tailor. He ponders the whereabouts of his dog and how to avoid working.

Teddy learns that while he was away Marion hired Peggie to assist as a seamstress, which seems to bother him due to their finances and expects Marion to just take over. He comes up with several failed excuses to evade from sewing clothes. However, Marion has secretively prepared a plan of her own.

Meanwhile, Cate is having to deal with the challenges of taking over the daily farm chores due to Andrew being mentally, physically incapable of manual labor. It appears he might be suffering from post war trauma, or at least that is what he wants others to believe.

Just like the twisted trails found in the Appalachian Mountains, this film has it’s share of unexpected turns and eerie settings, but one question still remains… What happened to Teddy’s dog?

Appalachian Dog can be viewed on streaming platforms such as Amazon, Tubi, Hoopla and Verizon Fios.

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Movie Reviews

“Jane Austen Wrecked My Life” Will Have Your Heart Fluttering

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Calling all hopeless romantics. This movie will be on your list of favorite foreign love stories. It has a young-quirky single lady, Agathe, who works in a bookstore in France and has aspirations of becoming a writer. She is inspired by her favorite author Jane Austen, however, comes to realize that she has writer’s block. Agathe will have to overcome her fears to liberate her emotions and transfer them onto paper.

Agathe (Camille Rutherford) believes that she is struggling to write due to her love life being nonexistent – ever since the tragic car accident where her parents were inside the car with her, but they did not survive. On the other hand, her friend and co-worker Felix (Pablo Pauly) is the type that is a freedom-loving who is reluctant to commit to a relationship as he reveals to Agathe about the many dates he has been in. Without hesitation, Felix discretely submits some of Agathe’s writings to the Jane Austen Residency and remarkably she gets accepted for a writer’s retreat in England.

This lighthearted movie takes you to the beautiful English countryside, where Agathe is greeted by the handsome Oliver (Charlie Anson), a distant descendant of Jane Austen. They get off to a rough start, but they gradually seem to be drawn to one other. The romantic connection develops when it’s discovered they have been emotionally shattered, but somehow their broken pieces come together and mend their painful past. Then, like getting spit on by a llama, Felix shows up at the mansion for the Residency’s annual ball and Agathe finds herself in a love triangle and discovers material for her novel.

Director and Screenplay Writer Laura Piani magnificently created the essence of the 1800’s literature of a romantic satirical comedy in Jane Austen Wrecked My Life. The cast are amazing and original. Though, the movie is mostly in French, it is easy to follow with subtitles, which adds authenticity to the story.  

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