Friday, January 4
And how was it? My reaction is exactly the same as my reaction to the books. I am quite moved by the fundamental theme of the work: the humble little hobbit Frodo being given, and accepting the terrifying yet essential task of returning the Ring to fire from which it was made, and thus destroying the source of the evil that seeks to dominate the world with darkness. I like all of that: the echoes of the Christian story, themes of loyalty, promises, and self-sacrifice. All the actors were wonderful and the film certainly moved along. Even with the added stress of Joseph, it didn't seem like a three-hour experience.
But I can't be enraptured and swept away, unfortunately. Maybe it's because I've read the books. Maybe it's because fantasy is not my genre. I can see how some people (like my middle son) could love it. I can see how some people (like my oldest son) could be bored by it. Me- I'm grateful that it's there, as a piece of high-quality entertainment with nothing objectionable in it and with an important, resonant theme. I hope it sets a standard that others might try to follow. But if you've no patience with massive battles and solemn elves and ugly old orcs, this might not be the movie for you!
The only conformity in this story is Mother Seton's conformity to the voice of God in her conscience and the love of God in her heart of hearts.