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The trailer for Terminator 3: Rise Of The Machines looks pretty damn cool; the movie is due out next summer.

The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers opened today, and I’ve read mostly glowing reviews, although I expected nothing less after The Fellowship Of The Ring. I would say that this trilogy was this generation’s Star Wars, although unfortunately kiddies have the current, inferior version thrust upon them.

I was very apprehensive about seeing FOTR last year, as I’ve been enamored with the books since I read them back in elementary school (and many times since). My biggest fear was that my vision of Middle Earth would forever be tarnished and replaced by what I saw in the theater, but on almost all counts I was more than satisfied. The fact that several plot threads were ignored or modified is annoying but forgiveable considering constraints on the length of the film. And since I haven’t had the time to watch the extended version on DVD I should reserve further criticism on that point, although I know there are still some plotlines and characters that will not make any version (Tom Bombadil would’ve been cool 🙁 ). However, I find it necessary to weigh in with my displeasure on the way that Arwen’s role (played by Liv Tyler) was misappropriated from the book.

Peter Jackson stayed very true to the Tolkien’s works, allaying a lot of fan’s fears (mine included), but what he did with Arwen was unforgiveable. Her role in the books was extremely limited, almost to the point of just being arm candy for Aragorn. If I recall correctly, I don’t think she even appears in The Two Towers, and she was definitely not the Elf Warrior Queen they made her out to be in FOTR (Elrond, her father, was responsible for most of the actions atrributed to her in the movie). I really resent Peter Jackson’s liberties with her character for the sake of some more face time for a female “star,” even if some view the book as flawed in that respect. I disagree on that point anyway; there is romantic tension in the book trilogy, but it is very much subdued and a comparatively minor plot point. The fact that it has been so grossly transformed and prominently marketed irks me to no end, as neither her character nor her relationship with Aragorn was meant to play such an overtly large part. I know that movie adaptations of books always take liberties, but Jackson did such a great job staying within the parameters of the novels that I can’t overlook this transgression.

Anyway, sorry for the rant, but that’s how I see it. I can’t wait to see the movie, especially if the trailers and reviews are any indication. Of course, that may bring to light more rants, so stay tuned… 😉

This Is Spinal Tap was added to this year’s National Film Registry list of films to be preserved by the Library of Congress, along with Boyz N The Hood, Alien, and 24 other films. I’m really happy that Spinal Tap’s hilarious satire was deemed worthy of preservation, and Boyz N The Hood is another great choice as well. “Hello Cleveland!”

Although this list of the “Most Loathsome People in America, 2002” has a slightly liberal slant, it includes such personalities as Michael Moore and Trey Anastasio as well as no-brainers like Karl Rove and Ari Fleischer in its ranks. It’s pretty amusing if nothing else…

I love The Onion. 🙂

CNN reports that Kentucky “plans to release 567 felons from jail before their sentences have been served to help balance a teetering state budget, the governor said Monday.” WTF? I’m just speechless at the sheer ineptitude of this…

If you are at all a fan of the ‘80s (as I obviously am), then you have to tune into VH1’s series I Love The 80s. It’s on from 9 to 11 every night this week, doing a year by year recap of everything 80s. Last night’s 1980 and 1981 shows were a lot of fun, so I expect more of the same the rest of the week. Previous specials that VH1 has done were not as good, but I have to say that I really enjoyed the shows last night. Don’t miss it!

Apparently someone is selling this Knight Rider-like custom 1982 Pontiac Trans Am for $40,000. If anyone is still looking for a Christmas present for me, this (or a Back To The Future DeLorean) will do nicely. 😉

Take a look at Kunstbar, a great Shockwave movie with all sorts of art references. Although Hieronymus Bosch was a little disturbing… 😉 (links directly to Shockwave video)

Meanwhile, Entertainment Weekly reports that CHiPs is heading back to TV. As much as I liked the show back in the day, it needs to stay in the ‘70s where it belongs.