I’m the friend. I find LOTR nauseatingly boring. I’ve tried to read his books numerous times since about 1982 (and I was an avid reader then) - it’s overhyped, I can’t get past the first 10 pages. He uses 47 words when 3 will do - I don’t need to know the exact Pantone shade of the hobbit’s door.
I’m another one there with you. I read Fellowship all the way through and quit. I’ve got other Tolkein books I just can’t bother to pick up. I appreciate what he did 100%, and I’ll watch The Two Towers from time to time still. But there are much more interesting stories out there imo
I get You on the books. Tried to listen to an audiobook version recently. I gave up after around two hours in, since the story hadn’t even started and it was describing the history of pipe weed for the last 15 minutes. From what I’ve heard people commonly skip the long descriptions and songs while reading LotR.
I saw Fellowship at the cinema a few days after release (I think it was late Dec.?)
I literally fell asleep when they arrived at the elven town (sorry, fans; I have no idea). My cousin sitting next to me punched me in the arm because I eventually started snoring.
Honestly, the films are very good, but you need to properly engage.
I don’t know enough to debate the difference between the theatrical and extended cuts beyond to say I personally think the theatrical was long enough and communicated the story.
I’m the friend. I find LOTR nauseatingly boring. I’ve tried to read his books numerous times since about 1982 (and I was an avid reader then) - it’s overhyped, I can’t get past the first 10 pages. He uses 47 words when 3 will do - I don’t need to know the exact Pantone shade of the hobbit’s door.
It’s good for putting me to sleep.
I’m another one there with you. I read Fellowship all the way through and quit. I’ve got other Tolkein books I just can’t bother to pick up. I appreciate what he did 100%, and I’ll watch The Two Towers from time to time still. But there are much more interesting stories out there imo
I get You on the books. Tried to listen to an audiobook version recently. I gave up after around two hours in, since the story hadn’t even started and it was describing the history of pipe weed for the last 15 minutes. From what I’ve heard people commonly skip the long descriptions and songs while reading LotR.
I saw Fellowship at the cinema a few days after release (I think it was late Dec.?)
I literally fell asleep when they arrived at the elven town (sorry, fans; I have no idea). My cousin sitting next to me punched me in the arm because I eventually started snoring.
Honestly, the films are very good, but you need to properly engage.
I don’t know enough to debate the difference between the theatrical and extended cuts beyond to say I personally think the theatrical was long enough and communicated the story.