I was one who thought the stone giants were excessive. I was always pretty sure they were metaphorical when I read the book (the Middle Earth version of "raining cats and dogs"), so I did roll my eyes a bit when they showed up as literal giants in the movie. And Carl and I both felt a lot of the violence was MORE gratuitous than the book justified (and too roller-coaster-y due to being shot in and for 3D (though like you we watched it in 2D)).
My love for Richard Armitage has existed for quite a while, but was more firmly cemented after this. Because yes, he took a character who, in the book, was completely a self-righteous, self-important, melodramatic, stiff-necked jerk, and while keeping all those qualities intact made him sympathetic to the audience. And I don't think that sympathy is SOLELY due to his hotness (mostly because, like Benedict Cumberbatch, I think it's his personality and acting ability that makes him attractive to so many people, more than just sheer good looks).
LOVED the riddle scene. Just perfect. Those two brilliant actors, in the roles they were born to do, in the ultimate scene with them ... gah. I forgave the movie all its faults on the strength of that scene alone.
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chiming
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Date: 2012-12-29 01:41 pm (UTC)From:My love for Richard Armitage has existed for quite a while, but was more firmly cemented after this. Because yes, he took a character who, in the book, was completely a self-righteous, self-important, melodramatic, stiff-necked jerk, and while keeping all those qualities intact made him sympathetic to the audience. And I don't think that sympathy is SOLELY due to his hotness (mostly because, like Benedict Cumberbatch, I think it's his personality and acting ability that makes him attractive to so many people, more than just sheer good looks).
LOVED the riddle scene. Just perfect. Those two brilliant actors, in the roles they were born to do, in the ultimate scene with them ... gah. I forgave the movie all its faults on the strength of that scene alone.