September 5, 2002

Gandalf and Hobbit's Feet
Jim W.

First of all, Gandalf did recognize Saruman as the head of the order (if memory serves me), and Saruman would have been a more powerful wizard than Gandalf. However, I get sick every time I watch the wizard duel. My belief was always that the wizard's true strength was in knowledge (with wise being the root of wizard and all). It was not until Gandalf returned as Gandalf the White that he became strong enough to disband Saruman from the order, breaking his staff. I agree that Gandalf came off a little weak in the movies, but I think PJ was simply exaggerating this point, to make it more obvious to the viewers the change from gray to white in TT is more than just a new outfit. As for the Hobbit's feet, I was more upset about the lack of weight than the midget feet. Sam was the only one that was round, the rest were nice and slender. They made a point of showing how much they eat (I believe it was Pippen who rambled on about 2nd breakfast, tea, lunch, dinner, supper, elevensies), but who could eat all that and still be as thin as Elijah Wood? Sean Astin was the only one who appeared to put on any weight for the part. Of course after all this negative imput, I'd just like to say that it WAS a great movie, and we should be thankful to have it. I just can't wait until the next one comes out.