July 14, 2002

Tolkien Fans?
Ray S.

Hello all, I am a 20 year of guy from Pennsylvania who is beginning to become bothered by something, and I was wondering if it bothers anybody else. This something is really starting to bother me. I mean really bother me. I am sick of hearing these new "Tolkien fans" act like they know everything about The Lord of the Rings. I was watching Men in Black II yesterday and the previews were showing, out of nowhere I saw the New Line Cinema logo, with that catchy fog. I nearly jumped out of my seat. I was in utter disbeleif. I was about to see The Two Towers trailer for the first time (I am not one for Internet spoilers, but that's ok if you are). Some kid in front of me said, "Oh, this is the next LOTR movie." He then went on about the first movie and how awesome it was, and who his favorite character was. Then the man sitting next to him began babbling about the movie. I then proceeded to ask the man if he read the books. He said, "No, because i do not want to ruin the movies." I simply looked at him in utter disbelief and disgust. He then asked me if I ever read the books. I said, "Yes, as a matter of fact, I have read LOTR eight times, and I am on book eight of the History of MiddleEarth/LOTR(Book 8-The War of the Ring)." He simply replied ,"Wow!" and returned to his popcorn. Does this bother anybody else that us true Tolkien fans, who just love diving into his books at anytime, are being overrun by these too lazy to read movie-goers who think they know everything. I just want to know if this bothers anybody else? Please reply.