The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey: Official Movie Guide

Author: Brian Sibley

Genre: Movie guide, companion

Series: A companion to HAUJ that came out in December

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 9.5

Type: Non-fiction about a fictional movie…?

Number of pages: 168

My overall opinion: There have been a few movie guides over the years that have disappointed me, but this wasn’t one of them. It was PACKED with hundreds of full-color photos on glossy pages, and filled in with plenty of text to explain them all. There were interesting facts to be learned about everything. Each dwarf got a full spread to himself…and then there were sections about weapons and makeup and locations. Wizards and hobbits and dwarves. Clothes and casting and high definition. And, of course, Gollum and goblins and wargs. And SO much more! This is a must-have companion for any HAUJ fan. Worth buying!

The Lord of the Rings: the Making of the Movie Trilogy

Author: Brian Sibley

Genre: Movie companion, making of

Series: Companion to Lord of the Rings

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 9

Type: Non-fiction, of the fictional genre (?)

Number of pages: 191

Time period: Fantasy

My overall opinion: Fun book! It’s guaranteed great for anyone who loves the movies. There are tons of photos (over 300 according to the back) including some that I’d never seen but really enjoyed! Count on it, you will too. There are also plenty of words and therefore lots to read. Unfortunately, it was published before even Two Towers was out, so there aren’t any awesome pictures from the third movie, or really the second either. :( That was a bit of a disappointment.

A few interesting facts I picked up or was reminded of… ***Gandalf and Saruman’s noses were both molded to a more distinct shape***One of the reasons Wormtongue is so repulsive and dreadful is because of the simple fact that – he has no eyebrows! Look at a picture, you’ll see. ***John Rhys-Davies acts Gimli, as I hope you recall…he also does Treebeard’s voice.***Etc…there are so many more fun facts in this book!

There are sections on almost everything…soundtrack, special effects, lighting, hair, costumes, voices, weapons, hats, fire, rings, battles, orcs, armor, feet, ears, calligraphy, miniatures, trees, and much much more! All fascinating. There was especially a lot on surroundings and sets and inanimate things, and I would have personally preferred more about the actors and the characters. But overall? It’s a good book and definitely worth spending some time in. Check it out!

The Official Movie Guide for Lord of the Rings

Author: Brian Sibley

Genre: movie companion

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 8

Type: Guide to movie

Movie: The Lord of the Rings trilogy

Movie based on: The Lord of the Rings trilogy by J. R. R. Tolkien

Number of pages: 118

My overall opinion: I was disappointed, I admit. I had been hoping for a book similar to my Narnia guides (which I LOVE), but it wasn't. There were some really nice pictures, and I recommend that die-hard LotR fans read it, but it wasn't what I had hoped for. Oh well. I would still like to read other guides for LotR.