In the fantasy world, there are a few topics hot right now. Today, though, I want to focus on one in particular: The Rings of Power. It’s an Amazon Original. It was created using the Appendices that Tolkien wrote for the books, and it is set long before The Hobbit or The Lord of the Rings series. I’ve read many reviews from folks on both sides of the fence about it, but this is my brief take.
Are there issues with it? Of course. We don’t have Tolkien here to say ‘no, you’re wrong’ when it comes to putting Middle Earth on the big screen (or small screen, if you use a tablet or laptop). That seems to be the biggest problem with a lot of the people on the ‘nay’ side of the fence. I, however, am on the YAY side.
I’ve been a Tolkien fanatic since I was a kid. That said, I am not a purist. Most Tolkien fans that I’ve seen don’t like The Hobbit movies. I adore them as much as I love the LOTR trilogy. Yes, there are big differences (Tauriel, anyone?), but I don’t let those get in the way of my enjoyment. Hell, I love the (brief) story between Kili and Tauriel, but maybe it’s because I’m a closet romantic. Overall, I enjoy the movies for the entertainment that they are, and I don’t let the obvious differences get in the way. This world is full of stress. Middle Earth is my happy place.
Katherine Cook 