The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

Released Year: 2003

Directed by Peter Jackson

Casted by:

 Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins

 Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn

  Ian McKellen as Gandalf

John Rhys-Davies as Gimli

 Orlando Bloom as Legolas

Sean Astin as Samwise "Sam" Gamgee

 Billy Boyd as Peregrin "Pippin" Took

 Dominic Monaghan as Meriadoc "Merry" Brandybuck

Andy Serkis as Sméagol/Gollum

Miranda Otto as Éowyn 

David Wenham as Faramir

John Noble as Denethor

Liv Tyler as Arwen

Cate Blanchett as Galadriel

Hugo Weaving as Elrond

 Story: 

Gandalf leads Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and King Théoden to Isengard where they reunite with Merry and Pippin, who helped the Ents destroy Saruman's forces. With Saruman himself defeated, Gandalf retrieves Saruman's palantír. Overcome by curiosity, Pippin steals a glance into the seeing-stone, and suffers an immediate mental attack from Sauron himself. From what Pippin was able to recount, Gandalf deduces Sauron will attack Gondor's capital Minas Tirith, so he rides ahead to warn them, and takes Pippin with him as 'punishment'. They meet Lord Denethor, steward of Gondor, bitterly grieving the death of his son Boromir. Pippin offers his service to Denethor after confessing Boromir died protecting him.

Meanwhile, Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee are led by Gollum to Minas Morgul where they witness the Witch-king of Angmar leading an Orc army to drive Denethor's younger son Faramir and his men from Osgiliath. At Gollum's urging, the three begin climbing a precarious stair carved in the cliff face that will take them into Mordor via a 'secret way'. But having overheard Gollum's plot to regain the Ring, Sam keeps a suspicious eye on him. In Gondor, Pippin follows Gandalf's instructions and secretly lights the beacon to signal Théoden to assemble the Rohirrim and come to Gondor's aid.

While helping Théoden gather his forces, Aragorn is approached by Elrond who says Arwen is dying. After seeing a vision of her son she refused to leave Middle Earth. Elrond then gives Aragorn the sword Andúril, Isildur's sword Narsil reforged, so he can reclaim his birthright while gaining reinforcements from the Dead Men of Dunharrow. Joined by Legolas and Gimli, Aragorn travels to the Paths of the Dead, recruiting the Army of the Dead with the promise to release them from their curse once they fulfil their oath to Isildur.

Faramir is gravely wounded after a futile effort to retake Osgiliath, and believing his son to be dead, Denethor falls into madness. Gandalf is left to command the city defences against the Orc army led by Gothmog. But as Gothmog's forces eventually force their way into the city, Denethor tries to kill himself and Faramir on a pyre. Pippin alerts Gandalf and they save Faramir, but Denethor leaps to his death from the top of Minas Tirith just before Théoden and the Rohirrim arrive. Initially the Rohirrim have the advantage at the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, but are eventually overwhelmed by the Oliphaunt-riding Haradrim while the Witch-king mortally wounds Théoden. Though Théoden's niece Éowyn, having posed as a male soldier, battles and slays the Witch-King with Merry's help, Théoden dies of his wounds. Aragorn arrives with the Army of the Dead, they overcome the Orcs and win the battle. The Dead are released from their curse, and the wounded are tended to. In the Houses of Healing Éowyn meets Faramir, and they comfort each other. Aragorn and the other captains of Men decide to lead all who can march upon the Black Gate as a distraction, so Frodo and Sam can get to Mount Doom.

Meanwhile, Gollum manipulates Frodo into leaving Sam behind before they arrive at the tunnel leading to Mordor, and then tricks him into lair of the giant spider Shelob. After a terrible chase, she paralises and binds Frodo. Sam returns and drives Shelob away, but believing his friend to be dead takes Frodo's sword Sting and The One Ring for safekeeping. When he sees Frodo's body being taken by Orcs to Cirith Ungol he realises Frodo's still alive, and gives chase. Sam rescues Frodo from the Orcs, and returns the Ring to him. Aragorn's army draw out Sauron's forces and empty Mordor, allowing the exhausted Hobbits to stagger to the volcano, but they're attacked by Gollum when they reach Mount Doom. Frodo finally succumbs to the Ring's power and claims it as his own, and refuses to destroy it. Gollum attacks Frodo and bites his finger off to reclaim the Ring, but then (while holding the Ring) Gollum falls into the volcano where the Ring was made. Sam manages to save Frodo. The Ring and Sauron are both destroyed, causing a chain-reaction that consumes the mountain, topples Barad-dûr, and kills most of the fleeing Orcs as the ground crumbles beneath them. Gandalf flies in with eagles to rescue the Hobbits, who awaken later in Minas Tirith and are reunited with the surviving Fellowship members.

Aragorn is crowned King of Gondor and takes Arwen as his queen. They, and all others present at his coronation, bow before Frodo and the Hobbits. The Hobbits then return to the Shire where Sam marries Rosie Cotton. Frodo, unable to cope with the traumas of his journey, departs Middle Earth for the Grey Havens with his uncle Bilbo, Gandalf, and the Elves, leaving Sam the Red Book of Westmarch which details their adventures. Though saddened by Frodo's departure, Sam is gladdened by the warm welcome he receives on returning home.

 L² Scored: 10/10 

L² Comment:

Finally I found a friend who own the Blu-Ray version of the extended version of this movie. If not mistaken, the whole movie is about 4 hours ++. After spending such a long hour in my friend's house, finally I complete watching the whole set of this movie series *applause :p

This movie jointly holds the record for the largest number of Academy Awards won with Ben-Hur & Titanic. Not sure whether there will be any epic movie as big as this, but Lord Of The Ring will always be one of my favorite :)

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

 Released Year: 2013

Directed by Peter Jackson

Casted by:

Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins

Ian McKellen as Gandalf the Grey 

Orlando Bloom as Legolas Greenleaf

Evangeline Lilly as Tauriel

Luke Evans as Bard the Bowman

Lee Pace as Thranduil

Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield II

Ken Stott as Balin

Aidan Turner as Kíli

Dean O'Gorman as Fíli

Mark Hadlow as Dori

Jed Brophy as Nori

Adam Brown as Ori

John Callen as Óin

Peter Hambleton as Glóin

Stephen Hunter as Bombur

Cate Blanchett as Galadriel

Hugo Weaving as Elrond

Christopher Lee as Saruman the White

Sylvester McCoy as Radagast the Brown

Andy Serkis as Gollum

Manu Bennett as Azog the Defiler

Benedict Cumberbatch as The Necromancer

Barry Humphries as the Great Goblin

 Story: 

At the Inn of the Prancing Pony in Bree, Gandalf persuades Thorin Oakenshield to obtain the Arkenstone to unite the Dwarves, and suggests that a stealthy burglar may be needed to steal the jewel back from Smaug.

One year later, Thorin and his company are being pursued by Azog and his Orc party down the Carrock following the events of the previous film. Bilbo Baggins informs the group that a gigantic bear is also tracking them, and are ushered along by Gandalf to the nearby home of Beorn to seek his assistance. Beorn is revealed to be a skin-changer who sometimes takes the form of the bear. That night, Azog is summoned to Dol Guldur and instructs his son Bolg to take over the hunt for Thorin. The following day, Beorn escorts the company to the borders of Mirkwood, where Gandalf discovers Black Speech imprinted on an old ruin. This coincides with a telepathic message from Galadriel urging him to investigate the tombs of the Nazgûl, forcing him to depart. He warns the company to remain on the path and leaves. Upon entering the forest they lose their way and are ensnared by giant spiders. Bilbo then sets about freeing the dwarves with the help of the One Ring. He subsequently drops the Ring and first begins to understand its dark influence after he brutally kills a centipede-like creature to retrieve it.

The remaining spiders are fended off by the Wood-elves led by Tauriel and Legolas. They in turn capture the Dwarves, and bring Thorin before Thranduil. He confronts the Elvenking about his neglect of the Dwarves of Erebor following Smaug's attack 60 years earlier, and is consequently imprisoned with the other Dwarves. Bilbo, having avoided capture, arranges an escape using empty wine barrels that are sent downstream. While being pursued by the Wood-elves, they are ambushed by Bolg and his Orc party, and Kíli is wounded with a Morgul shaft. They engage in a running three-way battle down the river, but ultimately the Dwarves are able to escape both groups of pursuers. Thranduil then seals off his kingdom when an Orc captive reveals an evil entity has returned and is amassing an army in the south, but Tauriel decides to leave and assist the Dwarves. Legolas goes after her. Meanwhile, Gandalf meets Radagast to investigate the tombs of the Nazgûl, which are found empty.

The company are then smuggled into Esgaroth by a boatman called Bard. Thorin promises the Master and the people of Lake-town a share of the mountain's treasure. It is then revealed that Bard is a descendant of the last ruler of Dale, and possesses the last black arrow capable of killing Smaug. Kíli is forced to remain behind, tended to by Fíli, Óin, and Bofur, as the remaining company receive a grand farewell. Meanwhile, Gandalf travels south to the ruins of Dol Guldur, while Radagast leaves to warn Galadriel of their discovery at the tombs. Gandalf finds the ruins infested with Orcs and is ambushed by Azog. The Necromancer overpowers and defeats Gandalf and reveals himself as Sauron.

Thorin and his remaining company reach the Lonely Mountain, where Bilbo discovers the hidden entrance. He is sent in to retrieve the Arkenstone, and while doing so accidentally awakens Smaug. While trying to find Bilbo, Smaug reveals his knowledge of Sauron's return. Back in Lake-town, Bard attempts to bring the black arrow to the town's launcher, as he fears what may happen when the Dwarves enter the mountain. However, he is arrested in the process and leaves his son to hide the arrow. Bolg and his Orc party then infiltrate the town and attack the four Dwarves, but are quickly dispatched following the arrival of Tauriel and Legolas. Tauriel then tends to Kili, and the two acknowledge their affection toward one another, while Legolas leaves in pursuit of Bolg. Meanwhile, an imprisoned Gandalf watches helplessly as Azog and an Orc army march from Dol Guldur towards the Lonely Mountain.

Back inside the mountain, Bilbo and the Dwarves try to rekindle the mountain's forge in an attempt to bury Smaug alive in molten gold. This fails however and Smaug stumbles out of the mountain and flies off to destroy Laketown in revenge for aiding the Dwarves. Bilbo watches in horror at what they have unleashed, saying to himself, "What have we done?"

  L² Scored: 10/10

L² Comment:

Finally I found the hobbit 2 :) Lee Pace is surprisingly gorgeous in this movie, he looks hotter than "Pushing Daisies" time... nevertheless, i think he is more hot than Orlando Bloom here ;) Finally i understand better of this movie and rethink back what i watch in the 3rd movie, now it all make sense. Really an exciting series of movies, the epic that you will never miss in this century~

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

  Released Year: 2014

Directed by Peter Jackson

Casted by:

Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins

Ian McKellen as Gandalf the Grey 

Orlando Bloom as Legolas Greenleaf

Evangeline Lilly as Tauriel

Luke Evans as Bard the Bowman

Lee Pace as Thranduil

Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield II

Ken Stott as Balin

Aidan Turner as Kíli

Dean O'Gorman as Fíli

Mark Hadlow as Dori

Jed Brophy as Nori

Adam Brown as Ori

John Callen as Óin

Peter Hambleton as Glóin

Stephen Hunter as Bombur

Cate Blanchett as Galadriel

Hugo Weaving as Elrond

Christopher Lee as Saruman the White

Sylvester McCoy as Radagast the Brown

Andy Serkis as Gollum

Manu Bennett as Azog the Defiler

Lee Pace as Thranduil

Benedict Cumberbatch as The Necromancer

Barry Humphries as the Great Goblin

 Story:

Bilbo and the Dwarves watch from the Lonely Mountain as the dragon Smaug destroys Laketown. Bard breaks out of prison and kills Smaug with the black arrow, and the dragon's falling corpse crushes the fleeing Master of Laketown. Bard, chosen as the new leader, decides the Laketown people should seek refuge in the ruins of Dale. Tauriel travels to investigate Mount Gundabad with Legolas. Upon arriving at Erebor, Fili, Kili, Bofur and Oin are informed by Bilbo that Thorin has been afflicted with Smaug's "dragon sickness" as he searched for the Arkenstone. It is revealed that Bilbo actually stole the Arkenstone from Smaug but knows it should be hidden from Thorin, who orders the entrance/exit of the Lonely Mountain be sealed to prevent anyone from entering or leaving.

Meanwhile, Galadriel arrives at Dol Guldur, frees Gandalf, and lifts the fortress's spell of concealment. The Ringwraiths then reveal themselves and converge on Galadriel and the wounded Gandalf. Elrond and Saruman appear and battle the Ringwraiths while Radagast arrives and escorts Gandalf away. Sauron comes forth with the Nine at his side and tries to tempt Galadriel, but Galadriel banishes Sauron and the Ringwraiths from the fortress. Saruman tells Elrond to take the exhausted Galadriel to safety while he deals with Sauron. Gandalf leaves Radagast for Erebor to warn of the Orc army approaching the Mountain. Azog, marching on Erebor with his vast Orc army, sends Bolg to Gundabad to summon their other army. Legolas and Tauriel witness the march of Bolg's army, bolstered by Goblins and giant bats.

While Bard and the Laketown survivors shelter in Dale, an elf army led by Thranduil arrives with supplies and aid, and forms an alliance with Bard, wishing to claim a necklace of white gems from the Mountain. Thorin commands the Dwarven company to ready for battle and presents Bilbo with a mithril shirt. Bard travels to Erebor to negotiate and reason with Thorin, who refuses to listen or share any of the treasure. After Gandalf arrives at Dale, Bilbo sneaks out of Erebor to hand the Arkenstone over to Thranduil and Bard. The next day, Bard and Thranduil's armies gather at the gates of Erebor, offering to trade the Arkenstone for gold. Thorin learns of Bilbo's deception and almost kills him, before Gandalf makes Thorin release Bilbo, who climbs back down. As Thranduil's and Bard's forces begin their assault on Erebor, Thorin's cousin Dáin arrives with a Dwarf army and prepares to attack the Elves and Men before Azog's army makes its appearance and converges on Dale and the Dwarves. With the Orcs outnumbering Dain's army, Thranduil's and Bard's forces, along with Gandalf and Bilbo, join the battle.

Inside Erebor, Thorin, refusing to fight, falls into a hallucinatory nightmare before regaining his sanity and leading his company into battle. While the other Dwarves of the company aid Dain's forces, Thorin rides towards Ravenhill with Dwalin, Fíli, and Kíli to kill Azog and force the Orc army to retreat. Meanwhile, Tauriel arrives at Dale and tries to stop Thranduil from returning to Mirkwood, but is banished. Legolas and Tauriel leave to warn Thorin of Bolg's approaching army with Bilbo following them using the ring.

At Ravenhill, Bilbo arrives and warns Thorin, Fili, Kili and Dwalin of an attack. Thorin tells Fili and Kili to inspect a tower but Fili gets caught and killed by Azog. Legolas and Tauriel arrive at Ravenhill. Bolg tries to kill Tauriel when Kili comes to protect her, sacrificing himself in the process. Meanwhile, Thorin is fighting Azog. While fighting Bolg, Legolas throws Orcrist to Thorin and saves him from Azog. Azog and Thorin fight on a frozen lake while Legolas battles Bolg on top of a crumbling tower, eventually killing him. Bilbo, who was knocked unconscious by Bolg, wakes to see the Great Eagles appear, carrying Radagast and Beorn into battle, after which the Orc armies are quickly decimated. Thorin kills Azog but is left mortally wounded in the process. He makes peace with Bilbo before dying.

On Thranduil's suggestion, Legolas leaves to meet with a Dunedain ranger while Tauriel mourns Kili. Bilbo bids farewell to the remaining Dwarves and journeys home to the Shire with Gandalf. As the two part, Gandalf admits to his knowledge of Bilbo's ring and cautions Bilbo he will be watching him. Bilbo returns to Bag End to find his belongings being auctioned off by the Sackville-Bagginses, who assumed he died, though Bilbo clarifies his identity. Sixty years later, Bilbo, while reflecting on the past journey, receives a visit from Gandalf and happily runs to greet his old friend.

 L² Scored: 10/10

L² Comment:  

 I ain't gonna wait no more... I can't stop myself from watching this epic movie in the big screen... The whole movie is so good, even i missed the second hobbit movie will not effect my mood of watching it~ Love it... finally the ends of the LOTR... i'm so gonna miss it :)

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

 Released Year: 2002

Directed by Peter Jackson

Casted by:

Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins

 Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn

  Ian McKellen as Gandalf the Grey

John Rhys-Davies as Gimli

 Orlando Bloom as Legolas

Sean Astin as Samwise "Sam" Gamgee

 Billy Boyd as Peregrin "Pippin" Took

 Dominic Monaghan as Meriadoc "Merry" Brandybuck

 Christopher Lee as Saruman the White

Andy Serkis as Sméagol/Gollum

Miranda Otto as Éowyn

 Story: 

The film begins with a flashback set to the first film, with Gandalf the Grey giving his life in battle against the Balrog on the Bridge of Khazad-dûm, giving the Fellowship of the Ring time to escape from the Mines of Moria. Weeks later, Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee continue their journey to Mordor to destroy the One Ring and, with it, the Dark Lord Sauron. One night, they are attacked by the Ring's former owner Gollum. The pair capture Gollum, but Frodo takes pity on him, understanding the burden of the Ring, and he persuades Gollum to guide them to Mordor. Sam immediately distrusts Gollum on sight and warns Frodo that Gollum will betray them.

In Rohan, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli pursue the Uruk-hai who have taken Merry and Pippin prisoner. Meanwhile, Rohan's King Théoden has been entranced and physically weakened by Gríma Wormtongue, who is secretly in the service of Saruman the White. Saruman has his Orcs and Wild Men of Dunland lay siege to the lands. Théoden's nephew Éomer accuses Gríma of being a spy; Gríma has him banished for undermining him. Éomer travels to the countryside to gather the remaining men of the Rohirrim, and his army later ambushes and kills the group of Uruk-hai and Orcs holding Merry and Pippin. Merry and Pippin flee into Fangorn Forest and meet Treebeard, the oldest of the Ents.

Frodo, Sam, and Gollum traverse the Dead Marshes, evading a Nazgûl along the way, but upon reaching the Black Gate, they find it closed and guarded by Orcs. Gollum convinces the pair that he will lead them to an unguarded entrance. After learning of Éomer's ambush, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli discover Merry's and Pippin's trail. The trio are confronted by Gandalf, reborn as Gandalf the White, who joins the trio as they journey to Edoras. After arriving, they free Théoden from Gríma's spell, and inform the king of his son Théodred's death. Théoden moves his people to the stronghold Helm's Deep for safety. Fearing Helm's Deep will not survive, Gandalf leaves to find Éomer. Gríma flees to Orthanc and informs Saruman of a weakness in the outer wall of Helm's Deep, and Saruman dispatches his vast army to the stronghold, with the intent of wiping out all of Rohan and Aragorn with them.

Meanwhile, Gollum struggles with his loyalty to Frodo and his consuming need for the Ring. When Sam and Frodo are captured by Rangers of Ithilien, Frodo reveals Gollum's presence to spare his life; Gollum nevertheless feels betrayed, and begins plotting against Frodo. As Théoden's forces travel to Helm's Deep, they are attacked by Saruman's Warg riders and Aragorn is thrown from a cliff to his apparent death in a raging river. In Rivendell, Elrond convinces his daughter Arwen to abandon her love for Aragorn and leave Middle-earth with her fellow Elves, pointing out that even if Sauron is defeated, Aragorn will still succumb to old age. Meanwhile, Éowyn, Théoden's niece, nurtures a growing affection for Aragorn.

Learning that Frodo has the Ring, the Rangers' captain, Faramir, who is also Boromir's brother, orders that it be sent to Gondor. In Rohan, the barely-alive Aragorn washes up on the river bank. He makes his way to Helm's Deep and warns Théoden that he has seen Saruman's army headed for the fortress. Théoden gathers his men to fight against Saruman's army of Uruk-hai, alongside a battalion of Elves led by Haldir who were sent to re-enforce the men of Rohan. In Fangorn Forest, Merry, Pippin, Treebeard and other Ents hold a council to decide on the role of the Ents in the war with Saruman.

The battle of Helm's Deep begins between the Uruk-hai and Rohirrim with Aragorn and his companions. Explosives are used against the weakness in the wall, allowing the Uruk-hai to breach the fortress, and Haldir is killed. In Fangorn, Treebeard and the other Ents initially refuse to get involved in the war until Pippin shows them that Saruman has decimated the forest in order to fuel his campaign. Enraged, Treebeard leads the Ents in attacking Isengard to exact vengeance on Saruman. Aragorn leads Théoden, Legolas and the remaining Rohirrim to attack the Uruk-hai, allowing the Rohirrim's women and children to escape into the mountains. Gandalf appears, accompanied by Éomer and his large army, and the combined forces cause the Uruk-hai to flee into Fangorn, where the Ents and their Huorn allies destroy them. At Isengard, the Ents defeat the Uruk-hai and break the river dam, drowning the surviving Orc defenders, flooding Isengard, and stranding Saruman in his tower.

Faramir has the Hobbits taken to the war-torn Osgiliath, where they are attacked by Orcs led by a Nazgûl. Frodo succumbs to the Ring's influence, but is saved by Sam. The Nazgûl is defeated and flees. Faramir, understanding the danger of the Ring, frees the Hobbits and sends them on their journey, joined by Gollum. Gandalf remarks that Sauron will seek retribution for Saruman's defeat, stating that hope now rests with Frodo and Sam. At that same moment, Gollum vows to reclaim the Ring by having "her" kill Frodo and Sam.

 L² Scored: 10/10 

L² Comment:

Finally found a friend who has the director's uncut version in DVD...Seriously, there are a lots of lots of scenes which i do not recall that i have watched it in the cinema that time. I was so excited as if it was the first time i'm watching the movie. No matter how many years later, this is still the best series of movie i ever like... :) BRAVO

The Three Musketeers 2011

 Released Year: 2011

Directed by Paul W.S.Anderson

Casted by:

Matthew Macfadyen as Athos

Logan Lerman as D'Artagnan

Ray Stevenson as Porthos

Luke Evans as Aramis

Milla Jovovich as Milady de Winter

Orlando Bloom as Duke of Buckingham

Christoph Waltz as Cardinal Richelieu

Mads Mikkelsen as Captain Rochefort

Gabriella Wilde as Constance Bonacieux

 Story:

In Venice at the beginning of the 17th century, the Three Musketeers, Athos, Porthos , and Aramis, with the help of Athos' longtime lover, Milady de Winter, steal airship blueprints made by Leonardo da Vinci. However, they are betrayed by Milady, who gives the blueprints to the Duke of Buckingham. Upon returning to France, the Musketeers are forced to disband by Cardinal Richelieu for their failure, and they end up on the streets of Paris.

A year later, a young man named D'Artagnan leaves his village in Gascony for Paris in hopes of becoming a Musketeer as his father was, only to learn that they no longer exist. At a rural bar, D'Artagnan accuses Captain Rochefort, the leader of Richelieu's guard, of offending his horse, and challenges him to a duel. Rochefort shoots him while he is distracted but he is saved by Milady de Winter. Arriving in Paris, D'Artagnan by coincidence separately encounters Athos, Porthos and Aramis accidentally offending all three, then scheduling duels with each at 12:00, 1:00 and 2:00 pm respectively.

Athos brings Porthos and Aramis to the duel as his seconds. D'Artagnan realises they are the Musketeers he is seeking. He is prepared to continue with the duel but Richelieu's guards break it up. The three are inspired by D'Artagnan and fight together and defeat the soldiers, but later are summoned before the young King Louis XIII and his wife, Queen Anne. Richelieu asks the king to execute the four, but the queen is impressed by their bravery and the king congratulates them and invites them to an event, which to Athos' anger, turns out to be Buckingham's arrival (who comes in an airship built following da Vinci's blueprints).

Later, Richelieu orders Milady, who is actually working for him, to plant false love letters among Queen Anne's possessions, steal Queen Anne's diamond necklace, and take it to the Tower of London to frame Queen Anne as having an affair with the Duke of Buckingham. The affair would force King Louis to execute Queen Anne and declare war on England. At this point, the people would demand a more experienced leader: Richelieu himself. But Milady demands that Richelieu declare in writing that she is working on behalf of France, to protect herself in case of palace intrigue.

The false letters (saying that the necklace has been given to Buckingham) are found by a maid and are given to King Louis, who is advised by Richelieu to set up a ball at which Queen Anne would be forced to wear the necklace. If she doesn't, then her affair is real, and there will be war against England. Queen Anne's lady-in-waiting Constance Bonacieux discovers Richelieu's plan and asks the Musketeers to stop him. The Musketeers plan to sail to England and retrieve the jewels before the ball. However, at the dock, Rochefort sets up a blockade to prevent anybody from boarding the ships. Constance takes D'Artagnan's hat, cape and horse to divert the guards standing in front of the boat to allow the Musketeers to board undetected.

In London, Milady warns Buckingham that the Musketeers have arrived to take revenge on him. Milady instructs Buckingham of all their tendencies in battle, but Athos predicts this and the Musketeers resolve to do just the opposite. Buckingham captures D'Artagnan, but he was a decoy to let the Musketeers steal the airship. The Musketeers rescue D'Artagnan, demolishing the top floor of the Tower in the process. Athos points out that Milady would have fled, taking the necklace with her as insurance. As retribution for betraying them, Athos prepares to execute Milady. However, to spare him the pain of having to kill her, Milady decides to leap off the airship, dying on her terms.

The Musketeers return to Paris with the necklace, but they are attacked by Rochefort in another airship, as Milady had given Richelieu copies of da Vinci's blueprints. Rochefort then reveals that he has Constance, and threatens to kill her if they don't hand over the necklace. D'Artagnan agrees to exchange the necklace for Constance, with whom he is infatuated, but Rochefort knocks him out and captures him as soon as the necklace is in his possession. Rochefort then proceeds to attack the Musketeers' ship, at first gaining the upper hand due to the superior weaponry and armor of his airship. However, the Musketeers lure Rochefort into a storm cloud, burst the balloon of airship and make the ship crash into the Notre Dame Cathedral. On the roof, D'Artagnan duels and stabs Rochefort, who falls to his death. Meanwhile, Constance returns the necklace to Queen Anne.

The Musketeers arrive at the ball in Buckingham's now burning airship. However, for the sake of King Louis and his people, they claim that Richelieu had it built for the king, but an attempt was made by Rochefort to sabotage it, also showing King Louis the authorization Richelieu had given Milady, pretending that it was given to them. The King then congratulates the Musketeers, and thanks D'Artagnan, who he sees as his best friend, for everything. Richelieu, impressed by how the Musketeers handled the situation, offers them places in his employ, but they refuse. Richelieu threatens them by saying they will one day regret their choices, but they laugh him off. As Louis and Anne dance, D'Artagnan and Constance kiss. The Musketeers then leave, promising that they will protect France as Musketeers when they are needed.

At sea, Milady (who survived her fall) is rescued by Buckingham, who reveals that he knows that she was working for Richelieu and says that he is going to fight against France. The camera backs away and shows Buckingham advancing towards France's shore with a massive fleet of battleships and airships.

 L² Scored: 9.5/10

L² Comment:

Love this movie, but too bad i didnt watch it on the big screen few years ago, wondering when will the sequel be out... The whole storyline and the way the film was shoot is marvelous, love the scenery and the make up as well as the costume. Looking forward on the next movie :)

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

 Released Year: 2001

Directed by Peter Jackson

Casted by:

Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins

 Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn

 Sean Astin as Samwise "Sam" Gamgee

 Billy Boyd as Peregrin "Pippin" Took

 Dominic Monaghan as Meriadoc "Merry" Brandybuck

 Ian McKellen as Gandalf the Grey

 John Rhys-Davies as Gimli

 Orlando Bloom as Legolas

 Christopher Lee as Saruman the White

 Sean Bean as Boromir

 Liv Tyler as Arwen

 Cate Blanchett as Galadriel

 Story:

  In the Second Age, the Dark Lord Sauron attempts to conquer Middle-Earth using his One Ring. In battle against the Elves and Men, Prince Isildur cuts the Ring from Sauron's hand, destroying his physical form and vanquishing his army. However, Sauron's "life force" is bound to the Ring, allowing him to survive while the Ring remains. Isildur, corrupted by the Ring's power, refuses to destroy it. When Isildur is killed by Orcs, the Ring is lost in a river for 2,500 years. The Ring is found by Gollum, who possesses it for centuries until it is found by the Hobbit Bilbo Baggins.

Sixty years later, Bilbo leaves the Ring to his nephew, Frodo Baggins. Upon learning that the Ring belonged to Sauron, the Wizard Gandalf the Grey warns Frodo that Sauron's forces will come for him. Gandalf catches Frodo's gardener Samwise Gamgee eavesdropping underneath a window and sends him with Frodo to leave the Shire. Gandalf rides to Isengard to meet with the head of his order, Saruman the White, who reveals that Sauron's servants, the Nazgûl, have been sent to capture the Ring. Saruman reveals himself to be in service to Sauron, and imprisons Gandalf atop his tower. Saruman commands Sauron's Orcs to construct weapons of war and produce a new breed of Orc fighters: the Uruk-hai.

While traveling to Bree, Frodo and Sam are joined by Merry and Pippin, and are nearly captured by the Nazgûl. At the Inn of the Prancing Pony, Frodo meets the mysterious ranger Aragorn, who hides them from their pursuers and agrees to lead them to Rivendell. During the journey they are attacked by the Nazgûl. Aragorn fights off the creatures, but Frodo is wounded by their morgul blade, which will turn him into a wraith. While chased by the Nazgûl, Frodo is saved by the Elf Arwen who uses her magic to summon a surge of water that sweeps away the pursuing Nazgûl. Arwen takes Frodo to Rivendell where he is healed by her father, Elrond. Gandalf escapes Saruman's tower with the aid of Gwaihir the eagle and travels to Rivendell. Elrond calls a council of the races still loyal to Middle-earth to decide what should be done with the Ring. It is revealed that the Ring can only be destroyed by throwing it into the fires of Mount Doom, where it was forged. Frodo volunteers to take the Ring, accompanied by Sam, Merry, Pippin, Gandalf, and Aragorn. They are joined by the Elf Legolas, the Dwarf Gimli, and Boromir, man of Gondor, to form the Fellowship of the Ring.

The Fellowship set out but are hindered by Saruman's magic. They travel through the dwarf Mines of Moria. Inside, they find that Orcs have overrun the mines and slain the Dwarves; they also realize that Gollum is following them, determined to reclaim the Ring. The Fellowship is attacked by Orcs and a Balrog, an ancient demon of fire and shadow. Gandalf confronts the Balrog, allowing the others to escape, but both Gandalf and the Balrog fall into an abyss. Mourning Gandalf's death, the group flees to Lothlórien, where they are sheltered by its rulers, the Elves Galadriel and Celeborn. That night, Galadriel informs Frodo that it is his destiny to destroy the Ring. The Fellowship continue their journey. Meanwhile, Saruman assembles a force of Uruk-hai to hunt the Fellowship.

After arriving at Parth Galen, Boromir gives in to the Ring's corruption and tries to take it from Frodo, believing that it is the only way to save his realm. Frodo manages to escape by wearing the Ring and becoming invisible. Boromir realizes what he has done, and attempts to find Frodo, who decides to continue his journey alone, heeding Galadriel's warning that the Ring will eventually corrupt the other members of the Fellowship. The Uruk-hai arrive and Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli attempt to hold them off while Frodo escapes. Merry and Pippin lead the Orcs away from Frodo and are nearly killed. Boromir tries to save them, but in the process is shot fatally by the Uruk-Hai leader, Lurtz. The Uruk-Hai capture Merry and Pippin. Aragorn slays Lurtz and tends to a dying Boromir, and promises him that the world of men will not fall. Boromir dies with Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas by his side.

Sam finds Frodo, who reluctantly lets Sam join him. Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli set out to rescue Merry and Pippin. As Frodo and Sam gaze out at the land before them, they grieve over the others. Frodo says that he is glad that Sam is with him and the two Hobbits set off towards Mordor.

  L² Scored: 10/10

L² Comment:

This is the ultimate epic film which i believe is the ever best series of movie in this century. It was nominated for Oscar best picture, but loss to A Beautiful Mind that year. However, this is the first movie for the series and it definitely hit the blockbuster during that time. The storyline, the soundtrack, the actors & actresses, all of them are flawless. Love Elijah Wood the most, i never saw any other of his movie before this, but he definitely is attractive and cute enough to make my saliva drooling. Orlando Bloom of course make his big hit after this movie with his cute face. But what attracted me the most is Cate Blanchett. Woo~ she's so goddess, i almost fall for her~ 

Troy

Released Year: 2004
Directed by Wolfgang Petersen

Casted by:
Brad Pitt as Achilles
Eric Bana as Hector
Orlando Bloom as Paris
Diane Kruger as Helen
Rose Byrne as Briseis
Peter O'Toole as King Priam
Brian Cox as King Agamemnon
Story:

King Agamemnon lead the Greece to conquer a lot of places with the join forces with Troy and their best warrior Achilles. Back in the Sparta, Menelaus celebrate their victory with the 2 troy's prince, Prince Hector and Prince Paris. Paris has been having an affair with Menelaus' wife Helena "Helen" and brought her away back to Troy on the next morning. Hector wanna send Helen back to Sparta to avoid war between the 2 countries but Paris insists to go back with Helen and force Hector no choice but to bring everyone back to Troy.

Back in Troy, King Priam accepted Helen to be in Troy and believe the Troy's wall can defense any attack. On the next day, King Agamemnon & King Menelaus already led 1000 ships of warriors to attack. First ship is by Achilles and he succeeded to won the first war and Hector's cousin sister Briseis was caught. On the next morning, King Menelaus fight with Paris and Paris cowardly ran away and Hector killed Menelaus. This pissed off Agamemnon and he wanted to take over Troy.

Achilles safe Briseis when the warriors wanted to rape her, brought Briseis back to his own camp, Achilles has sex with Briseis instead. On the next war, Hector has scared off the Greece's warriors by his braveness and King Agamemnon wanted Achilles to fight for Greece. But falling in love with Briseis, Achilles refused to help. But Achilles' cousin Patroclus pretend to be Achilles and lead the team to fight with Hector. Hector cut off Patroclus' throat and only realize that is not Achilles but just only a teenager. Achilles get angry and ignore Briseis' beg and went to fight with Hector.

One to one, Hector lost to Achilles and stab to die. But the night before the fight, Hector inform his wife Andromache to lead the people to run through a tunnel if Troy is attack by Greece. Although Hector was killed, but Greece is still unable to went into Troy. Greece then make a wooden trojan horse for Troy with warriors hidden inside. The silly King Priam thought the Greece has give up the attack due to the protection of Apollo and took the big trojan horse in the city and celebrate. At night, the Greece sneak out from the horse and slave the whole city. Andromache led the people away from the tunnel together with Helen.

Achilles went in to safe Briseis before the spartans got her. Paris shot Achilles' heel with an arrow. The weakness of Achilles' strength and he cannot stand and fight anymore. Paris shot a few arrow and took Achilles' life.

L² Scored: 6.5/10

L² Comment:

The only selling point of this movie is the 3 hot guy's sexy body, Diane Kruger's juicy breast and nothing at all. Seriously, i don't know who write the dialogue, its dumb and stupid. They spend so much on the production and actors, but why can't they write better dialogue and script?

But based on the true story, Helen of troy is same like Chan Yuan Yuan (陈圆圆) in dynasty Ming. Both woman has caused an empire to be vanished because of their beauty. And i found it quite silly an unacceptable...

The basically the 6.5 i gave is for Eric Bana 2 + Orlando Bloom 2 + Brad Pitt 2.5

p/s: Achilles Heel - Deadly weakness in spite of overall strength, that can actually or potentially lead to downfall (wikipedia)