Of all the documentaries devoted to J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy classic, Ringers: Lord of the Fans is the first and only one to respectfully honor the good-natured depth and breadth of Lord of ...( read more
) fandom. Like Peter Jackson with his phenomenal Lord of the Rings film trilogy, director Carlene Cordova and cowriter Cliff Broadway (cofounders of theonering.net, the definitive LOTR fan site) were the perfect team to create this wildly entertaining tribute. The film's globetrotting ambition is constantly impressive, but Ringers remains keenly focused on its lively exploration of Rings fan devotion, presented here with a flawless combination of informative objectivity and insider enthusiasm. From the inspiration behind Tolkien's Middle-earth and the immediate success of The Hobbit upon its 1937 publication, to the hippie embrace of Rings mythology in the late 1960s and the revival of fandom in the wake of Jackson's trilogy, Ringers (the accepted nickname of devotees) has it all: Influential authors such as Clive Barker, Terry Pratchett, and Terry Brooks offer their Rings-related insights along with such Tolkien-inspired musicians as Rush's Geddy Lee and Motorhead's Lenny Kilmister, and literally hundreds of fans provide affectionate testimonials to the source of their devotion. Peter Jackson and most of the LOTR trilogy's primary cast are also included in the constant flow of interviews.
Dedicated to Tolkien as a valentine by smart and dedicated fans, the film generates its own infectious goodwill; it's so fun to watch that even non-fans will concede (to borrow a phrase from another world of fandom) that resistance is futile. (Oh, and speaking of Star Trek, the vintage clip of Leonard Nimoy singing his novelty hit "Bilbo Baggins" is absolutely priceless.) Actor Dominic Monaghan ("Merry" from Jackson's trilogy, before joining the ensemble cast of Lost) perfectly delivers the film's eloquent narration, which runs the LOTR gamut from intellectual appreciation to the hilarious eccentricities of über-fan obsession. Unfailingly noble in spirit and delightfully comprehensive, Ringers is a collector's gift that can proudly stand alongside Tolkien's books and Jackson's timeless movie trilogy. --Jeff Shannon
DVD Release Date: November 22, 2005
Stats: 128 reviews
Tolkien fan that I am, I enjoyed the documentary's comprehensive appreciation for the history of the material it honors, and the joy with which it was made.
I just wanted to see uber-dorks dressed up like Gandolf the Gay, speaking elvish, and neglecting the ever present reality that everyone else lives in, but I got a documentary on how Tolkien's work has worked its way into modern pop-culture. Boring....
it wasn't that bad for a doc. I liked seeing all the slightly crazy people in their costumes. I liked the interviews with the stars of the movies. the only thing I really disliked is the "groovy transitions" for each decade they were talking about...
This doc made me feel like a...( read more)
A pretty good doc about the LoTR through the ages. It's not really about the movies but more about the cultural impact the books have had on the world since first being published.
I learned a lot about the journey to the big screen and recommend this to people who are fans of th...( read more)
An uneven tale of the books and movies and the impact they have had and do have on society. Parts were quite good; parts were very slow and frivolous.
Documenting the zeal of Tolkien fans. Generally entertaining but a rather middling Middle Earth excursion.
great to see a documentary about how this amazing story has influenced so many people.
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I don't know why, but I put off buying this for ages. I kept seeing it in the stores, mocking me. I even picked it up once, intent on purchasing it, but ended up putting it back down. Finally I gave in and brought the damn thing. It was interesting enough, if a bit odd. I mean, as if us LotR fans need another reason to look geekish. But, it WAS worth this 15 bucks to see the cast interviews & that guy ranting on about how it should rain The Lord of the Rings.
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Ringers: Lord of the Fans - Rock & Ringers
Ringers: Lord of the Fans - Dominic Monaghan Interview Clip
Ringers: Lord of the Fans - LotR Tattoos
Ringers: Lord of the Fans Sing Along
Ringers: Lord of the Fans - Extra Andy Serkis Interview Clip
Ringers: Lord of the Fans - Extra Billy Boyd Interview Clip
