Did Fantasy Movies Fail To Make A Resurgence?

Posted on October 27, 2006 by John DeNardo in Movies // 6 Comments

Another thought-provoking read from The Movie Blog’s John Campea – Lord Of The Rings – Why Fantasy Failed To Make A Resurgence – in which he says that Lord of the Rings: Return of the King made it more difficult for fantasy films to be produced. A sampling:

Many people suggested that the massive success of ROTK would OPEN THE DOOR to the fantasy genre for studios. Seems to make sense right? The problem for fantasy, is that ROTK was a little TOO SUCCESSFUL. ROTK didn’t swing the door open for fantasy…it slammed the door shut.

He does note the success of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (writing it off as fairy tale instead of fantasy) and the upcoming Eragon which he notes that people are already dismissing it as a LOTR knock-off based on conjecture.

Surely the Harry Potter films could be added to that list of successful fantasy films. As for Eragon, I’ve read it and while I thought it was a very entertaining book, it clearly uses the same plot outline as LOTR, and even Star Wars (as noted in the review).

Fred Kiesche // October 27, 2006 at 4:11 am //

Oh, nooooooooo!!!! He mentioned **that** **book** and left the comments section open. Let the parade of smiley-laden commentaries continue!

Scott // October 27, 2006 at 8:20 am //

Ack John?!?! Why would you do that!?!

It’s his way of getting back at me for locking that other post ;).

John // October 27, 2006 at 8:22 am //

Wha…? Don’t worry, it’s still locked for comments. I checked before I posted to be sure. Try refreshing your browser cache, noobs.

Trent // October 27, 2006 at 11:31 am //

:):D(6):-@:-P:-S:^)(H);-):-$|-):O:(8o|

Sorry Fred but when someone says “push this button” I can’t resist.

OK, on point:

LOTR worked because the average joe moviegoer acknowledes (or is at least aware) that LOTR earned the respect that a lot of fantasy novels never get, and that somehow justified their attendance when I am sure that Eragon will draw only those who have read the book.

Fantasy movies only succeed if the actors take the material seriously. Look no further than the Conan movie for confirmation of this. The first Conan, very serious, dark and brooding film. The second and third Conan, campy hack and slash romp. The Highlander movies, same thing.

LOTR would have tanked with anyone other than Jackson at the helm.

Scott // October 27, 2006 at 3:17 pm //

He (and I) meant that now this thread would become the haven for smiley-comments. :-@