Troperiffic Tuesday!: One Steve Limit

Chick 1 says:

This week’s trope is once again an example of how the world of fiction often doesn’t (and possibly shouldn’t) mirror the real world. Ever notice how in most books, TV shows, and movies no one has the same name? But in the real world people share first, last, or both names all the time. There is a very important reason that it doesn’t happen often in fiction; it’s confusing.

When you are creating a story and the universe in which your characters will live, everything is completely new to your audience, even if the plot takes place in modern day America. And there are a lot of details to keep track of. Having two characters with the same name or even similar sounding names, even if it is more realistic, will just muddy the waters. (Anyone else wonder in Lord of the Rings if they were talking about Sauron or Saruman?) Thus almost all fictional works have a One Steve Limit. Read more

Posted on October 2, 2012 by Chick 1 in Tropes 205 Comments

Troperiffic Tuesday!: The Almighty MacGuffin

Chick 1 says:

What do the Ark of the Covenant, the Maltese Falcon, and Unobtanium all have in common? They are all versions of the MacGuffin, one of the most commonly used tropes of all time. The MacGuffin is simply what they are after; what the hero is chasing, trying to find, or trying to protect.

The MacGuffin has been a trope in stories for as long as there have been stories (see the Golden Fleece in Jason and the Argonauts) but it was first given its name by Alfred Hitchcock who credited one of his screenwriters with the term. The MacGuffin is the external motivation for the hero’s journey but has little to do with the hero’s actual character arc. In its purest form, the MacGuffin could be replaced with any other item and the story would remain essentially the same. Read more

Posted on September 12, 2012 by Chick 1 in Tropes 122 Comments

Troperiffic Tuesday!: Big Damn Heroes

Chick 1 says:

It’s the moment we go to the movies to see; the Damsel in Distress, or the Mentor, or the Innocent Bystander is about to be killed by the Big Bad, but at the very last second the lead bursts in and saves the day, making him the Big Damn Hero!

The entrance of the Big Damn Heroes is one of the most popular tropes in movies today, especially big blockbuster popcorn movies. It creates a huge rush of adrenaline and rightly so. As conflict is the heart of all drama, waiting until the last minute to rescue the victim makes maximum use of this tension. And it’s usually accompanied by a swell in the music. Read more

Posted on July 31, 2012 by Chick 1 in Tropes 4,746 Comments

Quote of the Week

The coming of Merry and Pippin will be as the falling of small stones that starts an avalanche in the mountains.

Gandalf (Ian McKellan)

The Two Towers (2002)

Posted on July 29, 2012 by Chick 1 in Movie Quotes 95 Comments

Troperiffic Tuesday: Took a Level in Badass

Chick 1 says:

This week on Troperiffic Tuesday we take a look at one of my all time favorite tropes, an oldie but a goodie. I love it because it nearly always evokes an emotional response from me and most audience members. Let’s discuss Took a Level in Badass.

See that person standing in the corner over there? You didn’t? Oh right, because you were watching the hero. Well, wait until the third act when the hero is about to be killed and that wallflower decides to kick somebody’s teeth in so the hero can complete his quest. Yea, that moment will stay with you. And that is the essence of Took a Level in Badass. Read more

Posted on June 6, 2012 by Chick 1 in Tropes 1,068 Comments

Quote of the Week

I go to my fathers, in whose mighty company I shall now not feel ashamed.

Theoden (Bernard Hill)

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

Posted on January 1, 2012 by Chick 1 in Movie Quotes Leave a comment

Quote of the Week

Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.

Galadriel (Cate Blanchett)

The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

Posted on June 23, 2011 by Chick 1 in Movie Quotes 228 Comments

I Can’t Wait!: The Hobbit

Chick 1 says:

In case you didn’t know, they are currently filming J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit in New Zealand. After several years of pre-production woes, lawsuits, and a revolving door of directors, filming finally started in March. Peter Jackson, who was originally slated as producer, is directing. All is well with the world. The man who spent more than a decade bringing The Lord of the Rings Trilogy to the screen should be in charge of its prequel. The Lord of the Rings had a huge impact on me creatively, spiritually, and in many other ways. The commitment, passion, craftsmanship, and excellence poured into that story is inspiring. And it appears the same care is being taken with The Hobbit. As proof, I offer this squeal-inducing video published on The Hobbit Blog a few months ago which you can watch here.

I’m happy to report that a huge number of the original cast are returning, at least appropriate cast. Read more

Posted on June 23, 2011 by Chick 1 in I Can't Wait! 149 Comments

I Can’t Wait: 2009 is Chick 1′s Year to Geek Out

Chick 1 says:

2008 was a great year for movies, especially if you like popcorn entertainment like I do. Superheros continued to rise to new levels. There were some great animated pictures, and a variety of smaller smart films. But 2009 is poised to be the year that my geekiness reaches new levels of its own.

It’s already difficult for me to deny my geekdom. I love almost anything in the fantasy/scifi genre. I’m a huge Harry Potter & Lord of the Rings fan. I’ve even read Lord of the Rings fanfiction. (Shut up! and give me back my bookbag!) But look at the geek line up of huge tentpole movies coming out in 2009: Read more

Posted on January 30, 2009 by Chick 1 in I Can't Wait! 73 Comments