The Real Reason

Aha!  I knew the world wasn't going to end in December 2012.  Some silly people have been predicting death and destruction for this coming December simply because the ancient Mayan calendar ends then.  Well, I've discovered the true reason the Mayans ended their calendar in December 2012:

As a huge fan of J.R.R. Tolkien's books and The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy, I am beside myself with anticipation.  The Hobbit, which is the prequel to The Lord of the Rings, is being filmed and due to be released on December 14th.  Better yet, it is being produced and directed by Peter Jackson, who did such an awesome job of bringing Tolkien's work to life in the Rings movies.  He is the only filmmaker who has ever successfully captured Tolkien's vision of Middle Earth and her people.

The first official movie poster.

I love The Hobbit so much that I teach the novel in one of my English classes every year.  My students are excited to see the new film almost as much as I am!

Bilbo Baggins and thirteen Dwarves set out to have an adventure.

For the uninitiated, here is my synopsis of The Hobbit: 

Stalwart little hobbit Bilbo Baggins becomes a reluctant participant on an adventure orchestrated by venerable wizard Gandalf the Grey.  At the end of an expedition involving flesh-eating trolls, brutish Orcs (goblins), evil wolves known as wargs, giant talking eagles and spiders, a shape-shifting man-bear, and a treasure-stealing dragon, Bilbo returns to the tranquil town of Hobbiton in the Shire with two small chests of gold and silver and a wealth of experience.  During the course of his journey--which he documents in a book he entitles There and Back Again, a Hobbit's Holiday--Bilbo saves the day for his thirteen Dwarvish traveling companions on numerous occasions and becomes acquainted with several Elves, whom he loves and admires.  Of even more profound consequence, while seeking to escape from a nasty, murderous creature called Gollum, Bilbo finds a mysterious gold ring that renders him invisible, although neither he nor the wizard Gandalf are aware of the ring's dark significance in this chapter of the tale.

Gandalf the Grey

I believe the book is actually being made into two movies.  While it will be tough to wait for the second installment, I'm glad to know Jackson is going to take the time to do it up right.  There are too many good tales to be told and they must not be rushed!

Have a look at the official movie trailer below.  I am so excited!!