Knighthoods Bestowed On Patrick Stewart and Peter Jackson

I would normally have something very witty to say in my opening sentence, but not in this case, this is too big an honor for two individuals who truly deserve it. Yorkshire England native, Patrick Stewart who is best known for his role on the television show and in movies as Capt. Jean-Luc Picard of "Star Trek: The Next Generation" – has been given the great honor of knight in Queen Elizabeth II's New Year honors list. Patrick Stewart may now add the title of "Sir" to the beginning of his name. The 69-year-old actor only recently returned to the British West End following a long career in Hollywood and on Broadway. The writer and director Peter Jackson was also Knighted in his homeland of New Zealand where the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy was filmed and won a total of 17 Academy Awards a few years ago. The title of Knight is approved by the queen, the country's head of state. As a total geek to the sci-fi and fantasy genre, I would like to extend our congratulations from those of us here at SciFiPundit, to both of these gentlemen for their outstanding work and their contributions to both stage and screen. And for those who do not know the rules of knighthood here is how it goes. In descending order, the honors are knighthoods, CBE, OBE and MBE. These honors are bestowed by the queen, but recipients are selected by committees of civil servants from nominations made by the government and the public. Knights are addressed as "sir" or "dame." Recipients of CBEs, OBEs and MBEs have no title but can put the letters after their names.

"Iron Man 2" Will Be Gold In Theaters This Summer

So I see promotions and trailers for this summers' film releases have begun with the Christmas season movies. I recently had the opportunity to see the newest trailer for "Iron Man 2" with Robert Downey Jr. reprising the role as industrialist playboy and super genius engineer Tony Stark/ Iron Man due out this summer and I must say I was pleasantly surprised in what I saw. I think fans of the first movie as well as readers of the comics will like what's in store. I will say that Robert Downey Jr. continues to impress me as a character, seeing him in the Soloist with Jamie Foxx this past year. I have my doubts that anyone else could have played the part Tony Stark any better. (Also looking forward to seeing him play the lead in the new "Sherlock Holmes" movie with Jude Law as "Dr Watson" and directed by Guy Ritchie). Mickey Rourke has taken up the gauntlet to play the newest villain "Whiplash" and the wonderful actor Don Cheadle will be playing Tony Starks friend, Col. James Rhodes/ "War Machine". If none of these character names from the comics ring a bell, you're either not a fan of the comics and movies or you will need to read up on your "Ironman" comics to refresh your memory. I have heard rumors from sources that one or possibly two other Marvel super heroes may make an appearance. So get ready for a rocking summer at the movies just don’t go setting up your tents at the theaters yet.

Move Over Peter Jackson, Fans Make Own LOTR Film

Some months ago (I know I am late on this post) I was asked to watch a well made 40 minute fan film titled the (The Hunt For Gollum) A film that has been picked for a showing at the Israel International SF Festival this past September and the Festival du Cinema Nouveau in Montreal Canada in October of 2009 and plenty of other places around the world. In the films first months release it attracted over 2 million viewers to the and well over 3.2 million after 3 months on both Dailymotion and You Tube for free viewing. The film was funded entirely by the film makers and made by dedicated fans of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien. I will say this, I think it is one of the best impendent films I have had the pleasure of watching in the last few years. I know my praise of this film is late in coming but it is here now and so are my thanks to the folks who put their time and energy into making it. I recently was told that as of December 2009, a second film is now out, titled "Born of Hope". So go find it on You Tube, where ever you watch vids and let me know what you think here at ScifiPundit.com