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The Multigenerational Workforce: Do Writing Teachers Need Better Training to Serve Today's Students?
We've been wrapped up so long in Johnny and Jane's inability to write that we have missed the point: Our best hope is an overhaul of teacher preparation.
Wilma Davidson, Ed.D., Instructor, Professional and Technical Communication; Laura Hoffman, M.A., Director, Institutional Research and Effectiveness; and Thorold (Tod) Roberts, A.B.D., Instructor, Professional and Technical Communication, University of So
In 2014, we surveyed more than 250 working professionals about their insights into their own workplace writing. After analyzing the responses, we suggested pragmatic ways for college students and others to improve their business and technical correspondence. (See "Get It In Writing: New Survey Reveals Paradoxes About Workplace Writers" at https://writingcommons.org.) Among the results showcased then was the indication that working professionals bounce between a mix of uneasiness and confidence when they write—and they ultimately still struggle to define and deliver their messages to others.
As a result of that study, we wanted to know more:
Were responses skewed by age?
What effect did the available technology and apps have on writing effectiveness and ease of writing?
Was writing instruction received in high schoolor in college adequate for writing in the workplace?
We added questions to the original survey to discover whether age or perceptions of high school and college writing instruction played a significant role in the participants' perceptions of their writing.
Survey Demographics
The 26-question survey was completed by a mix of 247 professionals fitting this profile:
Males and females
Ages 21 to 60-plus
Employed from several weeks to more than 30 years
College graduates (earners of Bachelor's, Master's, or doctorate degrees)
All levels of management
Employed at global companies that range in annual revenue from $2 billion to $40 billion
Representing varied industries such as consumer products, pharmaceuticals, technology
Representing varied business functions such as accounting, engineering, communications, sales, marketing, finance, training, research and development, and information technology (IT)
From many locations throughout the U.S.
Our findings replicate, in many instances, the findings of the 2014 study. Most intriguing, however, were these results:
Millennials (workers under age 30) rated their writing expertise slightly higher than older workers (30-plus) in several categories (see summary table below). Most notable were the statistically significant differences in the under-30 respondents' perceptions of their 1) Being able to say what they want in few words; and 2) Choosing correct punctuation. These findings raised the question of whether this generation of workers grew up having a more positive attitude about themselves because they appeared less self-critical than the over-30 crowd. Still, only 46 percent of all workplace writers rated themselves as writing well.
Those in all age categories (under 30, 30 to 50, and over 50) still struggle with getting started, feeling confident about, and being satisfied with their writing. This makes us wonder what their teachers did—or didn't do—to build their students' sense of authorship and self-confidence.
While the majority of those in all age categories use the computer to get started, only 25 percent take advantage of Siri and other apps that invite workplace writers to have their talk transcribed immediately into text from the computer, tablet, phone, and even smartwatch! This percentage is up significantly from the 4 percent in the 2014 survey who avail themselves of speech-to-text technology, but one might expect tech-savvy Millennials raised to expect instant gratification to be "talking text" in even greater numbers just to save time.
Only 35 percent of all respondents seek feedback from others on their writing. This leads us to ask whether the nature of today's "workplace" is partially responsible. Many people work remotely without access to a colleague in the next office or without the wise habit of always having another pair of eyes review their work. Even though Millennials are team oriented, they do not seem to transfer this to having part of their team review their written work.
More than 50 percent of all respondents said the writing instruction received in college was adequate, but this leads us to ask why 50 percent said it wasn't.
Only 26 percent of all respondents perceived the writing instruction they received in high school to be adequate, but this leaves 75 percent saying or implying it was not.
These findings, across all age groups, led us to look not so much at the individual responses of the nearly 250 survey participants but rather at how their perceptions as a group reflect the quality of writing instruction across the United States. The survey findings reported by us in 2014 and again in 2018 support a need for improvement in writing instruction that will reverse the well-documented and dismaying decline in writing skills—in both academic settings and corporate offices.
Implications of the Findings
That writing quality has declined already has been well-documented elsewhere. Research conducted by the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AACU) and the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) has reported that more than 75 percent of employers want a stronger focus on written communication skills at the college level—they want future workers to master writing skills that can transfer easily out of the classroom to the workplace. But becoming an able writer should start much earlier.
The National Association of Education Progress (NAEP), in its 2011 "report card" to the nation, reported that only 27 percent of 8thand 12thgraders were considered proficient writers. Further, they reported that 40 percent of those taking the ACT exam are incapable of successfully completing a college-level English composition course.
Why do such results continue to occur?
Getting Closer to the Root Cause
Although we initially thought our hypothesis might lead us to see significant differences in writing perceptions based on respondents' age, we found only a few responses that seemed to correlate with age. We realized the reason "Johnny and Jane can't write" may not lie with the responders to our survey, but with their past teachers, with teacher quality, and with teacher preparation. To support our speculation, we present these observations:
The Carnegie Institute's Writing Next (2007) concludes that many teachers lack the formal preparation needed to teach writing and modeling of effective communication.
The 2016 National Study of Writing Instruction in Teacher Education Programs similarly reports a lack of attention to teacher preparation. https://scholarworks.boisestate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https://search.yahoo.com/&httpsredir=1&article=1169&context=cifs_facpubs
Lack of teacher self-confidence may belie the motivation to teach writing as does a teacher's attitude toward the teaching of writing. Without self-confidence and a positive attitude about their mission, teachers can't inspire their students. This lack of teacher self-confidence about and positive attitude toward writing spreads beyond the English teacher. Every subject matter teacher must model and value the written word for students to be truly inspired.
The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) found little evidence in a 2016 survey of 2,400 teachers' syllabi that teaching of writing was being covered in a widespread or significant way. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/02/education/edlife/writing-education-grammar-students-children.html
A separate 2016 study of 500 teachers, conducted by Gary Troia of Michigan State and Steve Graham of Arizona State University found that fewer than half the teachers had taken a methods course in the teaching of writing, and fewer than a third had taken a class devoted to how children learn to write. It is no surprise, given this data, that only 55 percent of teachers responding said they enjoyed teaching writing. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/02/education/edlife/writing-education-grammar-students-children.html
Nearly 75 percentof teachers say writing instruction is embedded in their reading courses, but that there are few methods courses devoted to the teaching of writing and there is little time to teach writing in the classroom. https://scholarworks.boisestate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https://search.yahoo.com/&httpsredir=1&article=1169&context=cifs_facpubs
Importantly, where are the methods courses for teachers to help students learn to write before they enter the workplace? In February 2016, NCTE prepared a Position Statement offering guidelines on Professional Knowledge for the Teaching of Writing. Have these been acted upon?
Additionally, a search of high school English offerings will show literature, film, journalism, and creative writing classes. But are there any business writing classes where students can learn to write for real purposes to real audiences?
Where do students learn to pay attention to their audience's information needs, to use better editing strategies, to provide and offer feedback to others? They have been used to writing to please the teacher for a grade but for no pragmaticpurpose, and they have little opportunity for feedback beyond correction of mistakes.
Where do teachers learn to recognize and model good writing and give useful feedback? Assigning writing and correcting errors is not the same as teaching writing.
Teachers themselves need courses in professional writing and in the teaching of such writing. If there is a stigma attached to "business writing" as a genre less worthy than "academic writing," then that stigma needs to be overcome. Students and their future employers should be able to communicate in both traditional written composition and in modern digital technology with clients, customers, staff, and managers. We believe this mission deserves attention at the highest levels in college departments of education, liberal arts, business, and the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields.
It's not that students are poor writers. Many simply haven't been prepared to do the kind of writing needed in their futures. We've been wrapped up so long in Johnny and Jane's inability to write that we have missed the point: Our best hope is an overhaul of teacher preparation.
In addition to being an instructor of Professional and Technical Communication at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, Wilma Davidson, Ed.D., is president of communications consulting firm Davidson & Associates. She works with a wide range of Fortune 500 companies to overcome the written and oral communication challenges confronting them. Additionally, she has authored several books on the art of communicating, including "The Third Revision: Business Writing: What Works, What Won't."
Laura Hoffman, M.A., currently serves as director of Institutional Research and Effectiveness at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee. Hoffman has responsibility for decision support, institutional effectiveness, and federal/state/local reporting. She holds a Master's degree in Educational Research and Measurement and is a doctoral student in the USF College of Education working on her dissertation.
Thorold (Tod) Roberts, A.B.D., is an instructor of Professional and Technical Communication at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee. He has combined his academic training in literature and language with a 40-year career as a teacher, professional writer, editor, and consultant serving employers and clients in management consulting and other professional disciplines. His publications range from military history to technical studies in accounting, architecture, corporate logistics, and information technology.


If you like your cooking shows served with a medicinal dose of weed jokes, you're in luck: lifestyle empire-builder Martha Stewart and rapper Snoop Dogg will be joining forces for a new VH1 cooking series that's tentatively titled Martha and Snoop's Dinner Party. One imagines that title will change to some weed-related pun that a roomful of VH1 executives haven't had the time to figure out yet. Maybe Munchies with Aunt Martha and Uncle Snoop?
As Variety reports, the show, which is set to premiere this fall, will combine the Connecticut branding queenpin's love of cooking with the California rapper's love of inserting himself into random things you are watching on TV and making them more enjoyable.
One assumes the show will be like IFC's Dinner for Five, but instead of Jon Favreau holding court as Michael Rapaport and Jay Mohr trade insults, you'll have Martha and Snoop shooting potshots at each other and cooking as other celebrities drop in. Pray for a Bieber cameo.
Dan Jackson is a staff writer at Thrillist Entertainment. He's on Twitter: @danielvjackson.


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Home Music Album Reviews
September 1, 2011 5:45PM ET
Jody Rosen
Jody Rosen's Most Recent Stories
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Review: Young Thug's 'Jeffery' May Be Rapper's Strongest in Years
Watching the throne may be harmful to your eyes. The long-awaited, wildly hyped joint effort by Jay-Z and Kanye West has arrived at last, and it gives off a gilded glare – both from the actual cover (the deluxe CD edition, designed by Givenchy Creative Director Riccardo Tisci, comes wrapped in embossed gold Mylar) and from Jay and Kanye's lyrics: an onslaught of Rollses and Maybachs and Gulfstream jets, five-star hotels and Audemars Piguet watches. As Kanye puts it in the surging "Otis," this is "luxury rap."
Which is not to say bling rap: Jay and 'Ye (who've taken to calling themselves the Throne) may be obsessed with their own king-size lives, but the tone here is serious, sober, weighty – more "American Dreamin'" than "Big Pimpin'," more "Can't Tell Me Nothing" than "Touch the Sky." Jay-Z and Kanye aren't nouveau riche upstarts. They're hip-hop monarchs, and Watch the Throne doesn't shrink from its own hype. The songs are packed with samples of some of the most hallowed figures in African-American music – James Brown, Otis Redding, Nina Simone – and it's clear that Jay and Kanye consider those greats their peers. This is an album that takes aim at the history books.
It has a sound to match those grand pretensions. The production – spearheaded by West, with contributions by the Neptunes, Swizz Beatz, RZA and more – is vast, dark and booming. In songs like "Why I Love You," Kanye continues in the sonic vein he introduced in My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, lacing the songs with rock dynamics, layering his beats with eerie vocal chorales, piling on proggy flourishes.
Jay and Kanye bellow over the clamor, invoking sovereigns (Jesus and Caesar, Elvis and "the leader of the Jackson 5"), boasting and gloating. The punch lines come fast and furious. Jay-Z: "In sheepskin coats, I silence the lamb." Kanye: "I adopted these niggas, Phillip Drummond them/Now I'm 'bout to make 'em tuck they whole summer in." In "Illest Motherfucker Alive," Jay-Z compares himself to the Beatles – and calls Beyoncé his Yoko Ono. In "Who Gon Stop Me," Kanye cops to being racist. Why? "I only like green faces."
Jay is in particularly fine form: He's as sharp as he has been in a decade, and he shows flashes of the emotional depth that is West's calling card. In "New Day," Jay lays bare the pain of his fatherless childhood; in "Murder to Excellence" (with a turbulent beat by Swizz Beatz and S1), he places his success in a wider sociopolitical frame: "Only spot a few blacks the higher I go/What's up to Will/Shout-out to O/That ain't enough/We gon' need a million more/Kick in the door."
Such moments are too scarce on Watch the Throne: More often we hear about "big rocks" and "gold bottles" – which, by the way, rhymes with "scold models." In the midst of an early 21st-century Great Recession, the vicarious experience of opulence may be enough for Jay's and Kanye's millions of fans. But on a record this ambitious, this sonically bold, it's a shame two of music's greatest storytellers don't extend their gaze beyond their own luxe lives.
Listen to "Otis":
• Photos: Jay-Z and Kanye West's 'Watch the Throne' Artwork
• Kanye West and Jay-Z's 'Watch the Throne': A Track-by-Track Breakdown
• Givenchy's Riccardo Tisci Unveils Album Art for Jay-Z and Kanye West's 'Watch The Throne'
• Jay-Z and Kanye West Avoid 'Watch the Throne' Leak
• Video: Jay-Z and Kanye West Perform "H.A.M." Live in Austin
In This Article: Jay-Z,	Jay-Z and Kanye West,	Kanye West,	Watch the Throne

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
package com.joescii

package typeprog {
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    def not:BoolVal
    def or(that:BoolVal):BoolVal
  }

  case object TrueVal extends BoolVal {
    override val not = FalseVal
    override def or(that:BoolVal) = TrueVal
  }

  case object FalseVal extends BoolVal {
    override val not = TrueVal
    override def or(that:BoolVal) = that
  }
}

package typeprog2 {
  sealed trait BoolVal
  case object TrueVal extends BoolVal
  case object FalseVal extends BoolVal
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Showing best popular movies like The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey:
Want more independent & international films similar to The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey?
Adventure, Family, Fantasy
Bilbo Baggins is swept into a quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakenshield. Their journey will ta…ke them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers. Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever ... Gollum. Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of guile and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum's "precious" ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities ... A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know. (Read More)
Themes: courage, monster
Locations: tunnel, cave, castle, forest
Characters: warrior
Story: wizard, ring, journey, fire breathing dragon, middle earth, hobbit, close up of eye, giant bird, stolen treasure, buried treasure, pile of gold, gold coin, smoke ring, magical ring, running on a bridge, bridge collapse, dragon, mountain, sword and sorcery, sword fight, cooking over a campfire, underground lake, unexpected guests, actor reprises previous role, falling down a hole, hanging from a ledge, unexpected visitor, writing memoirs, elongated cry of no, fish dinner, fictional language, crescent moon, smoking a pipe, quill pen, scenic beauty, thrush, live action remake, singer offscreen, bugler, rotisserie, fissure, underground city, rockslide, invented language, lighting a candle, necromancer, rune, diversion, beheaded, uninvited guest, orc, balladeer, footbridge, caught in the rain, looking in a window, turned to stone, ancient, running for your life, walking stick, male singer, moth, emaciation, hedgehog, prehistory, ogre, leaving home, pony, red wine, male male hug, writing a letter, arm cut off, part computer animation, riddle, prehistoric times, blacksmith, friends who live together, open ended, climbing a tree, slingshot, goblin, eagle, troll, sunrise, shot with an arrow, comic relief, amputee, eye, narrated by character, invisibility, contract, elf, younger version of character, wilhelm scream, prequel, aerial shot, butterfly, 3 dimensional, dwarf, crushed to death, animal attack, severed hand, exploding building, giant, witchcraft, treasure, quest, head butt, bow and arrow, wolf, gold, severed arm, first part, waterfall, key, five word title, king, disarming someone, severed head, map, stabbed in the chest, colon in title, bridge, stabbing, axe, good versus evil, hand to hand combat, falling from height, sword, rescue, voice over narration, fire, surprise ending, chase, explosion, based on novel, fight, flashback
Adventure, Fantasy
After successfully crossing over (and under) the Misty Mountains, Thorin and Company must seek aid from a powerful stranger before taking on the dangers of Mirkwood Forest--without their Wizard. If they reach the human settlement of Lake-town it will be time for the hobbit Bilbo Baggins to fulfill h…is contract with the dwarves. The party must complete the journey to Lonely Mountain and burglar Baggins must seek out the Secret Door that will give them access to the hoard of the dragon Smaug. And, where has Gandalf got off to? And what is his secret business to the south? (Read More)
Themes: monster
Locations: cave, castle, forest
Story: fire breathing dragon, close up of eye, pile of gold, gold coin, wizard, dragon, journey, mountain, sword and sorcery, sword fight, live action remake, thrush, singer offscreen, necromancer, hobbit, balladeer, friends who live together, open ended, climbing a tree, shot with an arrow, amputee, invisibility, contract, elf, prequel, 3 dimensional, dwarf, animal attack, giant, treasure, quest, bow and arrow, gold, waterfall, ring, key, king, severed head, map, stabbed in the chest, bridge, axe, good versus evil, hand to hand combat, falling from height, sword, rescue, fire, chase, explosion, based on novel, fight, flashback
After the Dragon leaves the Lonely Mountain, the people of Lake-town see a threat coming. Orcs, dwarves, elves and people prepare for war. Bilbo sees Thorin going mad and tries to help. Meanwhile, Gandalf is rescued from the Necromancer's prison and his rescuers realize who the Necromancer is.
Story: necromancer, mountain, giant bird, pile of gold, gold coin, bridge collapse, dragon, king, sword and sorcery, sword fight, smoking a pipe, live action remake, singer offscreen, middle earth, hobbit, orc, balladeer, ancient, friends who live together, goblin, eagle, amputee, invisibility, elf, prequel, 3 dimensional, wizard, dwarf, crushed to death, animal attack, giant, treasure, head butt, bow and arrow, gold, severed arm, ring, severed head, map, stabbed in the chest, bridge, axe, good versus evil, hand to hand combat, falling from height, sword, rescue, fire, surprise ending, explosion, based on novel, flashback, fight
Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
An ancient Ring thought lost for centuries has been found, and through a strange twist in fate has been given to a small Hobbit named Frodo. When Gandalf discovers the Ring is in fact the One Ring of the Dark Lord Sauron, Frodo must make an epic quest to the Cracks of Doom in order to destroy it! Ho…wever he does not go alone. He is joined by Gandalf, Legolas the elf, Gimli the Dwarf, Aragorn, Boromir and his three Hobbit friends Merry, Pippin and Samwise. Through mountains, snow, darkness, forests, rivers and plains, facing evil and danger at every corner the Fellowship of the Ring must go. Their quest to destroy the One Ring is the only hope for the end of the Dark Lords reign! (Read More)
Locations: castle, forest
Story: ring, hobbit, ancient, middle earth, giant bird, elf, smoke ring, magical ring, dwarf, quest, journey, sword and sorcery, sword fight, fictional language, underground city, invented language, orc, moth, prehistory, leaving home, riddle, prehistoric times, friends who live together, goblin, eagle, troll, invisibility, wizard, crushed to death, bow and arrow, severed arm, waterfall, disarming someone, stabbed in the chest, bridge, mountain, good versus evil, hand to hand combat, falling from height, sword
Adventure, Animation, Fantasy
A young Hobbit named Frodo (Guard) is thrown on an amazing adventure, when he is appointed the job of destroying the one ring which was created by the dark lord Sauron. He is assigned with warriors including Gandalf (Squire), Aragorn (Hurt) and Boromir (Cox). It's not going to be an easy journey for… the Fellowship of the Ring, on the ultimate quest to rid Middle-Earth of all evil. (Read More)
Locations: castle
Story: middle earth, hobbit, quest, ring, journey, sword and sorcery, orc, emaciation, prehistory, prehistoric times, friends who live together, goblin, elf, wizard, dwarf, witchcraft, bow and arrow, first part, bridge, good versus evil, rescue, chase, based on novel
The Lord Of The Rings (1978) is one of the best movies like The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)
Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Gods Of Egypt (2016)
Set, the merciless god of darkness, has taken over the throne of Egypt and plunged the once peaceful and prosperous empire into chaos and conflict. Few dare to rebel against him. A young thief, whose love was taken captive by the god, seeks to dethrone and defeat Set with the aid of the powerful god… Horus. This is why Gods Of Egypt (2016) is one of the best movies like The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012). (Read More)
Locations: cave
Story: fire breathing dragon, pile of gold, gold coin, sword fight, ancient, arm cut off, riddle, shot with an arrow, eye, narrated by character, aerial shot, crushed to death, animal attack, exploding building, giant, treasure, quest, bow and arrow, gold, severed arm, waterfall, dragon, king, severed head, stabbed in the chest, bridge, mountain, axe, good versus evil, hand to hand combat, falling from height, sword, rescue, voice over narration, fire, surprise ending, chase, explosion, fight, flashback
The Huntsman: Winter's War (2016)
Story: sword and sorcery, sword fight, goblin, shot with an arrow, comic relief, prequel, aerial shot, dwarf, animal attack, quest, head butt, bow and arrow, wolf, gold, waterfall, king, disarming someone, stabbed in the chest, bridge, mountain, axe, good versus evil, hand to hand combat, sword, rescue, voice over narration, surprise ending, chase, explosion, fight, flashback
When the world of the Orcs of Draenor is being destroyed by the evil fel magic that uses life-force, the powerful warlock Gul'dan creates a portal to the world of Azeroth and forms the Horde with members of the Orc clans. He also captures many prisoners to keep the portal open. The king of Azeroth, …Llane Wrynn and his brother-in-law, Anduin Lothar are informed by the apprentice of magician Khadgar that he has found fel magic in dead bodies and the king decides to summon the Guardian of Tirisfal, Medivh, to protect his kingdom. Lothar and Khadgar head to Kharazhan to meet Medivh and an ominous shadow points a book out to Khadgar, who takes it and hides. Anduin, Khadgar and Medivh and a group of soldiers are attacked by Orcs and they capture the slave Garona, who is released by King Llane, and she shows them the location of the portal. Garona is contacted by the Orc chief of a clan Durotan that wants to meet King Llane to stop the fel magic. Meanwhile Khadgar learns that the gate was opened with the help of someone in Azeroth. Shall King Llane trust Garona and Durotan, who might be the traitor? (Read More)
Story: giant bird, magical ring, sword and sorcery, sword fight, fictional language, orc, part computer animation, narrated by character, elf, wilhelm scream, aerial shot, wizard, dwarf, crushed to death, animal attack, severed hand, exploding building, giant, head butt, wolf, severed arm, king, severed head, map, stabbed in the chest, mountain, axe, good versus evil, falling from height, sword, rescue, voice over narration, fire, surprise ending, chase, explosion, based on novel, fight
Story: sword and sorcery, turned to stone, part computer animation, shot with an arrow, aerial shot, dwarf, crushed to death, animal attack, giant, head butt, bow and arrow, wolf, severed arm, waterfall, king, disarming someone, severed head, map, stabbed in the chest, bridge, axe, good versus evil, hand to hand combat, falling from height, sword, rescue, fire, surprise ending, chase, explosion, flashback, fight
King Arthur: Legend Of The Sword (2017) is one of the best movies like The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)
Action, Adventure, Animation, Fantasy
Beowulf (2007)
Set against the coming of Christianity, this is the story of the last hero: in 507, a monstrous troll wreaks havoc in the mead hall of the Danish king, Hrothgar. He offers rewards for the death of Grendel, so Beowulf, a great and boastful Geat warrior, arrives with his thanes. Beowulf sets aside his… armor and awaits the monster; a fierce battle ensues that leads to Beowolf's entering the watery lair of Grendel's mother, where a devil's bargain awaits. Beowulf returns to Herot, the castle, and becomes king. Jump ahead many years, and the sins of the father are visited upon Beowulf and his kingdom. The hero must face his weakness and be heroic once again. Is the age of demons over? (Read More)
Locations: castle, cave, forest
Story: fire breathing dragon, king, sword and sorcery, sword fight, troll, shot with an arrow, dwarf, animal attack, giant, treasure, quest, bow and arrow, gold, severed arm, dragon, severed head, bridge, stabbing, good versus evil, falling from height, sword, fire, surprise ending, chase, fight
Themes: courage
Locations: cave, forest
Story: giant bird, sword fight, comic relief, prequel, 3 dimensional, animal attack, giant, key, journey, map, mountain, axe, good versus evil, hand to hand combat, falling from height, sword, rescue, voice over narration, fire, surprise ending, chase, explosion, based on novel, fight
Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Thriller
In The Name Of The King: A Dungeon Siege Tale (2007)
Set in the kingdom of Ehb, the story follows Farmer ('Jason Statham' (qv)), who was adopted by his village. When Farmer's wife, Solana ('Claire Forlani' (qv)), and his son leave to sell vegetables at the town of Stonebridge, Farmer's farm is attacked by creatures called Krugs. With the help of his f…riend and neighbor Norrick ('Ron Perlman (I)' (qv)), he travels to Stonebridge where his wife and son are. Before he arrives, the Krugs, controlled by the wizard Gallian ('Ray Liotta' (qv)), kill his son and capture his wife. Farmer, with the help of Bastian ('Will Sanderson' (qv)), his brother-in-law, and Norrick sets out to find and rescue his wife. The King's nephew Fallow ('Matthew Lillard' (qv)) is conspiring with the wizard Gallian to take over the kingdom led by King Konreid ('Burt Reynolds'). (Read More)
Story: sword and sorcery, sword fight, running for your life, climbing a tree, shot with an arrow, wizard, witchcraft, bow and arrow, king, disarming someone, map, bridge, stabbing, mountain, axe, good versus evil, hand to hand combat, falling from height, sword, rescue, fire, chase, explosion, flashback, fight
Dragonheart (1996)
The young, sickly King Einon was wounded in a battle. In order for him to survive, he is healed by Draco, a dragon. Some years later, Bowen, a dragon slayer, encounters Draco. The two team up to form a traveling duo that perform an act, but the act is only known by themselves. Bowen supposedly "slay…s" Draco and then collects a reward from the town or village that he protects by killing the dragon who had been "terrorizing" them. From there, Bowen and Draco must save the entire kingdom from the rule of the now evil King Einon, who is part of Draco and Draco a part of him. (Read More)
Story: fire breathing dragon, sword and sorcery, sword fight, part computer animation, comic relief, exploding building, quest, bow and arrow, waterfall, dragon, king, disarming someone, stabbed in the chest, bridge, good versus evil, hand to hand combat, falling from height, rescue, fire, chase, explosion
Dragonheart (1996) is one of the best movies like The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)
The Empire of Izmer has long been a divided land. The Mages - an elite group of magic-users - rule whilst the lowly commoners are powerless. Izmer's young Empress, Savina, wants equality and prosperity for all, but the evil Mage Profion is plotting to depose her and establish his own rule. The Empre…ss possesses a scepter which controls Izmer's Golden Dragons. To challenge her rule, Profion must have the scepter, and tricks the Council of Mages into believing Savina is unfit to hold it. Knowing that Profion will bring death and destruction to Izmer, Savina must find the legendary Rod of Savrille, a mythical rod that has the power to control Red Dragons, a species even mightier than the Gold. Enter two thieves, Ridley and Snails, who unwittingly become instrumental in Savina's search for the Rod. Joined by a feisty Dwarf named Elwood, and helped by the Empress's expert tracker, the Elf Norda, the young heroes go in search of the Rod of Savrille. From the deadly maze of the Thieves Guild at Antius to an Elven Village, secret grotto and abandoned castles, Ridley and his band must outwit Profion's chief henchman Damodar at every turn while, back in Izmer, Profion prepares to do battle with the Empress. All depends on the Rod, but the outcome of the race to reach it first is far from certain, and Izmar's very survival hangs in the balance. (Read More)
Story: sword and sorcery, sword fight, hobbit, orc, part computer animation, goblin, comic relief, elf, wizard, dwarf, quest, gold, first part, dragon, key, disarming someone, map, stabbed in the chest, good versus evil, hand to hand combat, falling from height, sword, rescue, fire, surprise ending, chase, explosion, fight
Conan The Barbarian (2011)
A quest that begins as a personal vendetta for the fierce Cimmerian warrior soon turns into an epic battle against hulking rivals, horrific monsters, and impossible odds, as Conan realizes he is the only hope of saving the great nations of Hyboria from an encroaching reign of supernatural evil.
Story: sword and sorcery, sword fight, ancient, prehistoric times, blacksmith, slingshot, shot with an arrow, younger version of character, 3 dimensional, crushed to death, animal attack, quest, head butt, bow and arrow, severed arm, waterfall, key, king, disarming someone, severed head, stabbed in the chest, mountain, axe, good versus evil, hand to hand combat, falling from height, sword, rescue, fire, chase, explosion, flashback, fight
Action, Fantasy, Horror
Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters (2013)
The siblings Hansel and Gretel are left alone in the woods by their father and captured by a dark witch in a candy house. However they kill the witch and escape from the spot. Years later, the orphans have become famous witch hunters. When eleven children go missing in a small village, the Mayor sum…mons Hansel and Gretel to rescue them, and they save the red haired Mina from the local sheriff who wants to burn her, accusing Mina of witchcraft. Soon they discover that the Blood Moon will approach in three days and the powerful dark witch Muriel is responsible for the abduction of children. She intends to use the children together with a secret ingredient in a Sabbath to make the coven of witches protected against the fire. Meanwhile Hansel and Gretel disclose secrets about their parents. This is why Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters (2013) is one of the best movies like The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012). (Read More)
Locations: forest
Story: sword and sorcery, sword fight, troll, sunrise, comic relief, 3 dimensional, crushed to death, witchcraft, head butt, bow and arrow, severed arm, waterfall, five word title, severed head, stabbed in the chest, colon in title, stabbing, axe, good versus evil, hand to hand combat, falling from height, sword, rescue, voice over narration, fire, chase, explosion, flashback, fight
Action, Adventure, Family, Fantasy
Eragon (2006)
The Kingdom of Alagaesia is ruled by the evil King Galbatorix, a former dragon rider that betrayed his mates and his people in his quest for power. When the orphan farm boy Eragon finds a blue stone sent by Princess Arya, he sooner realizes that it is a dragon egg. When the dragon Saphira is born, E…ragon meets his mentor Brom, and becomes the dragon rider foreseen in an ancient prophecy that would set his people free from the tyrant Galbatorix. Eragon meets the rebels Varden and together they fight against the evil sorcerer Durza and the army of Galbatorix in a journey for freedom. (Read More)
Story: dragon, king, fire breathing dragon, ancient, sword and sorcery, open ended, elf, wizard, dwarf, quest, bow and arrow, journey, disarming someone, good versus evil, hand to hand combat, sword, based on novel, fight
Eragon (2006) is one of the best movies like The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)
1400 B.C., a tormented soul walked the Earth that was neither man nor god. Hercules was the powerful son of the god king Zeus. For this, he received nothing but suffering his entire life. After twelve arduous labors, and the death of his family, this dark, world-weary soul turned his back on the god…s finding his only solace in bloody battle. Over the years, he warmed to the company of six similar souls, their only bond being their love of fighting, and the presence of death. These men and women never question where they go to fight, or why, or whom, just how much they will be paid. Now, the King of Thrace has hired these mercenaries to train his men to become the greatest army of all time. It is time for this bunch of lost souls to finally have their eyes opened to how far they have fallen, when they must train an army to become as ruthless and bloodthirsty as their reputation has become. (Read More)
Story: sword and sorcery, sword fight, aerial shot, 3 dimensional, crushed to death, animal attack, head butt, bow and arrow, wolf, gold, severed arm, king, severed head, map, stabbed in the chest, mountain, axe, good versus evil, hand to hand combat, falling from height, sword, rescue, fire, flashback, fight
Seventh Son (2014)
John Gregory, who is a seventh son of a seventh son and also the local spook, has protected his country from witches, boggarts, ghouls and all manner of things that go bump in the night. However John is not young anymore, and has been seeking an apprentice to carry on his trade. Most have failed to …survive. The last hope is a young farmer's son named Thomas Ward. Will he survive the training to become the spook that so many others couldn't? Should he trust the girl with pointy shoes? How can Thomas stand a chance against Mother Malkin, the most dangerous witch in the county? (Read More)
Story: gold coin, sword and sorcery, sword fight, turned to stone, troll, aerial shot, 3 dimensional, giant, bow and arrow, waterfall, dragon, stabbed in the chest, bridge, mountain, axe, good versus evil, hand to hand combat, falling from height, sword, rescue, fire, surprise ending, chase, explosion, based on novel, fight
Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
Throughout history, tales of chivalry have burnished the legends of brave, handsome knights who rescue fair damsels, slay dragons and conquer evil. But behind many a hero is a good-for-nothing younger brother trying just to stay out of the way of those dragons, evil and trouble in general. As two pr…inces on a daring mission to save their land, they must rescue the heir apparent's fiancee before their kingdom is destroyed. Thadeous (McBride) has spent his life watching his perfect older brother Fabious (Franco) embark upon valiant journeys and win the hearts of his people. Tired of being passed over for adventure, adoration and the throne, he's settled for a life of wizard's weed, hard booze and easy maidens. But when Fabious' bride-to-be, Belladonna (Zooey Deschanel), gets kidnapped by the evil wizard Leezar (Justin Theroux), the king gives his deadbeat son an ultimatum: Man up and help rescue her or get cut off. Half-assedly embarking upon his first quest, Thadeous joins Fabious to trek across the perilous outlands and free the princess. Joined by Isabel (Natalie Portman)-an elusive warrior with a dangerous agenda of her own-the brothers must vanquish horrific creatures and traitorous knights before they can reach Belladonna. If Thadeous can find his inner hero, he can help his brother prevent the destruction of his land. Stay a slacker, and not only does he die a coward, he gets front row seats to the dawn of an all-new Dark Ages. (Read More)
Story: quest, sword and sorcery, sword fight, riddle, wizard, dwarf, animal attack, giant, bow and arrow, severed arm, waterfall, dragon, king, severed head, stabbed in the chest, axe, good versus evil, hand to hand combat, sword, rescue, fire, chase, explosion, fight
When a green ogre named Shrek discovers his swamp has been 'swamped' with all sorts of fairytale creatures by the scheming Lord Farquaad, Shrek sets out with a very loud donkey by his side to 'persuade' Farquaad to give Shrek his swamp back. Instead, a deal is made. Farquaad, who wants to become the… King, sends Shrek to rescue Princess Fiona, who is awaiting her true love in a tower guarded by a fire-breathing dragon. But once they head back with Fiona, it starts to become apparent that not only does Shrek, an ugly ogre, begin to fall in love with the lovely princess, but Fiona is also hiding a huge secret. This is why Shrek (2001) is one of the best movies like The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012). (Read More)
Story: ogre, fire breathing dragon, rescue, king, sword and sorcery, rotisserie, sunrise, shot with an arrow, dwarf, animal attack, giant, quest, wolf, gold, first part, dragon, sword, fire, surprise ending, chase
Shrek (2001) is one of the best movies like The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)
Solomon Kane (2009)
Once a mercenary of Queen Elizabeth I fighting Spaniards in Africa, Solomon met the Devil's Reaper and discovered he was bound for hell. Barely escaping, he soon renounced violence to atone for his past sins, seeking out redemption in a life of peace. That is until the followers of sorcerer Malachi …kidnap a Puritan girl, Meredith Crowthorn, and brutally slaughter her family before his very eyes, forcing Solomon to take up arms and return to his violent ways once more to rescue her. (Read More)
Story: pile of gold, sword and sorcery, sword fight, cooking over a campfire, wilhelm scream, witchcraft, treasure, severed arm, journey, king, severed head, stabbed in the chest, axe, good versus evil, falling from height, sword, rescue, fire, surprise ending, chase, explosion, flashback, fight
The continuing quest of Frodo and the Fellowship to destroy the One Ring. Frodo and Sam discover they are being followed by the mysterious Gollum. Aragorn, the Elf archer Legolas and Gimli the Dwarf encounter the besieged Rohan kingdom, whose once great King Theoden has fallen under Saruman's deadly… spell. (Read More)
Story: ring, middle earth, king, sword and sorcery, sword fight, hobbit, orc, goblin, troll, elf, wizard, dwarf, witchcraft, quest, bow and arrow, axe, sword, explosion, based on novel, flashback
Action, Fantasy
300: Rise Of An Empire (2014)
After its victory over Leonidas' 300, the Persian Army under the command of Xerxes marches towards the major Greek city-states. The Democratic city of Athens, first on the path of Xerxes' army, bases its strength on its fleet, led by admiral Themistocles. Themistocles is forced to an unwilling allia…nce with the traditional rival of Athens, oligarchic Sparta whose might lies with its superior infantry troops. But Xerxes still reigns supreme in numbers over sea and land. (Read More)
Story: sword fight, open ended, shot with an arrow, prequel, 3 dimensional, wizard, crushed to death, bow and arrow, severed arm, king, severed head, stabbed in the chest, good versus evil, hand to hand combat, falling from height, sword, rescue, voice over narration, fire, surprise ending, explosion, flashback
Action, Adventure, Drama, History, Romance
Birth of a legend. Following King Richard's death in France, archer Robin Longstride, along with Will Scarlett, Alan-a-Dale and Little John, returns to England. They encounter the dying Robert of Locksley, whose party was ambushed by treacherous Godfrey, who hopes to facilitate a French invasion of …England. Robin promises the dying knight he will return his sword to his father Walter in Nottingham. Here Walter encourages him to impersonate the dead man to prevent his land being confiscated by the crown, and he finds himself with Marian, a ready-made wife. Hoping to stir baronial opposition to weak King John and allow an easy French take-over, Godfrey worms his way into the king's service as Earl Marshal of England and brutally invades towns under the pretext of collecting Royal taxes. Can Robin navigate the politics of barons, royals, traitors, and the French? (Read More)
Story: sword fight, shot with an arrow, younger version of character, prequel, crushed to death, head butt, bow and arrow, ring, king, disarming someone, map, stabbed in the chest, axe, hand to hand combat, falling from height, sword, voice over narration, fire, surprise ending, explosion, flashback
Robin Hood (2010) is one of the best movies like The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)
The Scorpion King (2002)
In an ancient time, predating the pyramids, the evil king Memnon is using the psychic powers of his sorceress Cassandra to fortell his great victories. In a last ditch effort to stop Memnon from taking over the world, the leaders of the remaining free tribes hire the assassin Mathayus to kill the so…rceress. But Mathayus ends up getting much more than he bargained for. Now with the help of the trickster Arpid, tribal leader Balthazar and an unexpected ally, it's up to Mathayus to fufill his destiny and become the great Scorpion King. This is why The Scorpion King (2002) is one of the best movies like The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012). (Read More)
Story: sword and sorcery, sword fight, ancient, prequel, waterfall, king, disarming someone, severed head, axe, hand to hand combat, falling from height, sword, rescue, fire, explosion, fight
The world is divided into four kingdoms, each represented by the element they harness, and peace has lasted throughout the realms of Water, Air, Earth, and Fire under the supervision of the Avatar, a link to the spirit world and the only being capable of mastering the use of all four elements. When …young Avatar Aang disappears, the Fire Nation launches an attack to eradicate all members of the Air Nomads to prevent interference in their future plans for world domination. 100 years pass and current Fire Lord Ozai continues to conquer and imprison anyone with elemental "bending" abilities in the Earth and Water Kingdoms, while siblings Katara and Sokka from a Southern Water Tribe find a mysterious boy trapped beneath the ice outside their village. Upon rescuing him, he reveals himself to be Aang, Avatar and last of the Air Nomads. Swearing to protect the Avatar, Katara and Sokka journey with him to the Northern Water Kingdom in his quest to master "Waterbending" and eventually fulfill his destiny of once again restoring peace to the world. But as they inch nearer to their goal, the group must evade Prince Zuko, the exiled son of Lord Ozai, Commander Zhao, the Fire Nation's military leader, and the tyrannical onslaught of the evil Fire Lord himself. (Read More)
Story: sword and sorcery, sword fight, open ended, narrated by character, 3 dimensional, quest, bow and arrow, dragon, journey, map, bridge, mountain, good versus evil, rescue, voice over narration, fire, surprise ending, chase, explosion, flashback, fight
Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Horror, Sci-fi
Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008)
In this continuation to the adventure of the demon superhero, an evil elf breaks an ancient pact between humans and creatures, as he declares war against humanity. He is on a mission to release The Golden Army, a deadly group of fighting machines that can destroy the human race. As Hell on Earth is …ready to erupt, Hellboy and his crew set out to defeat the evil prince before The Golden Army can destroy humanity's existence. (Read More)
Story: sword fight, turned to stone, ancient, blacksmith, goblin, troll, elf, crushed to death, severed arm, severed head, map, stabbed in the chest, good versus evil, hand to hand combat, falling from height, surprise ending, flashback, fight
A village is attacked by the evil ruler of the Snake Cult, Thulsa Doom ('James Earl Jones' (qv)) and his evil warriors, when Thulsa Doom and his warriors kills his parents, a young boy named Conan ('Jorge Sanz (I)' (qv)) is enslaved. Years later, Conan grows up and becomes a mighty warrior and is tr…ained as a fighter. After years as a slave and as a gladiator, Conan is set free. Conan sets out on a quest as he vows to avenge his parents and solve the riddle of steel. Joined by a archer named Subotai ('Gerry Lopez (I)' (qv)), a beautiful thief who falls in love with Conan, Valeria (sandahl Bergman') and a Chinese wizard ('Mako (I)' (qv)), Conan and his companions sets out to rescue Princess Yasmina ('Valerie Quennessen' (qv)), daughter of King Osric ('Max von Sydow (I)' (qv)), from the Snake Cult, and get his revenge on Thulsa Doom and avenge his parents. (Read More)
Story: riddle, sword and sorcery, sword fight, ancient, prehistoric times, narrated by character, wizard, severed hand, witchcraft, quest, bow and arrow, wolf, king, severed head, stabbed in the chest, axe, good versus evil, hand to hand combat, falling from height, sword, rescue, voice over narration, fight
Conan The Barbarian (1982) is one of the best movies like The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)
Action, Adventure, Drama, History, Thriller, War
Britain, A.D. 117. Quintus Dias, the sole survivor of a Pictish raid on a Roman frontier fort, marches north with General Virilus' legendary Ninth Legion, under orders to wipe the Picts from the face of the Earth and destroy their leader, Gorlacon.
Story: sword fight, slingshot, shot with an arrow, narrated by character, animal attack, severed hand, head butt, bow and arrow, wolf, waterfall, king, severed head, stabbed in the chest, stabbing, mountain, axe, hand to hand combat, falling from height, sword, rescue, voice over narration, fire, surprise ending, chase, fight
Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Sci-fi, War
Diana, princess of the Amazons, trained to be an unconquerable warrior. Raised on a sheltered island paradise, when a pilot crashes on their shores and tells of a massive conflict raging in the outside world, Diana leaves her home, convinced she can stop the threat. Fighting alongside man in a war t…o end all wars, Diana will discover her full powers and her true destiny. This is why Wonder Woman (2017) is one of the best movies like The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012). (Read More)
Story: sword fight, walking stick, open ended, shot with an arrow, comic relief, prequel, aerial shot, exploding building, bow and arrow, waterfall, journey, disarming someone, map, stabbed in the chest, axe, good versus evil, hand to hand combat, falling from height, sword, rescue, voice over narration, fire, surprise ending, chase, explosion, fight, flashback
The Legend Of Hercules (2014)
In Ancient Greece 1200 B.C., a queen succumbs to the lust of Zeus to bear a son promised to overthrow the tyrannical rule of the king and restore peace to a land in hardship. But this prince, Hercules, knows nothing of his real identity or his destiny. He desires only one thing: the love of Hebe, Pr…incess of Crete, who has been promised to his own brother. When Hercules learns of his greater purpose, he must choose: to flee with his true love or to fulfill his destiny and become the true hero of his time. The story behind one of the greatest myths is revealed in this action-packed epic - a tale of love, sacrifice and the strength of the human spirit. (Read More)
Story: king, sword fight, ancient, 3 dimensional, animal attack, bow and arrow, waterfall, severed head, stabbed in the chest, axe, good versus evil, hand to hand combat, falling from height, sword, fire, surprise ending, chase, explosion, fight
The Forbidden Kingdom (2008)
An American teenager who is obsessed with Hong Kong cinema and kung-fu classics makes an extraordinary discovery in a Chinatown pawnshop: the legendary stick weapon of the Chinese sage and warrior, the Monkey King. With the lost relic in hand, the teenager unexpectedly finds himself traveling back t…o ancient China to join a crew of warriors from martial arts lore on a dangerous quest to free the imprisoned Monkey King. (Read More)
Story: ancient, king, sword fight, crescent moon, turned to stone, shot with an arrow, quest, bow and arrow, waterfall, disarming someone, stabbing, mountain, hand to hand combat, falling from height, sword, chase, based on novel, flashback, fight
The Forbidden Kingdom (2008) is one of the best movies like The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)
Action, Adventure, Drama, Romance
Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves (1991)
After being captured by Turks during the Crusades, Robin of Locksley and a Moor, Azeem, escape back to England, where Azeem vows to remain until he repays Robin for saving his life. Meanwhile, Robin's father, a nobleman loyal to King Richard the Lionhearted, has been murdered by the brutal Sheriff o…f Nottingham, who helped install Richard's treacherous brother, Prince John, as king while Richard is overseas fighting the Crusades. When Robin returns home, he vows to avenge his father's death and restore Richard to the throne. Even though Maid Marian, his childhood friend, cannot help him, he escapes to the Forest of Sherwood where he joins a band of exiled villagers and becomes their leader. With their help he attempts to cleanse the land of the evil that the Sheriff has spread. (Read More)
Locations: forest, castle
Story: king, sword and sorcery, sword fight, balladeer, writing a letter, friends who live together, shot with an arrow, bow and arrow, gold, disarming someone, stabbed in the chest, stabbing, good versus evil, hand to hand combat, falling from height, sword, rescue, fire, explosion
Adventure, Family, Fantasy, Musical
The teenager Sarah is forced by her father and her stepmother to babysit her baby brother Toby while they are outside home. Toby does not stop crying and Sarah wishes that her brother be taken by the Goblin King. Out of the blue, Toby stops crying and when Sarah looks for him in the cradle, she lear…ns that he wish was granted and the Goblin King Jarethhas taken him to his castle in the Goblin City in the middle of a labyrinth. Sarah repents an asks Jareth to give Toby back; but the Goblin King tells that she has to rescue her brother before midnight, otherwise Toby will be turned into a goblin. Soon Sarah teams up with the coward goblin Hoggle, the beast Ludo and the knight Didymus and his dog Ambrosius in her journey. Will they rescue Toby in time? (Read More)
Story: goblin, king, sword and sorcery, rescue, riddle, troll, giant, quest, ring, journey, good versus evil, sword, fire
47 Ronin (2013)
While hunting in the forest, Lord Asano of Ako and his samurai find a young half-breed and take him with them to live in the castle. Several years later, Lord Asano holds a tournament to welcome the Shogun to Ako. The night after the tournament, Lord Asano is bewitched into hurting Lord Kira of Naga…to, and is punished into committing seppuku by the Shogun. Realizing that it was a Lord Kira's evil plot, the samurais and the half-breed sets out for revenge against the Shogun's order. This is why 47 Ronin (2013) is one of the best movies like The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012). (Read More)
Story: fire breathing dragon, sword and sorcery, sword fight, ancient, shot with an arrow, 3 dimensional, exploding building, giant, witchcraft, bow and arrow, dragon, severed head, map, stabbed in the chest, mountain, axe, sword, rescue, fire, surprise ending, chase, explosion, flashback
When his lightning bolt is stolen, Zeus accuses Poseidon's son Percy Jackson and gives Poseidon's son fourteen days to return it, otherwise he will initiate a war amongst the gods. Meanwhile the teenager, Percy, who is dyslexic and has ADHD is visiting The Museum of Metropolitan of Art and is attack…ed by a Fury disguised in his teacher. His physically handicapped best friend Grover reveals that Percy is a demigod and that he is his protector and his teacher Mr Brunner gives him a pen telling him that it is a powerful weapon. They go to Percy's house and together with his mother Sally they drive to the Camp Half-Blood. However Sally is attacked by a Minotaur and vanishes before Percy can help her. In the camp, Percy befriends the gorgeous Annabeth; when they are attacked by Hades who wants the lighting bolt for himself, Percy discovers that his mother is in the Underworld with Hades. Percy decides to travel on a dangerous quest to retrieve the lightning bolt and save his mother. Grover and Annabeth join him and Luke gives a powerful shield of his own to protect Percy. Will they be able to succeed? (Read More)
Locations: cave, castle
Story: gold coin, sword fight, turned to stone, shot with an arrow, giant, quest, bow and arrow, first part, dragon, severed head, map, stabbed in the chest, bridge, good versus evil, falling from height, sword, rescue, fire, surprise ending, chase, explosion, based on novel, flashback
Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010) is one of the best movies like The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)
Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Romance
A baby girl is discovered in a river by Ranon and Mims, the children of Willow Ufgood, a dwarf farmer and magician and the baby girl is taken into the care of Willow's family. But when a terrifying dog-like creature attacks Willow's village, whilst tracking down the baby. Willow consults the village… council and the wizard The High Aldwin. The High Aldwin gives Willow a task and Willow leaves the village and embarks on the task to give the baby girl to a responsible person. But Willow soon learns the baby is Elora Danan, the baby girl destined to bring about the downfall of the evil sorceress Queen Bavmorda. Joined by his allies: swordsman Madmartigan, sorceress Fin Raziel and the Brownies Franjean and Rool, Willow takes it upon himself to protect Elora from Queen Bavmorda, who intends to kill Elora and prevent Elora from fulfilling her destiny. And Willow and his allies are pursued by Queen Bavmorda's daughter Sorsha and the evil commander of Queen Bavmorda's army General Kael, whom are searching for Elora and bring her back to Queen Bavmorda's castle, where Queen Bavmorda bids to kill Elora in a ritual and prevent the prophecy of her downfall. (Read More)
Story: journey, fire breathing dragon, dwarf, sword and sorcery, sword fight, turned to stone, ancient, troll, wilhelm scream, wizard, animal attack, quest, waterfall, dragon, mountain, good versus evil, hand to hand combat, falling from height, sword, chase, fight
When a mercenary warrior (Matt Damon) is imprisoned within the Great Wall, he discovers the mystery behind one of the greatest wonders of the world. As wave after wave of marauding beasts besiege the massive structure, his quest for fortune turns into a journey toward heroism as he joins a huge army… of elite warriors to confront the unimaginable and seemingly unstoppable force. (Read More)
Themes: monster, courage
Locations: tunnel, cave
Story: shot with an arrow, aerial shot, 3 dimensional, severed hand, quest, bow and arrow, severed arm, journey, disarming someone, severed head, map, mountain, axe, good versus evil, falling from height, sword, rescue, fire, surprise ending, chase, explosion, fight
Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Romance, Thriller
Valerie (Seyfried) is a beautiful young woman torn between two men. She is in love with a brooding outsider, Peter (Fernandez), but her parents have arranged for her to marry the wealthy Henry (Irons). Unwilling to lose each other, Valerie and Peter are planning to run away together when they learn …that Valerie's older sister has been killed by the werewolf that prowls the dark forest surrounding their village. For years, the people have maintained an uneasy truce with the beast, offering the creature a monthly animal sacrifice. But under a blood red moon, the wolf has upped the stakes by taking a human life. Hungry for revenge, the people call on famed werewolf hunter, Father Solomon (Oldman), to help them kill the wolf. But Solomon's arrival brings unintended consequences as he warns that the wolf, who takes human form by day, could be any one of them. As the death toll rises with each moon, Valerie begins to suspect that the werewolf could be someone she loves. As panic grips the town, Valerie discovers that she has a unique connection to the beast--one that inexorably draws them together, making her both suspect...and bait. (Read More)
Story: blacksmith, shot with an arrow, narrated by character, aerial shot, animal attack, severed hand, wolf, waterfall, severed head, stabbed in the chest, mountain, axe, good versus evil, sword, rescue, voice over narration, fire, surprise ending, chase, flashback
Action, Drama, Fantasy, Horror, War
Dracula Untold (2014)
At the turn of the century, the young lord Vlad and his family live a peaceful life ruling over their small kingdom, but when a Turk warlord demands from Vlad a thousand boys and his son to create an army Vlad seeks a terrible power that will allow him to protect his kingdom and family from the Turk…s at a terrible cost. This is why Dracula Untold (2014) is one of the best movies like The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012). (Read More)
Story: sword fight, prequel, animal attack, head butt, bow and arrow, wolf, severed arm, map, stabbed in the chest, mountain, axe, good versus evil, hand to hand combat, falling from height, sword, rescue, voice over narration, fire, surprise ending, chase, explosion, flashback
Dracula Untold (2014) is one of the best movies like The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)
Action, Adventure, Drama, History
Story: sword fight, caught in the rain, shot with an arrow, amputee, narrated by character, bow and arrow, severed arm, disarming someone, stabbed in the chest, mountain, axe, sword, voice over narration, fire, surprise ending, explosion, based on novel, flashback
Following his parents' death in Africa, John Clayton has been be raised by an ape, was known by the name Tarzan, but eventually left Africa and for his parents' home in England, along with the woman he fell in love with and married, Jane Porter. He is asked by Belgian King Leopold to go to Africa to… see what he has done there to help the country. Initially, he refuses. But an American, George Washington Williams, wants him to accept so he can accompany him. He says that Leopold might be committing all sorts of atrocities to achieve his goal, like slavery. Clayton agrees and his wife insists that she accompany him because she misses Africa. When they arrive, a man named Rom, who works for Leopold, attacks their village and captures Tarzan and Jane. With Washington's help he escapes and sets out to rescue Jane by going across the jungle. Washington joins him despite being told that he might not make it. (Read More)
Story: king, rescue, caught in the rain, shot with an arrow, comic relief, aerial shot, 3 dimensional, animal attack, quest, head butt, bow and arrow, waterfall, journey, disarming someone, map, mountain, good versus evil, hand to hand combat, falling from height, voice over narration, fire, surprise ending, chase, explosion, based on novel, fight, flashback
Action, Adventure, History
The 13th Warrior (1999)
In AD 922, Arab courtier Ahmad Ibn Fadlan accompanies a party of Vikings to the barbaric North. Ibn Fadlan is appalled by the Vikings customs-- their wanton sexuality, their disregard for cleanliness, their cold-blooded human sacrifices. And then he learns the horrifying truth: he has been enlisted …to combat a terror that slaughters the Vikings and devours their flesh. (Read More)
Story: sword and sorcery, sword fight, severed hand, bow and arrow, severed arm, waterfall, journey, king, severed head, axe, good versus evil, hand to hand combat, sword, voice over narration, fire, based on novel, fight
Action, Adventure, Drama, Sci-fi, Thriller
War For The Planet Of The Apes (2017)
Caesar and his apes are forced into a deadly conflict with an army of humans led by a ruthless Colonel. After the apes suffer unimaginable losses, Caesar wrestles with his darker instincts and begins his own mythic quest to avenge his kind. As the journey finally brings them face to face, Caesar and… the Colonel are pitted against each other in an epic battle that will determine the fate of both their species and the future of the planet. (Read More)
Locations: tunnel, cave, forest
Story: part computer animation, shot with an arrow, aerial shot, animal attack, exploding building, quest, bow and arrow, waterfall, journey, map, bridge, mountain, axe, falling from height, rescue, fire, surprise ending, chase, explosion, flashback, fight
War For The Planet Of The Apes (2017) is one of the best movies like The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)
Thousands of years ago, a race of beings known as Dark Elves tried to send the universe into darkness by using a weapon known as the Aether. Warriors from Asgard stop them but their leader Malekith escapes to wait for another opportunity. The warriors find the Aether and since it cannot be destroyed…, they try to hide it. In the present day, Jane Foster awaits the return of Thor although it has been two years since they last saw once another. In the meantime, Thor has been trying to bring peace to the nine realms. Jane discovers an anomaly similar to the one that brought Thor to Earth. She goes to investigate, finds a wormhole, and is sucked into it. Back on Asgard, Thor wishes to return to Earth but his father, Odin refuses to let him. Thor learns from Heimdall, who can see into all of the realms, that Jane disappeared. Thor then returns to Earth just as Jane reappears. However, when some policemen try to arrest her, an unknown energy repulses them. Thor then brings Jane to Asgard to find out what happened to her. When the energy is released again, they discover that when Jane disappeared, she crossed paths with the Aether and it entered her. Malekith, upon sensing that the time to strike is now, seeks out the Aether. He attacks Asgard and Thor's mother Frigga is killed protecting Jane. Odin wants to keep Jane on Asgard so that Malekith will come. Thor disagrees with his plan, so with his cohorts, he decides to take Jane away. He enlists the aid of his brother, Loki. Unfortunately, Loki's motivations remain unknown. This is why Thor: The Dark World (2013) is one of the best movies like The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012). (Read More)
Story: sword fight, caught in the rain, turned to stone, open ended, invisibility, elf, 3 dimensional, crushed to death, severed hand, giant, severed arm, waterfall, king, map, stabbed in the chest, bridge, axe, good versus evil, hand to hand combat, sword, voice over narration, surprise ending, chase, explosion, fight, flashback
The final confrontation between the forces of good and evil fighting for control of the future of Middle-earth. Hobbits: Frodo and Sam reach Mordor in their quest to destroy the "one ring", while Aragorn leads the forces of good against Sauron's evil army at the stone city of Minas Tirith.
Story: ring, middle earth, quest, king, sword and sorcery, sword fight, hobbit, orc, troll, eye, elf, wizard, dwarf, bow and arrow, journey, axe, explosion
Monty Python And The Holy Grail (1975)
History is turned on its comic head when, in 10th century England, King Arthur travels the countryside to find knights who will join him at the Round Table in Camelot. Gathering up the men is a tale in itself but after a bit of a party at Camelot, many decide to leave only to be stopped by God who s…ends them on a quest: to find the Holy Grail. After a series of individual adventures, the knights are reunited but must face a wizard named Tim, killer rabbits and lessons in the use of holy hand grenades. Their quest comes to an end however when the police intervene - just what you would expect in a Monty Python movie. (Read More)
Story: king, sword and sorcery, sword fight, rotisserie, balladeer, riddle, friends who live together, wizard, crushed to death, animal attack, quest, severed arm, bridge, rescue, voice over narration, surprise ending
Action, Fantasy, Horror, Sci-fi, Thriller
PRIEST, a post-apocalyptic sci-fi thriller, is set in an alternate world -- one ravaged by centuries of war between man and vampires. The story revolves around a legendary Warrior Priest from the last Vampire War who now lives in obscurity among the other downtrodden human inhabitants in walled-in d…ystopian cities ruled by the Church. When his niece is abducted by a murderous pack of vampires, Priest breaks his sacred vows to venture out on a quest to find her before they turn her into one of them. He is joined on his crusade by his niece's boyfriend, a trigger-fingered young wasteland sheriff, and a former Warrior Priestess who possesses otherworldly fighting skills. (Read More)
Story: quest, shot with an arrow, 3 dimensional, crushed to death, animal attack, head butt, severed arm, severed head, stabbed in the chest, mountain, good versus evil, hand to hand combat, falling from height, rescue, voice over narration, fire, surprise ending, chase, explosion, based on novel, flashback, fight
Priest (2011) is one of the best movies like The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)
The Sorcerer's Apprentice (2010)
Balthazar Blake (Nicolas Cage) is a master sorcerer in modern-day Manhattan trying to defend the city from his arch-nemesis, Maxim Horvath (Alfred Molina). Balthazar can't do it alone, so he recruits Dave Stutler (Jay Baruchel), a seemingly average guy who demonstrates hidden potential, as his reluc…tant protege. The sorcerer gives his unwilling accomplice a crash course in the art and science of magic, and together, these unlikely partners work to stop the forces of darkness. It'll take all the courage Dave can muster to survive his training, save the city and get the girl as he becomes The Sorcerer's Apprentice. (Read More)
Locations: tunnel, castle
Story: fire breathing dragon, magical ring, ring, sword fight, eagle, wizard, crushed to death, animal attack, quest, wolf, dragon, stabbed in the chest, axe, good versus evil, hand to hand combat, falling from height, sword, rescue, fire, chase, explosion, fight, flashback
Looking for arthouse and lower-budget films similar to The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey?


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Hi everyone! Sorry for the poor english, but it's not my first language. New member, old gambler here. Been punting/gambling many years but have actually yet to take it seriously. Now am in the position that I have a big enough bankroll to bet but not enough time to place bets. That's why I'm using autobetting bots and sites like: smartbet and inbetsment. I started following 3 tipsters in different sports at the beginning of this year and am aiming to bet around 40000eur / month for the first year and double that when second year comes by. As for the last 17days of betting, I (or the bot) have placed 142 bets at approx 23000eur and won 3600eur. The yield for this short period is around 15%. I understand that this yield is not going to be this high in the long term. I am very very happy if I can even get half of that long term. So I would really like to ask the pro bettors here: what kind of yield% is achievable long term? Is 5-7% achievable long term in your opinion?