PITA is at it Again

PETA or PITA (People Inciting Trouble for Attention) as it’s known in the Frenz household, is up to their usual silliness and media whoring. A tad harsh and unsubstantiated you might say? Oh, I don’t know. It seems the stories from the Associated Press may be unsubstantiated. Of course I couldn’t help wondering about my friend Heidi (a former AP reporter) who swore up and down to me that the AP always gets two reliable sources before running a story. Are you sure about that Heidi? Wait! She’s written a piece about her bafflement over this:

Libeling “The Hobbit” – A Former AP Reporter’s Take

I don’t pursue stories about movies or celebrities, because it’s too close to my personal interests and quite frankly would be a conflict of interest for me to cover.

But this week when a story broke about animals being mistreated on the film set of “The Hobbit,” I raised an eyebrow and put my coffee cup down on the table, a little stunned.

The first part of the problem was that the source for the information was the animal rights group PETA. The second part of the problem was that the news organization that broke the story was where I used to work in the mid- to late-’90s: The Associated Press.

Understand this…

Read the rest here.

And now a little something for Sir Pete:

Dear Sir,

I know you don’t like to come stateside too often. Having looked around at photos and video of New Zealand, I don’t blame you. But your lack of exposure to some of our buffoons (lucky you) may be showing. I’m talking about PETA. Any Yank with half a brain knows they’re a joke, and their media whoring is legendary and would be offensive if it weren’t so funny. Unfortunately, the Associated Press chose to give them credibility. I think I know how that happened.

A writer from “The Onion” infiltrated the AP’s ranks and started making wild accusations. Of course it was all intended to be a harmless joke, but sadly, it went awry. What else to explain the idiocy of running a story that trusts PETA to come with something valid?

Okay, so I don’t know what happened. I’m just making that up. Maybe I should call the AP. They might take me seriously.

Okay, okay, I’m being serious now. Whatever the case with the animals and The Hobbit production, I’m inclined to believe you, and no, it’s not because you have that devastatingly handsome British actor playing Thorin. It’s because you’re not stupid. I’m having a hard time thinking you would have been dumb enough to jeopardize the production for something so easily remedied.

And when I think of how PETA has conducted themselves in the past, well, it’s pretty easy to come down on your side. Earlier this year they cited Sea World as violating the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The allegation hinged on the definition of ‘slave’:

PETA’s attorney Jeffrey Kerr told HuffPost that the animal rights group’s argument was based on the belief that “slavery doesn’t depend upon the species of the slave, any more than it depends upon the race, gender or ethnicity of the slave. SeaWorld’s attempts to deny [orcas] the protection solely based on their species is the same kind of prejudice used to justify any enslavement. And prejudice should not be what determines constitutional rights in this country … Because they can suffer from the prohibitive conduct of being enslaved, the 13th Amendment protection against that conduct should be extended to them.” source

Thankfully, the judge wasn’t an idiot and threw out the suit and thereby kept ‘slave’ from being redefined to something that would have minimized the very real struggle of people who were enslaved.

And now PETA may be trying to redefine ‘died’ since it seems the horses in question are not only alive but according to their owners came to no harm.

So I’m sorry you had to mess with all of this silliness, and I believe, as it is with almost all of PETA’s claims, this too shall go into the annals of their lunacy. Until then, take care.

Sincerely,
A ridiculously sane person, who on the side happens to be a crazy fan of that Brit actor

P.S. I was tempted to apprise you of PETA’s hypocrisy, but I think I’ve made my point.

edit: since the people at PETA don’t have enough real issues to pursue, I’ve got one for them. They need to find out what animal had to die so Phil Spector could look insane at his trial:

November 21, 2012
Categories: Movies, The Hobbit . Tags: , , , , , , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 27 Comments

Not Being a Dumbass

We have all done something dumbass although there are some who would never admit it. I couldn’t manage to cover all the stupid things I’ve done. Thankfully, most of my dumbass moves haven’t been published for the whole world to read — as if the whole world would even be interested. Billy Connolly maybe not so fortunate. He was recently interviewed about his involvement with The Hobbit, and either Billy was drunk or really is an idiot or the reporter chose to take comical remarks and disparage him by highlighting them as if they tend toward sincere, or the reporter is an idiot too. Whatever was happening, there’s dumbass going on somewhere in this exchange about Tolkien’s work:

So, how many times has Connolly read The Hobbit? “I’ve never read The Hobbit. Never.” What about Lord of the Rings? “Never read Lord of the Rings,” replied the 69-year-old Scottish actor. “I could never read Tolkien. I always found him unreadable … I didn’t read [the books], and I normally don’t like people who have! The people who love it, they’re kind of scary. They talk all this gobbledygook and they think of it as the Holy Grail.”

Yeah, I’m gonna go with drunk. :D Surely Billy knows it’s dangerous to make sarcastic remarks to a journalist. Okay, I will give him the idea that some of the Tolkien fans do spout things unrecognizable to 99% of the population, and before I took the time to seriously read Tolkien and get to know some of his fans, I was also prejudiced and thought it was odd. But at least I had the good sense to keep my mouth shut about it, and I’m not even beholding to any of them for part of my living.

Wait! Billy sobers a bit, er, I mean comes to his senses toward the end:

How, then, does Connolly plan to deal with Tolkien fans who will lob at him obscure questions about The Hobbit for the rest of his life?

“Usually I just make stuff up because I don’t know what I’m talking about,” Connolly admitted. “But invariably, there seems to be a sector of the press that is consumed by The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings, and it’s indicative of that notion, that it’s the Grail. So whatever I say is rubbish, but then I become answerable for it! People get all upset, they get terribly upset about anything that has to do with it, as if it were real! It’s a story! Just relax! It’ll go away and you’ll be just fine. Don’t panic.”

read the rest here if you dare :D And don’t even bring up his comments about 48fps. LOL! Yes, I really am laughing.

Dealing with the press is almost like a contact sport where you have to keep from getting boxed in and hopefully can emerge with no bruises, so I’m not really down on Connolly, and he may be more clever than he appears. It’s doubtful journalists or others will be on his back with questions about Tolkien when he comes with answers like those. I also appreciate the belly laugh he gave me this morning. But all of this has reminded me I’m so glad Richard Armitage is not an idiot.

Dear Rich,

Thank you for being intelligent and thoughtful and well, for not being a dumbass, and especially for never going out in public drunk –at least not that the public is aware. And I’m confident you had the good sense to stay away from reporters. Hell yes, I’m biased. What do you think this blog is about?

Of course you do have an obvious advantage over Billy. When you look like this:

you can get away with almost anything. And given that, you’re still kind to your fans. Amazing.

Signed,
One of your crazy fans who would forgive you for sticking your foot in your mouth but glad I haven’t been tried on that yet. :D

P.S. And thanks again for not letting us in on your politics. I really don’t want to know. It’s just one less thing to process.

No, don’t even bring up how completely insane I am for knowing so much about some guy from the U.K. who is going to be in a Peter Jackson production. What?! Yeah, sometimes it hits me that our guy Richard may actually make it big, may actually be a movie star despite his protestations, and you and I have been along for the ride.

Anyway, this insanity is still fun even if a few of us are infected with APM at times. :D

edit: speaking of dumbass, I published this under the wrong user name, which I’ve now corrected.

October 4, 2012
Categories: Movies, The Hobbit . Tags: , , , , , , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 15 Comments

James Nesbitt is an Imp

Whenever I see pictures of James “Jimmy” Nesbitt, I want to laugh. Not at him but at whatever is making him laugh. His frequent grin makes him immediately likeable, but honestly, I wasn’t sure what to think of him at first. Thankfully, over the last year or so, I’ve come to think he’s a good guy. Not a perfect guy (who is?) but someone personable and real. I began to understand this when those on The Hobbit set were saying how truly nice he is, “One of the nicest people you would ever want to meet.”

His recent interview in the Telegraph just continues the perception, and what I love is that he’s candid about his life without making anyone wallow in it. And I really appreciate he took his wife and kids with him to New Zealand and then admitted the kids weren’t crazy about it at first. Real, real and more real. Thank you, Jimmy. :D Plus, the whole time I was reading I could see his eyes smiling. Hmmm. I would bet when Dad gets serious those kids listen! LOL!

As of today, I have not viewed much that he’s been cast in, but I intend to change that in the near future! Until then, a few pictures to make it clear his eyes twinkle:

With his wife, Sonia

As Gabriel Monroe

As Bofur

Oh, and a must:

Dear Jimmy,

Next time you see your friend Dickie, please say hello for me.

Signed,
One of Dickie’s crazy fans

September 24, 2012
Categories: Interviews, Movies, The Hobbit . Tags: , , , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 7 Comments

I Declare the Drought Officially Over

With this veritable flood of images, how can it be anything but a monsoon! Yes, I know there are those of you smart enough to know it was over a while ago. I’m talking to the rest who were not quite sure. You can be sure. LOL!

Makes me want to yell, “Stop! Stop!”

No, I don’t mean that. Would I have this name if I wanted to stop?

The only problem is it just makes me greedy for more.

Dear, Dear Sir Peter,

You can’t win. Seriously, man, you are just creating a monster. My appetite is pretty damn big now. After this…I may not come up for air for a week.

And I hate to say this, but I’m still waiting on those dates for the premiere. I would trade a few of those pics for that intel.

Signed,
One of Richard’s crazy fans, who lately has been wondering if Scott Glenn is under contract:

And I’m never going to comment on this ’cause I don’t trust myself:

I would draw an arrow, but this thing has its own, uh, arrow, er, axe.

September 18, 2012
Categories: Movies, The Hobbit . Tags: , , , , , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 9 Comments

Dear Sir Peter, We Need to Talk


September 15, 2012

Dear Sir Peter,

It occurred to me sometime yesterday that The Hobbit premiere is only three months away. If you have a schedule like mine, which I suspect you do, three months is about a week and a half from now. Not much time to make plans. New York is already on my itinerary for December due to two very compelling reasons and neither being about The Hobbit nor Richard Armitage. But if there will be a New York premiere, it would be great to make my visit coincide. I only have one problem. I don’t know when the hell it is, or if it is. Perhaps I shouldn’t use such strong language, but I can’t help myself.

I have even done a little research concerning past premieres hoping to find a pattern. I don’t have a lot of time to do things like this. It’s scary what I have let slide to look all of this up. And to no avail. It seems there may not have been a premiere in New York for the last Lord of the Rings movie. The only real thread of hope there might be one this time is a comment from Sir Ian about premieres in London, New York, Berlin and Tokyo. But then my anal self starts wondering what he means by the word premiere. It does seem to get confused with the word release. I just don’t know what to think, and I was hoping you might be able to help.

Yes, I know it’s Warner Brothers’ responsibility to handle these things. Pardon me if I don’t buy that bullshit. No, no, I didn’t mean to say that. I shouldn’t say that. :D I know you’re busy, and the studio is the one to handle all of this tedium while you’re getting the movie ready. I was just hoping you might have some pull with them about getting a New York premiere scheduled. And if I could make it to New Zealand in November, I would, but I don’t have a spare several thousand lying around and will have to pass. So I need your help with the New York date, and I hope you’re not offended by my passion to attend. LOL! Yes, that’s a bit of a maniacal laugh, which I hope you ignore or maybe not.

Signed,
One of Richard Armitage’s crazy fans who also has a soft spot for a certain Kiwi director with wild hair

P.S. I apologize again for calling you Mister.

Yep, it’s a fake fan letter, and I’m putting this note here for those who think this is real. No, it’s not real. No, that’s not completely true. I would like to know if there is a premiere in New York and when it may be, but I seriously doubt my venting here will make it appear. Nice to dream about, but I’m not that delusional — yet. LOL!

And in the interest of fairness, I have to say a little something about one of my compelling reasons. She is my second born, and the only child I have not written about on this blog. She is also the only one who took the time to ferret out the blog’s location and then informed me how happy she was I am anonymous as well as making sure I knew she was the child who had not had a post. “Yeah, I see where I stand with you, Mom. No post for me huh? LOL!” Okay, so here it is, Lou (no, that’s not her real name).

But first a picture:

The girl with the wicked sense of humor.

Okay, another picture:

That was taken as part of a documentary she worked on doing stills for them.

And one more (see, you got three pictures when the others got two or less):

Third from the right, and the girl who knows no fear except of the vacuum cleaner or dishwasher. :D I’ll give her a pass on that since she is such a great student and just a great kid. I would describe her, but she is a bit indescribable and the reason I hadn’t mentioned her yet. Enigma is the word most often associated with her, and oftentimes the comment, “Lou is just being Lou,” is heard amongst family and friends.

For those interested in my research on premiere dates, it’s below, and if I have an error or have missed something, please let me know. Thanks.

RELEASE AND PREMIERE DATES for LOTR movies and The Hobbit

Fellowship of the Ring

Wide release in U.S. — December 19, 2001

Premieres dates:

London – December 10, 2001
New York – December 13, 2001
Los Angeles – December 16, 2001
New Zealand – December 19, 2001

Two Towers:

Wide release in the U.S. — December 18, 2002

Premiere dates:

New York – December 5, 2002
London – December 11, 2002
Los Angeles – December 15, 2002
New Zealand – December 18, 2002

Return of the King

Wide release in the U.S. — December 17, 2003

Premiere dates:

Wellington, NZ – December 1, 2003
Los Angeles – December 3, 2003

The Hobbit

Wide Release in U.S. — December 14, 2012

Premiere date:

Wellington, NZ – November 28, 2012

September 15, 2012
Categories: Movies, The Hobbit . Tags: , , , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 20 Comments

Forget Richard Armitage

If you’re like me, you’ve been wanting to get in someone’s head other than Richard’s the last few days. Oh, you never want to get in Richard’s head? I guess this isn’t directed at you. :D Or maybe I’m the only one who is wondering what Todd Garner is thinking about all these women on the ‘Black Sky’ set. Notice I left out the men. LOL! Don’t get me wrong. I have loved hearing the stories. Absolutely loved it, and I think we’re all falling in love with RA all over again. Thank you, ladies for sharing!! And then there’s Todd himself or whoever runs his Twitter account being such a good sport. But I can’t stop wondering what Garner is really thinking about the “Army” showing up? No, don’t give me any bullshit about some of these people not being part of the Army. It doesn’t matter what they consider themselves, they’re Army according to the arbiter of the term (see that linked piece if you’re unsure, and it will also help you understand why the men coming to the set don’t count).

Unless we’re just being left in the dark about some bad behavior, Todd has to know the ladies of the Armitage Army are pretty nice. At least that’s always been my experience whenever I’ve had any interaction with them in cyberworld or away from it, and I know I appreciate that very much. Certainly, there are some nutty people in this world, and of course the media loves to make a spectacle of the Army, but really, what can they say about us other than we really, really like Richard and we (not me but enough of you) send him presents and make graphics (no, I don’t do that either) and videos (afraid to start doing that as I may never stop) and run websites (guilty of that big time) to show our appreciation. I mean how bad can that be? Okay, so we like to see him in person too. But damn! that so many actors when they’re still not well known should garner (sorry I couldn’t help myself) that kind of devotion.

Richard Armitage is just so nice and has that fantastic work ethic, Garner probably doesn’t care about visitors as long as it doesn’t interfere with shooting. Then again, the news media has kept us well apprised of all of the locations, which wouldn’t happen without the production staff notifying them, and Garner seems to love that we’re reveling in this. I hope it lasts.

And Dear Todd,

If I haven’t fawned said this enough, let me say again, “Thank you for the picture!”

It is a stretch to think of Richard Armitage as a Oklahoma school teacher, but I’m sure his performance will convince me. Can’t wait!

Signed,
One of Richard’s crazy fans who can’t make it to Michigan :D

Photo courtesy of Todd Garner. Imagine that!

August 29, 2012
Categories: Black Sky (Into the Storm), Movies . Tags: , , , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 10 Comments

Black Sky Fun

A couple of weeks ago I was planning on having a naming contest for the then as yet unnamed tornado project. UTP sounded like an infection, and my control freak wanted to come with a remedy. But alas, the makers of the film have decided it shall be ‘Black Sky,’ which does sound interesting.

Not to be defeated, I’ve decided to have a contest for a tagline for said ‘Black Sky.’ Just for fun. It’s not on yet but hopefully soon.

In the meantime, I asked Todd Garner if he would provide a signed t-shirt or poster for the winner. But I understand from him that I need to ask Warner Brothers. If I’m not successful, never fear. I already have a prize lined up:

Do I need a fake fan letter to Todd? Oh, yeah.

Dear Todd,

You have been so much fun. Thank you for that!

This letter is to also tell you how much I would love to change the picture above to an RA signed ‘Black Sky’ t-shirt or poster. I’m not picky. And I was even willing to ask openly with the possibility of your thinking I’m a nut. Well, I am a nut, but damn man, it’s fun.

Off to talk to WB.

Sincerely,
One of Richard’s crazy fans

PS. Can’t wait for “Here Comes the Boom.”

T-shirt courtesy of the lovely people at TheOneRingnet.

Disclaimer: t-shirt will be sans buttons

August 24, 2012
Categories: Black Sky (Into the Storm), Movies . Tags: , , , , , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 10 Comments

41 is Good Too

Everyone makes such a thing out of turning 40, but 41 can be pretty sweet as well. I had a baby at 41, and although I never would have planned that, it was one of the greatest things that ever happened to me. It’s kept me young at heart. My birthday wish for Richard Armitage is that he can always stay young at heart. The key is pursuing a passion.

Dear Rich,

Your ability to keep pursuing what you love with great heart and humor really has been inspiring to me personally. It’s been part of the catalyst for doing something that my SO begged me to do for years — writing.

Thank you for that, and I hope you have a wonderful birthday.

Signed,
One of your crazy fans

August 22, 2012
Categories: The Hobbit . Tags: , , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 10 Comments

Where To Now For Richard Armitage?

It’s a wrap for ‘The Hobbit’ filming! Other than heading to Comic-Con, I wonder if Richard Armitage will get in some skiing. Oh maybe free styling somewhere around Ruapehu:

Wait!

Dear Rich,

Forget I said that. We can’t have you breaking a leg before Comic-Con. We’re all beside ourselves to see you up there where you belong — onstage before a bunch of screaming fans. Be sure to take some Tylenol.

Signed,
One of your crazy fans, who knows what it’s like to break a leg and wouldn’t wish it on anyone. Ugh.

July 5, 2012
Categories: Movies, The Hobbit . Tags: , , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 14 Comments

You Sold Me, Bill

It’s Friday, I’m out of job and I don’t have sh*t to do.* SO and I are going to the movies, which we haven’t done much the last few years since there hasn’t been much to see. But hey, we have a fondness for Bill Murray (have I told you about my Bill Murray love?), and ‘Moonrise Kingdom’ looks good. Plus, I’ll see anything with Frances McDormand. I love her too.

No, I’m not defecting in my Richard Armitage love. No worries. I’m a one man fangirl. Dull I know, but there it is.

Yes, Richard, you have to put up with me some more. I can’t go away yet. I have some special plans for the Hobbit shindig.

Very Truly Yours,
One of your crazy fans who continues to navigate the insane world of fandom

P.S. Man, I’m on the verge of writing you a for real letter where I tell you how much I feel for you about what you must put up with from fans.

Ahhh, my work here is done — Richard Armitage in the same post with Frances McDormand. :D

*A Georgette Heyer audio book to the one who can name the movie that inspired the first sentence of this post. Hint: it has nothing to do with Bill Murray.

edit: I’m providing additional hints on Twitter. Just Tweet me an RA pic for more.

second edit: AustenSpaceCast won the audio book, and what fun it was to receive photos of RA. Thank you all who sent them to me. And I see I have some work to do to get you tweeting since most of the pics were emailed. :D

May 25, 2012
Categories: Fandom, SO, The Hobbit, Voice Work . Tags: , , , , , , , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 1 Comment

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