Updog

Today I'm going to be launching a new segment in which I reveal insights into my mind, the things that I enjoy, and my influences. In turn, I hope to learn some about you as well. On with the first installment!

This week is in regards to my favorite movie scenes, and why they leave such a big impact on me. These are in no particular order.

The first scene is from the Academy Award-dominating film from 2003, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. While this movie has a plethora of goosebump-inducing scenes, there is one that, in my mind, stands out among them. This scene is the Lighting of the Beacons.

A centuries-old messenger system between Gondor and Rohan is put to great use when Mordor begins to unleash its armies upon Gondor. Young Peregrin Took is tasked with lighting the first one, since Denethor, the current steward of Gondor, refuses.

Subsequently, bonfires all along the White Mountains between Minas Tirith and Edoras are lit, reaching the eyes of Aragorn, who rushes to tell King Theoden that "Gondor calls for aid!" The visuals in the sequence are absolutely stunning, but the true star of the scene is Howard Shore's phenomenal score, which includes the brilliant Gondor theme itself. The undercurrent of violin runs moves the brass melodies and countermelodies along to a fever pitch, and it absolutely makes the heart swell. Definitely worth a listen to, if not a watch.

Next, from the Dreamworks animated hit, How to Train Your Dragon, the scene is Test Drive.

In a movie with a story whose beauty is equaled by its stellar animation and great voice work, this scene is just plain fun. As Hiccup has been learning to deal with the dragons in the ring with his fellow teenage Vikings, he has befriended an elusive Night Fury he has dubbed Toothless. Due to an earlier battle, part of the dragon's tail is missing, so Hiccup fashions a new tail for him that he helps to control as Toothless' rider. This specific scene is the duo's first flight together around the island of Berk.

On display here are some great visuals, lovely character moments, and John Powell's score, which tells the story of the scene all by itself. From the opening dive, to the separation and fall, to instinct taking over, it's an action-packed ride.

Star Wars: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back.

From the mind of George Lucas and under the expert direction of Irvin Kirshner, this is widely considered the best film in the saga. With unforgettable characters, great battle and fight sequences, and the biggest plot twist of all time, this is my favorite movie. The Asteroid Field is one of the best sequences in it, packed with great characters, some wicked flying, best sound effects ever by Ben Burtt, and again, a killer soundtrack. John Williams absolutely nails the tone in the scene, with a bombastic rendition of the Imperial March and other melodies that wouldn't be out of place in a car chase sequence from a movie set on Earth. Although I suppose the odds of surviving most Earth car chases are better than 3,720 to 1.

Honorable Mentions:

Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope

Binary Sunset

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

A Window to the Past

Back to the Future

Clock Tower sequence

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What are your favorite movie scenes? Let me know in the comments below!