J.R.R. Tolkien and the Birth of The Lord of the Rings (2004)

Documentary. This hour-long presentation with thoroughly enunciative narration is well-suited for school children or any adult who seeks an introduction to the sites native to the life of J.R.R. Tolkien. It's replete with photos of scenes from Blomfontein, South Africa (Tolkien's birthplace) to Bornemouth, England (his retirement home) and all childhood and academic sites in between. The script is well-written and only occasionally tries to surmise whether events and sites in Tolkien's life had a lasting effect or inspiration on his literary creations. (It appreciably mentions a mine site that ignorantly claims such an honor for itself.) While it's true that everything green and idyllic inspired Tolkien's writings like air suffuses our lungs, it's simply silly to speculate whether one dual tower or spire inspired the Two Towers. Three stars.