The Ben Shapiro Show

Episode: FLASHBACK: Destroying Matt Walsh w/ Critical Drinker
Release Date: June 2, 2025
Host: Ben Shapiro
Guest: Critical Drinker

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Ben Shapiro Show, host Ben Shapiro teams up with Critical Drinker to dismantle Matt Walsh's critique of The Lord of the Rings (LOTR) films. The discussion zeroes in on Walsh's assertion that the LOTR movies are excessively long, delving into a comprehensive analysis that defends the films' length and depth.

Matt Walsh's Critique of Lord of the Rings

Matt Walsh, a figure within The Daily Wire's circle, has publicly criticized the LOTR films, labeling them as "too long" and questioning their overall merit. According to Shapiro, Walsh's stance is not only unfounded but also problematic given LOTR’s esteemed status.

Notable Quote:

"I need to get your take on Matt's take."
— Ben Shapiro [00:41]

Critical Drinker’s Counterarguments

Critical Drinker addresses Walsh's main grievance about the film's length, arguing that the extensive runtime is justified by the rich and intricate plot derived from J.R.R. Tolkien's extensive literary work.

Key Points:

• The LOTR films cover a vast amount of plot material, making the length necessary.
• The extended cuts of the movies offer an even more comprehensive experience than the theatrical releases.
• Fantasy novels, like LOTR, require elaborate world-building, which naturally extends the narrative.

Notable Quotes:

"Matt seems like a nice guy, but man, he has some bad takes on media and I think this is up there with the worst of them."
— Critical Drinker [01:12]

"It should be as long as the plot dictates. And in this case, there is an awful lot of plot to get through."
— Critical Drinker [01:23]

Ben Shapiro’s Analysis and Defense

Shapiro echoes Critical Drinker’s sentiments, emphasizing the necessity of the films' length to faithfully adapt the expansive source material. He also criticizes Walsh's broader film critiques, mentioning Katz's disparagement of The Dark Knight as another example of his contentious opinions.

Key Points:

• LOTR’s narrative complexity warrants its lengthy runtime.
• The films manage to encapsulate the essence of the books without overextending.
• Comparisons to other films highlight the unique balance LOTR achieves between storytelling and technical execution.

Notable Quotes:

"I think it's actually his second worst movie take after the Dark Knight is super overrated."
— Ben Shapiro [01:40]

"The entire series of Lord of the Rings is over a Thousand pages. I mean, it is a very, very long book."
— Ben Shapiro [02:00]

World-Building and Cultural Depth in LOTR

The conversation delves into the exceptional world-building of LOTR, attributing much of its success to the detailed and immersive universe Tolkien created. Critical Drinker highlights the blend of various mythologies and religious elements that enrich the narrative.

Key Points:

• LOTR presents a "living, breathing" world with deep historical and cultural layers.
• The films successfully convey the vastness and complexity of Middle-earth.
• The integration of Christian symbolism and other religious motifs adds depth to the story.

Notable Quotes:

"There is so much history there. There is so many different cultures."
— Critical Drinker [02:25]

"Tolkien himself was a Catholic and obviously raised in a very different time."
— Critical Drinker [03:09]

Filmmaking Techniques and Technological Balance

Shapiro and Critical Drinker commend Peter Jackson's filmmaking approach, particularly his judicious use of CGI and practical effects. They argue that the LOTR films strike an optimal balance between technology and storytelling, a balance that modern films sometimes fail to achieve.

Key Points:

• LOTR's use of practical effects and minimal CGI gives the films a timeless quality.
• The environmental challenges faced during filming added authenticity to the visuals.
• Modern reliance on heavy CGI can detract from storytelling, a pitfall avoided by Jackson.

Notable Quotes:

"They used CGI sparingly and they used these enormous models of, of fortresses, cities..."
— Critical Drinker [05:42]

"They just reached that apex where it was just perfectly balanced."
— Critical Drinker [06:15]

Evaluating Matt Walsh’s Position

Critical Drinker places Walsh's critique high on the list of "hot takes," noting that targeting a universally beloved trilogy like LOTR is particularly misguided. However, he concedes a minor point regarding the portrayal of the Army of the Dead in Return of the King.

Key Points:

• Criticizing LOTR is seen as a low blow given the series' acclaim.
• The Army of the Dead’s involvement slightly deviates from the books but is deemed a necessary concession for pacing.

Notable Quotes:

"If you're going to make fun of any movie trilogy and be a detractor for it, the worst target you can possibly pick is the Lord of the Rings."
— Critical Drinker [07:02]

Books vs. Movies: A Comparative Insight

When asked about his preference between the LOTR books and films, Critical Drinker acknowledges the superior depth and richness of the literary work while still praising the films as outstanding adaptations.

Key Points:

• The books offer a more profound and immersive experience.
• The films are considered the best possible adaptations given the constraints of the medium.

Notable Quotes:

"You're always going to get a richer experience from reading the books."
— Critical Drinker [07:54]

"These are the best movie adaptations that you could probably hope for."
— Critical Drinker [08:01]

Conclusion

Ben Shapiro and Critical Drinker deliver a robust defense of The Lord of the Rings films, effectively countering Matt Walsh's criticisms. Their analysis underscores the importance of respecting the complexities of adaptations and appreciating the craftsmanship involved in creating an enduring cinematic masterpiece.

Final Notable Quote:

"It's just one of the joys of my life. Really appreciate it."
— Ben Shapiro [08:11]

This episode offers a thorough examination of Matt Walsh's critiques, providing listeners with insightful arguments that not only defend The Lord of the Rings films but also celebrate the intricate artistry behind them. For fans of LOTR and thoughtful film analysis, this discussion serves as a compelling exploration of what makes these films a staple in modern cinema.