Because very very few people know of those films. "Ooh, aren't I lucky, I got a chunky bit!" You could also have mentioned Heavenly Creatures and The Frighten

Because very very few people know of those films. "Ooh, aren't I lucky, I got a chunky bit!" You could also have mentioned Heavenly Creatures and The Frighteners (filmed in my home town, was a blast seeing Michael J. Fox roaming around). I suspect they mentioned LotR because you know, well known and, fantasy. Not really comparable to Barry and the team vs. the evil aliens, or Harvey Weinstein personified in a walrus puppet. But I'm rather glad you're aware of Jackson's earlier works.