THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY
Eversince it was announced several years ago, fans of Tolkien and the Lord of the Rings trilogy were eagerly anticipating Peter Jackson's return to Middle-earth. Initially it was Guillermo del Toro to be in the director's chair, an interesting thought now we have the film, to picture how it would have been through his interpretation. Originally planned to be two films, it was announced to be three earlier in 2012, greeted with scepticism. Already there was the daring choice to shoot the film in 48 frames per second; twice the usual frame rate of 24, which has remained the staple for the last 90 years. These things seemed to be working against the Hobbit, but after watching PJ's extensive video blogs chronicling the films' production, I was reassured that he knew what he was doing.
To those who say that he didn't particular want to return to Middle-earth, I say that that is just hollow criticism, and a load of rubbish. He wouldn't have spent the last two years working as hard and as tirelessly as he did with The Lord of the Rings ten years beforehand. He has given this first instalment as much dedication as he did with his landmark trilogy. I did not get to see the film in 48 frames per second, but I did see it in 3D, which was modest at best. I personally don't see the point of 3D, unless it is implemented creatively and properly (i.e Avatar or Hugo). Here it is only in a few things coming out of screen, but benefits the more bombastic action sequences.
Tolkien purists may take issue with this film more so than The Lord of the Rings. Jackson, along with co-screenwriters Philippa Boyens and Fran Walsh (and some remnant of del Toro) take certain liberties with the source material. Obviously The Hobbit is a very slight novel compared to its massive counterpart in The Lord of the Rings, and the team behind this film have attempted to bridge the gap almost between the two tales, mining the appendices of The Lord of the Rings. This is where we get the expanded back story of the Dwarves, and the appearance of Radagast the Brown. Jackson and co include peripheral events to the original story of The Hobbit, including teasing us with the return of Sauron. As a Tolkien nerd, I enjoyed this inclusions, but I can see where they would drag on the film for some.
To those who say that he didn't particular want to return to Middle-earth, I say that that is just hollow criticism, and a load of rubbish. He wouldn't have spent the last two years working as hard and as tirelessly as he did with The Lord of the Rings ten years beforehand. He has given this first instalment as much dedication as he did with his landmark trilogy. I did not get to see the film in 48 frames per second, but I did see it in 3D, which was modest at best. I personally don't see the point of 3D, unless it is implemented creatively and properly (i.e Avatar or Hugo). Here it is only in a few things coming out of screen, but benefits the more bombastic action sequences.
Tolkien purists may take issue with this film more so than The Lord of the Rings. Jackson, along with co-screenwriters Philippa Boyens and Fran Walsh (and some remnant of del Toro) take certain liberties with the source material. Obviously The Hobbit is a very slight novel compared to its massive counterpart in The Lord of the Rings, and the team behind this film have attempted to bridge the gap almost between the two tales, mining the appendices of The Lord of the Rings. This is where we get the expanded back story of the Dwarves, and the appearance of Radagast the Brown. Jackson and co include peripheral events to the original story of The Hobbit, including teasing us with the return of Sauron. As a Tolkien nerd, I enjoyed this inclusions, but I can see where they would drag on the film for some.
Which brings me to one of the major criticisms of this film. Many have disliked it for its length of nearly three hours; and the time spent in the Shire at the beginning. I personally did not have a real issue with it, although I felt as if it maybe could have ended after the escape from Goblin-town, and without the epilogue with Azog. Now, Azog. Included to give the movie a real antagonist; as he is only a minor figure in Middle-earth universe. Portrayed by Manu Bennett in a blend of CGI and make-up; he is visually striking, but maybe a bit unnecessary to the story. Radagast the Brown has also received a bit of contempt, although I found him perfectly fine; and his eccentricities don't irritate those who would be irritated for too long, as he is only in the film for around five minutes. Jackson and co definitely strike the right note with the comedic elements of the film; as this is a more light affair than The Lord of the Rings.
Martin Freeman is excellent as Bilbo, while a few familiar faces return to add to the nostalgia of going back to Middle-earth. Thorin, as played by Richard Armitage, is given more of a purpose to reclaim Erebor than gold, while the other Dwarves are differentiated; although not all get as much screen time as we would like. Andy Serkis returns as Gollum in the best scene of the film, exactly as you imagined it in the book. A definite highlight of the movie, as is the scene with the Trolls. Barry Humphries makes a grotesque Goblin King, and we are teased some of Smaug, to be voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch, and Thranduil, played by Lee Pace.
Martin Freeman is excellent as Bilbo, while a few familiar faces return to add to the nostalgia of going back to Middle-earth. Thorin, as played by Richard Armitage, is given more of a purpose to reclaim Erebor than gold, while the other Dwarves are differentiated; although not all get as much screen time as we would like. Andy Serkis returns as Gollum in the best scene of the film, exactly as you imagined it in the book. A definite highlight of the movie, as is the scene with the Trolls. Barry Humphries makes a grotesque Goblin King, and we are teased some of Smaug, to be voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch, and Thranduil, played by Lee Pace.
I can see where the CGI could be too much for some, but I do not see it as being excessive. There is still excellent natural landscape of stunning New Zealand and top notch set design and costuming, but technology has evolved since 2001 when we first saw Middle-earth. It's been eleven years, computer generated imagery has evolved greatly. That being said, Jackson only really uses it where is necessary, and it is not too overly excessive. The score from Howard Shore is once again epic, and we hear a few familiar themes that ease us back into Middle-earth.
Overall, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is a welcome return to Middle-earth, brimming with nostalgia, stunning visuals, strong performances and breathtaking landscapes. It can be slow at points, and some of the inclusions might irritate some purists and easily bore others. While it could do with some trimming, the film is still an enjoyable journey, not unexpected, and teases us for the next two films.
The Verdict: It may not be as flawless or ground breaking as its preceding trilogy, but Peter Jackson's first instalment in The Hobbit promises to build, and is benefited by breathtaking set pieces and special effects; if a little hampered by pacing and length.
Overall, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is a welcome return to Middle-earth, brimming with nostalgia, stunning visuals, strong performances and breathtaking landscapes. It can be slow at points, and some of the inclusions might irritate some purists and easily bore others. While it could do with some trimming, the film is still an enjoyable journey, not unexpected, and teases us for the next two films.
The Verdict: It may not be as flawless or ground breaking as its preceding trilogy, but Peter Jackson's first instalment in The Hobbit promises to build, and is benefited by breathtaking set pieces and special effects; if a little hampered by pacing and length.
★★★★
4/5
4/5