PLOT: After an unexpected visit from a wizard, a simple hobbit is convinced to go on an adventure far from home. Off to what is called the Lonely Mountain, he joins forces with a band of dwarves looking to reclaim their treasure and home from the monstrous dragon Smaug.
REVIEW: There are very few motion pictures that affected me quite like THE LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy had. Epic and emotional, I grew more and more ecstatic about experiencing each upcoming installment. Yet for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, some of the excitement lessened as its release grew closer. Whether it was the news that there would be three films made from one book to the seemingly mixed reaction to it being shown in 48 frames per second, I found myself more than a little worried. How would Peter Jackson’s return to Middle-Earth possibly live up to the earlier films? Well, perhaps it wasn’t meant to be as grand a tale.
With all my preconceived notions of what The Hobbit would be, there was still the fact that I really enjoy cinematically visiting Jackson’s recreation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-Earth. There was a sense of comfort returning to the places where the director took us in LOTR. It was also refreshing to once again hear Howard Shore's remarkable score present itself in a familiar yet fresh way. This is a world that was created with such care and detail that as a fan, it was like visiting an old friend. Especially with so many of the original cast members including Ian McKellen as Gandalf, Ian Holm as the elder Bilbo, Hugo Weaving and Cate Blanchett as the Elrond and Galadriel among others. The most satisfying returning cast member however is Andy Serkis as Smeagol (and his darker side Gollum). As great as he was technically in LOTR, he is absolutely flawless here. From the visual effects to Serkis exceptional performance, his short on-screen time very well may be the best part of the film. The exchange between Gollum and Freeman is absolutely perfect.
As much as I enjoyed this more personal journey, sometimes the deliberate pacing feels a bit strained. Considering this is the first film, you have to wonder how Mr. Jackson and company will fill the next two features. And while LOTR told an epic battle of good and evil, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey's more personal approach occasionally wears thin. In many ways this first chapter feels like the home video “Extended Edition” as opposed to the “Theatrical Edition.” Many of the hard core fans will have no problem with this, yet those that are not quite converted to that level of commitment may feel the near three hours pass heavily upon them.
In the end – or shall I say the beginning - The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is a visual feast with whimsy and charm. The performances from Freeman, McKellen, Serkis and Armitage are fantastic.
Mr. Exclusive's Rating:
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This movie was alot of fun! Smiled the whole way through. It's definitely more comedic than the Trilogy.
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