The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey: revisit to Middle Earth

Lord of the Rings is one hell of a franchise. Yes, the books probably are classics themselves but Peter Jackson set the benchmark for action fantasy in his 3 films. In the recent prequel, he may want to outdo himself again. However, there is always a danger what prequel can do to a franchise. Look at Star Wars which remain a good example for NOT to mess the a successful series with a few prequel.



However, the Hobbit, the book, according to my wife, add to the rich LOTR series by providing some history and background to the story. However, being a much thinner book, how Peter Jackson split it up into 3 books is still a wonder.



The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is the first of the Hobbit trilogy (movies, not the book, which is only one single book). It basically tells the tale of how Bilbo Baggins obtain the Ring and his adventures. That would explain a whole lot of things in the LOTR movies as well. The story is basically simple, though it bear some similarities to the first movie of LOTR as well. Dwarves lost their kingdom to Evil Dragon. The few left over dwarves with their prince and Gandalf the grey wizard enlist the help of Bilbo to go back to their underground kingdom. In the journey, they manage to outwit some trolls, being hunted by Orcs, met the Elves, captured by goblins, met the orcs again. Finally after near 3 hours later, the group finally end near the door of the dwarves kingdom. In the midst of it also, Bilbo met Gollum and manage to steal his ring.



The similarities between LOTR original 3 movies: the Hobbit do boast of great, breath taking cinematography. New Zealand really need to thank Jackson for boosting their tourism. The story itself felt epic. The action scenes are well done, not just the hand held camera- blurring type of sequence in most films. The CGI is top-notched, blending well with the whole cast. Other good thing about the movie is the script. It was well written with a tinge of humour evenly spread out. The casting is perfect. Martin Freeman is the star in a way, as Bilbo Baggins. He portrayed the hobbit well, from the early timid halfling to a hero in the end of the film. Ian McKellen, though getting old, is always charming as Gandalf. The dwarves, well, they look more like CGI than real persons anyway. To any LOTR fans, the reference to many, many items in the movie remains a reminder to the good memories of watching the original 3 movies.



No movie is perfect. As much as I would love to please my wife by saying the movie is perfect, it is not. For starters, 3 hours seems bit too long for the simple story. One may argue it sets the pace and base for the 2 movies to come.I do certainly hope so. With so many midget with testosterone overload (look at their beard!), at one point, I thought I was watching a CGI cartoon instead. The whole movie also lack the intensity of the LOTR. Then again, it is based on the Hobbit, which is a simpler book, intended for younger audience compare to LOTR.

However, I do enjoy the movie in the end. Just need to remind myself that this is NOT LOTR.

ratings: 4 poinks!
comments: for the record, my wife gave 6 out of 5 poink!