Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), New Line Cinema, WingNut Films,
Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage, Benedict Cumberbatch, Cate Blanchett, Evangeline Lilly, Orlando Bloom, Luke Evans, Manu Bennett, Hugo Weaving, Lee Pace, Andy Serkis, Aidan Turner, Christopher Lee, Billy Connolly
Gandalf (Ian McKellen) and Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) are accompanied by an odd collection of characters in the continuation of their journey to defeat the horrible dragon Smaug and return the kingdom of Erebor for Thorin (Richard Armitage) the rightful King. In the first part of the trilogy, “The Hobbit:An Unexpected Journey”, Bilbo tricked Gollum out of his ring, a powerful ring that gives the wearer the ability to be invisible. Bilbo uses this to help the crew as the make their journey toward the mountain to face Smaug.
Another marvelous piece of “The Hobbit” a book by J.R.R. Tolkien which was written after, but is a prequel to “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. The “Lord of the Rings” was three books, and a true trilogy, whereas “The Hobbit” was a single book. “The Hobbit” is much easier to read and must simpler to understand what is going on. Many people were angry that Peter Jackson chose to break this book up into 3 movies, but this segment is over 3 hours long, and I don’t see where there is much to cut out of it. There’s no way they could have fit all the richness of this story in a single movie, and previous attempts to do it have been ok, but lack the depth and dimension of this series. I am sorry to have to wait another year to see the final one. Tolkien always suggested that new readers of his books start with this one to put things in chronological order, but there’s more to it than that. By reviewing this story first, you are well aware of the different races, peoples, and lands of the major trilogy, and you get to know many of the same characters. Though very violent, with lots of battle scenes complete with graphic beheadings and stabbings, this would be ideal for the older kids who might have trouble following the main trilogy. I agree with many people that “The Hobbit” is Tolkien’s best work.
The scenery in New Zealand where this is filmed provided a beautiful and pristine landscape for a background and it’s unbelievable beautiful. It also allowed him to keep his cast captive, and limit the problems with cast defections. There wasn’t much to do there but make the movie! The scenery is not only breathtaking, but the story is one of the richest known to man, so it’s hard to go wrong. The special effects are stunning, and though very involved and complicated, do not overshadow the story or the adventure and action. The animation of Smaug alone is well worth the time spent watching this film. It is truly spectacular. I had the privilege of watching this in IMAX 3D which was technically marvelous. All in all there is nothing really to find wrong with this film, and it’s a solid 5 star blockbuster well worthy of all the praise and $$$ being heaped upon it. This is group theater experience too good to miss out on. Wonderful film.
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