Directed by Peter Jackson, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
follows the third in the Lord of the Rings sequel (The Return of the King) in
the form a prequel to the first The Fellowship of the Ring... Confused yet?
Peter Jackson introduces the viewer to a lot of familiar
faces in this prequel, as well as some new ones, such as the main character,
played by Martin Freeman – Bilbo Baggins. Freeman’s character is at first appearance
your stereotypical hobbit, (for those that don’t know what a Hobbit is, it is a
small imaginary creature, thought to
be related to man, with rather hairy feet) who is partial to drinking tea,
eating cakes and keeping out of other people’s business. This changed however,
for Bilbo Baggins, who plays Elijah Wood’s uncle, from the Lord of the Rings
Trilogy. Peter Jackson, adapting J. R. R. Tolkien’s into this movie spectacular
thrashed Martin Freeman’s character into the forefront of the action.
As familiar as the characters within the film are, there is
also some characters recognizable for previous work with Peter Jackson such as Andy
Serkis who plays Gollum has also starred in films such as Tintin, The Lord of
the Rings trilogy and King Kong. Jed Brophy, who plays the dwarf Nori, has also
appeared in King Kong and the Lord of the Rings triology, as well as District 9
which was produced by Peter Jackson.
The new characters which are introduced within the film fit
in perfectly. Such as the twelve dwarfs, although some of the actors have
appeared previously in the Lord of the Rings trilogy as different characters
and you are also introduced to Gandalf the Grey’s brother, Radagast the Brown
who comes to the aid of his brother and the 13 other team members.
The special effects were as to be expected by Jackson,
breath taking and realistic (well – as realistic as a small man getting a lift
on the back of a giant bird can be). Compiled with the classical music which is
so recognizable with the film the viewer is brought firmly into the fold of the
story, through the adventure, the danger and the victory. The way in which the
characters spoke was what to be expected, first through previous viewing of the
Lord of the Rings trilogy but also through utilizing the way in which Tolkien
described the characters and portrayed them within his novels.
As to be recognized with Peter Jackson’s style, the film was
epically long, running at 169 minutes. There were times when the film,
particularly towards the end, felt rather drawn out. After the 14 strong pack, travel over, and
through the Lonely Mountain, you’d imagine this would be a good time for the
film to draw to a conclusion, however this was not to be and it went on for
what roughly felt, another 30 minutes.
This, in my opinion was the only negative in regards to the film,
towards the end it started to feel that you were wondering when it was going to
stop.
It was delightful to be reacquainted with a recognizable
character from the previous films, in the form of Gollum, who was originally a
Stoor Hobbit (one of the three types of Hobbit), now resided in the mist
mountains with the “one ring”. In the film, you witness Bilbo and Gollum
exchanging quips with each other and partaking in a game of “riddles”.
Ultimately, Bilbo finds the ring and wins the game of riddles, much to Gollum’s
disgust who then goes back on his word on how to show Bilbo to get out of the Lonely
Mountain but Bilbo is saved when he puts the ring on and goes invisible and
manages to get past Gollum. Gollum’s character appears a lot more witty within
the forth of Jackson’s adaptions of Tolkien’s novels which came as quite a
surprise on viewing it for the first time, however on further watching it does
suit the little creature.
With the anticipation of two more sequels in The Hobbit
trilogy, it would be wrong to second guess what Peter Jackson will do next.
With his originality and unique creativeness being relinquished in this
cinematic master piece it is with great excitement I await the next instalment due
out in December 2013. If you do have a spare three hours, it would thoroughly recommended
to be spent watching The Hobbit: An Unexpected Adventure. (And even if you don’t
have a spare three hours, make some – it is well worth the watch).
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