The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Iâm not going to spend this entire review talking about the differences between the movie and the book. Letâs just leave it at âThere were creative differences.â Some were good, some were bad, but they were there.
The movie follows the exploits of the titular hobbit in his adventure with a company of dwarves set to retake their home. Itâs more light hearted than the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. More comedic also. Caught myself laughing quite a bit through this movie. The troll scene was especially fun, especially when you think back to their cameo in the Trilogy.
The character development in this movie was excellent though, with 15 main characters, with only one being previously established (BIlbo doesnât count, he was a completely different Hobbit 66 years ago), itâs hard to get everyone in the spotlight. Though a real connection can be made with most of them. Some of the returning characters even seem new, different and interesting. I would have loved to have known more of this younger, more active Elrond.
I will also say, much like the Trilogy, it is a very beautiful movie. I donât think there is an ugly section of New Zealand that exists. Stereotype? Maybe, but I can think of worse. Sweeping landscapes are the norm in this movie, again much like the Trilogy, and the movie is better for it. It communicates the epic scale the adventure is taking place on.Â
Return cameos in the movie are also very well done, and there are more than I had anticipated. They serve to flesh out the back story that was taking place behind the scenes of the original story. Iâm sure this was mainly done to make sure the movie made it to the three feature mark. More money, more money. Unlike other production company get rich easy schemes, I approve of this one. I had always wanted to know what was going on, and I didnât want to have to read the Silmarillion to do it. Iâm not quite that much of a nerd. Hey, at least I knew the name of the book!
Speaking of get rich easy schemes, letâs talk about the bad. First and foremost, 3D!! If youâve read anything Iâve ever written, you know I deplore 3D. This had the usual gimmicks employed to maximize 3D effect, and as usual looks stupid in 2D. Yeah I could have gone to watch it in 3D, but why? I shouldnât have to. Consider it the traditionalist in me. While most people were complaining about the frame rate issue (which wasnât a big deal at all. It looks great and I hardly noticed) we should be bringing the fight to 3Dâs doorstep.
AlsoâŚand I may be being a stickler here, but I was kind of skewed out by Radagast. Mainly the river of bird poo flowing down the side of his head. Iâm a fan of the absent minded wizard character, but I couldnât figure out what was up with this guy.
Past that, the only things I had to complain about were changes to the story outside of the book. If youâve read it youâll know what I mean. I will say it serves a purpose though. It keeps it more true to the world set up by the Trilogy and injects a bit more action. Sometimes changes must be made.
Donât expect much from Smaug. He is well hidden and you only get a glimpse of him. Itâs still really impressive and you donât have to wait until after the credits to get your peek. So the only reason to watch the credits is for what theyâre for. To give credit to an amazing team who are bringing to life an incredible story, brought to us by a legendary writer.
All in all, a great movie. In my eyes stole the spotlight from the Avengers. Itâs unfortunate we have to wait for two more movies, but Iâm glad they arenât squishing it. It needs the room to breathe. I will be watching it a couple more times, and I may even write a secondary review lol
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