Like visiting an old friend

Rating: 8/10 (9 January 2013)

The Hobbit had a lot to do, a prequel to the all conquering Lord of the Rings trilogy, a smaller book, aimed at a younger audience but it doesn't seem to have hampered the film. Yes the film has some scenes which could have been missed out but any extra time spent in Peter Jackson's middle earth is magical.
Jackson appears to be operating with a little more freedom here, with more mythical creatures making their way into the film. The mountain trolls are a particular highlight and they show a flair for comedy that illustrates the slight tonal switch of this film from its predecessors. The man who makes the film is Martin Freeman's Bilbo. He anchors the film and is much more likable and easier to relate to than Frodo, with Freeman optimising the every man. His scenes with Gollum is arguably the best in the film.
The action scenes are solid as expected but they do lack a little of the scale and importance of the battles in Lord of the Rings. This could be a criticism, the stakes just are not as high in this film but again this doesn't hold the film back. Also the pacing has come under question and at times the film does feel episodic. I thought the higher frame rate would let the film down but I was wrong. It takes a while to get used to for sure, Ian Holm's Bilbo just doesn't look right, how can the same actor look so different? Luckily he isn't in the film long.
As I said in the title it is like visiting an old friend. You ignore the imperfections and just enjoy your time together. And what an amazing time it is! Well done Peter Jackson.
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