the ingredients are there, but the results are less than enthralling

Rating: Null/10 (22 April 2019)

Set before the events of The Fellowship of the Ring, aging hobbit Bilbo Baggins begins to chronicle his adventures for the benefit of his nephew Frodo. Recalling a specific time in his youth, Bilbo is recruited by wizard Gandalf the Grey to join a group of thirteen dwarves on a dangerous trek to reclaim Lonely Mountain. Given the source material and having Peter Jackson at the helm creates all sorts of potential, but the film is slowly paced and very long, lacks a rousing since of adventure, and fails to duplicate the majestic quality of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. There are some familiar faces and memorable characters to please dedicated fans, and things do pick up a bit during the final act, but actor Freeman's stoic demeanor deprives the film of some much needed emotional depth. **Â½