In a Hole in the Ground There lived a Hobbit

Rating: 9/10 (26 December 2012)

It was all those many years ago when Peter Jackson's Epic "Lord of the Rings" Trilogy hit big in the early Noughties. Although originally conceived to be unfilmable, by that time the world was immersed in Tolkien's Middle Earth Made possible on screen by Jackson and his incredible team. By the end of it it was a triumph and remembered as pure classic. I saw all three films on the big screen back then in all three years they were released. After then I remember an old friend saying to me a year later ; "You know whats bad about this year?" "No Lord of the Rings movie".
Then there was talk about 'The Hobbit' getting the big screen adaptation. The process was long but it managed to get itself back on its feet. I would partly agree that one film based on one book would have been enough, but Jackson and his team had the idea to expand the universe of Middle Earth for 'The Hobbit', so Two films were commissioned. But now we have another Middle Earth Trilogy to look forward to in the shape of Peter Jackson's 'The Hobbit'.
An Unexpected Journey is the first part of this story. It begins with Sir Ian Holm as the older Bilbo Baggins as what appears to be telling young Frodo (Elijah Wood) his story and what he knows.
We get an flashback to how the Dwarfs became mighty in their kingdom under the mountain known as Erebor. King Thrain rules humbly but has an obsession of treasure, The Dwarfs were then thrown from Erebor after being attacked by the retched dragon Smaug, The Elves depart the Dwarfs help, so they're left to scatter throughout the land.
The opening drama in Bag End basically takes place before the events of 'The Fellowship of the Ring'. Then starts the real story with the younger Bilbo (Martin Freeman) 60 years earlier, He's a Hobbit who lives a comfortable life in the Shire until Gandalf the Grey (Sir Ian McKellen, who never seems to age) invites Bilbo on an adventure. Bilbo declines until the 13 Dwarfs arrive for dinner, Gandalf reveals he wants Bilbo to be a Burglar to steal into The Lonely Mountain's treasure chamber. Bilbo is still unsure until he finally packs up and goes on this adventure in the company of the Dwarfs to The Lonely Mountain.
I won't need to summarize the plot if you've read the book. I'm almost grateful that Jackson is expanding the story and universe for his film(s) to make it unique from what other Tolkien adaptation were like.
Much of the same production team that was used of LOTR return for the Hobbit. The Grand Scale look and production design and special effects are top notch and could be bettered. New Zealand's landscape once again makes it possible for Middle Earth to become live again. We can once again lose ourselves in this incredible and vast world.
The tone of the film clearly matches the feel of the book. The Hobbit is a more light hearted and more a fairy tale compared to the dark, scary and mature themes presented in 'Lord of the Rings'. I could also say the the film does have a lot of humour for it light hearted tones.
The many other plot points and characters in the expanding of the story play a great part in the film. It would have also been hard for previous film makers adapting the Hobbit to give clear definitions for each of the Dwarfs. Jackson has done that perfectly making sure that we care a lot for the company on their journey. Thorin is the Dwarf with the most depth being a Dwarven prince who wants his birth right as heir to Erebor and meeting his old enemy, Azog; who was thought to be dead. Radagast the Brown is also a new subploted character who discovers a dark power in Dol Guldur. Other reprising roles include Gollum (in his iconic scene), The Elves Elrond and Galadriel, and lastly the wizard Saruman the White, play their small parts in the story.
The Casting is flawless, Jackson made sure every actor played their role to fit into the story and universe. Martin Freeman is fantastic as Bilbo; brings the right amount of humour and unlikely hero sense. Richard Armatage is a Revelation as Thorin as I saw this character play I could almost see what his future death would be like. Former Doctor Who; Sylvester McCoy is also fantastic as Radagast the Brown being the nature caring wizard with a big heart and powerful magic. Barry Humphies plays The Goblin King, big bulky very ruthless. Benedict Cumberbatch (Freeman's Sherlock co-star) plays two roles in the film(s); one as the voice and motion capture of Smaug the dragon (we didn't see much) and the necromancer an evil creature awakening from the dead.
I couldn't agree more that the 3D effects and HFR really give viewers an immersive experience almost as if they're in the film. Its a proved effect that really works within the spectacle and scale of the film's competency. Viewers may see the film in the usual 24fps format, but I tell you now. Your mind won't be blown seeing it in HFR and 3D that's the real way to go with this.
Overall The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is a fantastic film, well welcome return to Middle Earth, thrilling, charming, with dazzling effect, and even more excitement to look froward to in further installments. It may be too much or too slow for some viewers but, clearly in my eyes the film is excellent with so much effort thanks to one great director, and such an entertaining adventure flick.
4.5/5