"The Hobbit" Movie Review

Rating: 10/10 (19 February 2013)

Peter Jackson's "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," may be the most captivating adventure movie of 2012. Based on the novel by J.R.R Tolkien, "The Hobbit," takes viewers from grass plains to a rocky mountain pass; from the rolling hills of The Shire, to the waterfalls of Rivendell. On the journey, many trials are overcome by one courageous hobbit, a safeguarding wizard and thirteen unique and lively dwarfs. Every aspect about "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," from the exceptional acting to the fresh and flawless animation and scenery, creates an enchanting adventure for the whole family.
Anyone that can empathize with the overwhelming fear of leaving the comfort of home can relate to the timidly brave hobbit, Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman). Freeman adds to Bilbo a special innocence and peculiarity that makes his character ever so rare. Sir Ian McKellen plays, in my opinion, one of the most memorable characters in cinema, Gandalf the Grey. McKellen is surrounded by an aura of wisdom. He provides good hope to every trial the clan encounters and always seems to show up just when he is needed most. The leader of the thirteen dwarfs is Thorin (Richard Armitage), the grandson of the dwarf king. At first, Armitage gives a darker and unwelcoming persona to Thorin; unlike the rest of the dwarfs who are rather merry with a rough around the edges feel. Together, the company creates an entrancing connection that brings viewers along for the journey.
While most movies based off of books are somewhat of a disappointment to the reader, "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" is pleasantly almost spot-on; right down to Tolkien's poetry. The first movie, of the trilogy to come, begins with a background explaining just why Bilbo Baggins receives fourteen unexpected visitors. After a night of convincing, Baggins decides to join the dwarfs in regaining their kingdom Erebor from the fiery stronghold of the dragon Smaug. Although the plot of facing one adversity after another may seem habitual, the originality of the characters and situations create excitement around every corner. My favorite scene introduces the internally troubled and misunderstood Gollum (Andy Serkis). While Serkis' voice is a talent in itself, he also kindles a complicated compassion for Gollum. The filming and acting of the riddled scene is engaging and pulled me in entirely.
Unlike the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" has less graphic violence and a little more child reared humor. The orcs and goblins are still the most disgusting creatures I have ever seen. All the same, middle earth -- and all its inhabitants -- is a beautiful imagination brought to life. One example of the phenomenal filming is the ability to show the height differences with Gandalf towering over the short dwarfs and even smaller hobbit. "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" is most definitely an adventure for all ages, that is, if children can manage to sit through a two and a half hour long movie.
"The Hobbit" creates a new world, one even different from the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. Reappearing is the classic "Concerning Hobbits" lullaby that touches the heart no matter how many times it's played. Without a doubt, "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" is a magical film and magnificent start to yet another trilogy that will encourage anyone who watches it to let their imagination run wild through the fields of fantasy.