Fantastic movie (once I got past being dense)

Rating: 8/10 (15 January 2014)

It is always difficult to admit being dense, but I was.
On the first viewing, I was disappointed in this film. I am a great fan of the Lord of the Rings trilogy and was expecting something quite similar. However, this film does not have the intensity of The Lord of the Rings.
It was that lack of intensity that gave rise to my disappointment.
After an additional viewing, I adjusted to the tone of the movie which was so different. Then it struck me that I completely missed a key thematic element of the film (dumb). Bilbo states this as clearly as possible -'I'm going on an adventure'. Yeesh! This is an adventure film and not a war film as was the Lord of the Rings. So of course it is less intense.
I stand in awe of Peter Jackson's (and co-creators) ability to so subtly create the mood and tone exactly appropriate to the nature of the tale.
With my initial disappointment set aside, I could fully appreciate the extraordinary skill and talent that went into making the movie. For me, Lord of the Rings is the high water mark of movie making. This film reaches that same level of excellence. Peter Jackson has created a visually and musically beautiful film, every bit on a par with LoR and once again demonstrated his consummate ability as a storyteller.
Martin Freemans' performance deserves special notice. He is a master in the use of body language to convey thoughts and emotions. Think of the scene were it is the morning after the dwarfs invade Bilbo's home for dinner. Without a word being spoken, he speaks volumes as he treads carefully though the house checking on the status of his uninvited guests. The only equivalent use of body language that comes to my mind is Sandra Bullock in 'While You Were Sleeping'.
This movie stands shoulder to shoulder with the heretofore matchless Lord of the Rings.