A Fantastic Voyage Indeed!

Rating: 10/10 (14 December 2012)

After many months of waiting and expectation, I was finally able to see 'The Hobbit: an Unexpected Journey' in its midnight showing. I had read many negative or mixed professional reviews, and I was very worried, seeing as I am a huge Tolkien fan. And now, after having watched the movie, I can honestly say to those critics: To the depths of Mordor with you!
There are very few things to complain about this movie. It remains mostly faithful to the Hobbit, and when it doesn't it remains faithful to Middle-Earth lore. I found myself actively cheering the protagonists on, my heart beating like an orc drum in my chest. And while some might say that cheering the protagonists on is what I am supposed to do in every movie, you are correct. And I do that, but in this movie, I felt like my own life would be affected by the outcome of the story.Coupled with the amazing scenery and incredible direction, I could not help being completely immersed in the story, an immersion that I have not felt in a fantasy movie since the 'Lord Of The Rings' trilogy.
BE WARNED! The Hobbit, as should be expected, is not as urgent as the 'LOTR' Trilogy. Remember, the dwarfs are not attempting to save the world as the Fellowship of the Ring was. Their goal is personal, and their success or failure would not determine the fate of Middle-Earth directly. Thus the movie does not have that 'Save the World' vibe. BUT, in contrast, the protagonist's quest is of such a personal level that as a viewer I could not help but be captivated and moved by it. Their quest became my quest. A truly I do not think a movie could hope to achieve more. I, for one, ardently disagree with many of the professional critics. Go view the movie yourselves, and be prepared to be transported back to the Middle- Earth we have missed so much.