Peter Jackson has done it again

Rating: 10/10 (12 January 2014)

The adaptation of the book "The Hobbit" was not something I was longing for or had any particular interest in. But I got curious because of Peter Jackson's involvement in the project (after all, his LOTR trilogy are all time favorites of mine). I'm so happy, that he - and not De Toro - directed it. Due to the mixed reviews 'An Unexpectede Journey' received, I was rather surprised, when it turned out to be a fantastic film that contained the same mood and the same magic as the Lord of the Rings Trilogy did, and that on top of that it had a freshness and a sense of wonder, that created the illusion that this was our first visit in Middle Earth.
None of the critique aimed at 'An Unexpected Journey' holds water. The cheerful and sometimes goofy humor and lightness of the first film (the dwarfs visiting Bilbo) reminds me of the first 30 minutes of 'The Fellowship of the Rings' (extended edition) - scenes like "Concerning Hobbits", Bilbos birthday party, Merry and Pippin stealing Gandalf's fireworks ... and later on the farmer's vegetables. And if we leave out the prologue (about Sauron and the one ring) from 'Fellowship' and the prologue (about the dwarfs loosing their kingdom and gold) from 'An Unexpected Journey', we are left with two structurally quite similar beginnings or introductions, where there is no action scenes until 30-40 minutes into the movie. So I don't understand why some people think, that the beginning is too slow.
One of the characteristic things about The Lord of the Rings Trilogy was the way it lingered at the various locations and persons in several long scenes. The mood and the peace of these scenes (backed by Howard Shore's wonderful music) was part of what made these films so unique. So why are some people suddenly complaining about it now, when they are watching The Hobbit? Personally I love it.
Richard Armitage delivers a nuanced and exciting performance as the dwarf prince Thorin Oakenshield. Martin Freeman is funny, but at times also convincingly serious and expressive as the reluctant, inexperienced Bilbo. And Ian McKellen is once again impeccable as Gandalf the Grey; no one could have played this role better. They are all amazing actors.
The story is simple, but very funny and riveting and ultimately quite emotional. I loved the cinematography and the music. (In the cinema I watched it in 2D and 24 fps, which it is how films should look.)
'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" is a flawless masterpiece. I enjoyed every moment of it. (I prefer the extended edition.) I expected nothing and got EVERYTHING my heart desires.