Much better than I expected

Rating: 7/10 (26 December 2012)

I liked the LOTR films but I wouldn't say I was a fan. I've only watched the first and the third entry more than once and haven't read any of the books or even spent any time trying to learn more about the characters or the world it takes place in. All of that being said my expectations weren't very high for this film. It just seems like a way to cash on the original trilogies success. My opinion of prequels is that even the story was all that great they would have told it the first time around. Well I'm happy to say I was pleasantly surprised The Hobbit feels like it takes place in the same universe, which it does but it's an all new experience altogether. I found it a little difficult to follow the storyline but I really did enjoy the film. Here are the positives the film is well paced and shot beautifully. The spfx are top notch, Smegal has never looked so terrifying and awe inspiring and the characters although not as developed as the ones in the other films are interesting and engaging enough in that you want to know more about their story. As for the negatives the film isn't nearly as engaging as the first or third LOTR film of which it will be compared. The characters and storyline aren't developed enough to be fully engaged and the film feels anticlimactic as they have decided to divide it into three films. The film also has awkward lapses into unnecessary humor that just feel out of place and their is some questionable directorial touches that veer on the cheesy. All in all it's a solid film with promise of other films that will only heighten this ones overall effect. Kudos to Peter Jackson for pulling off a prequel that feels fresh instead a dull retread of the same. ***.5/5