Slow But Satisfying

Rating: 6/10 (1 July 2013)

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
*** (out of 4)
169 mins/ 12
Cast: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving, Richard Armitage, Christopher Lee, Sylvester McCoy, Ian Holm, Andy Serkis, Elijah Wood, Benedict Cumberbatch, Graham McTavish, James Nesbitt
Director: Peter Jackson
Plot: Bilbo Baggins, a reluctant Hobbit, is forced onto an unexpected journey with a group of dwarfs to defeat the evil dragon Smaug.
JJ's Verdict: As that beautiful Shire music comes bursting in and Gandalf and Bilbo have their legendary 'Good day' conversation, you know that 'The Hobbit" is going to be an expected triumph. In terms of scope and landscapes, Peter Jackson has overtaken his previous efforts such as Lord of the Rings and King Kong. The fight scenes are entertaining and, mainly down to the dwarfs, the film is very funny. At the start of the film when all twelve dwarfs are introduced they barge into Bilbo's home and start to wreck it. This leads to superb fun as Bilbo tries to prevent them from throwing plates around and doing the washing up. And you can rely on them throughout the film to give hilarious comic relief, even when they are about to be eaten by trolls. As well as new characters, we also get to see old (this being a prequel, actually younger) characters. It is a delight to see Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving, Elijah Wood, Christopher Lee, Ian Holm and of course, Andy Serkis return to their respective roles. The famous riddles scene between Gollum and Bilbo is really something to be amazed at. At almost three hours, it's just a shame that the film struggles to hold your attention for all this time and like 'The Return of the King', has too many endings. Overall, despite lengthy, 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' is entertaining, funny and brilliantly held together by Martin Freeman, who fits into his role as Bilbo with perfection.