I'M LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO SHARE IN AN ADVENTURE

Rating: 10/10 (28 August 2018)

The LOTR series set the template for this film. It incorporates many of the same characters, sets, and sound track.
LOTR was arguably the best film(s) ever made. No one expected this from Peter Jackson, whose films before and since have left little to rave about. There were scenes where I felt Jackson was resting on his laurels, not wanting to do a second take, while there were other scenes which left me breathless.
In case you didn't realize it, this is a prequel to LOTR. In this story a younger Bilbo (Martin Freeman) joins Gandalf (Ian McKellen) and the slobbish Dwarves regain their mountain taken by a dragon. In this episode, Bilbo acquires his sword "Sting" and "The Ring." They do not reach the mountain.
Gandalf appears to be our only source for truisms and memorable lines. "Your house is now behind you, the world is ahead." or "Evil will always look for a foothold in the world" or "True courage is not knowing when to take a life, but when to spare one." This written with WWII in the mind of Tolkien. I couldn't help but think of the dragon as Germany or of the Elves appeasement philosophy that the world was at peace while battles raged on.
Martin Freeman has a very strong British accent, unlike the other Hobbits. Initially I thought his character was a weak link, similar to Elijah Wood as Frodo. He grew stronger in his role as the film progressed, although I am not convinced he was the best choice.
Sylvester McCoy plays Radagast, the Brown. He is a wizard Peter Jackson cut out of the original screenplay for "The Fellowship of the Rings." The 90 year old Christopher Lee returns to his role as does Cate Blanchett, Ian Holm, Elijah Wood, Andy Serkis, and Hugo Weaving.
A worthy effort.