An enjoyable return to Middle-earth.

Rating: 8/10 (17 December 2012)

After the unfortunate, but inevitable end to the original breathtaking trilogy in 2003 the reemergence of both Middle-earth and Peter Jackson has unquestionably created a great sense of anticipation over this festive season, as there is a constant questioning of whether this extended adaption of the original Hobbit novel will match the same sense of success as its flawless predecessors. Unarguably the production is extremely enjoyable, as the adventures of Bilbo Baggins expose the viewer to an explored side of Middle-earth that is accompanied by the thankful return of many familiar faces. However there is certainly a sense of expected seriousness and tension that often falls absent, as this is only worsened by the senseless CGI dominance that prevent "The Hobbit" from aspiring to a success that is associated with the original trilogy.
Following the legendary adventures of Bilbo Baggins, he unwillingly accompanies a faction of Dwarfs led by Gandalf the Grey who seek to retake their homeland that was spontaneously laid siege to by the great dragon "Smaug". For the most part the plot is fairly lighthearted and often employs comedy within the dialogue and habits of all the adventurers, yet the dark moments of battle and conflict offer little amusement. With a widespread selection of fairly unknown characters, the film is left to often rely on Mckellen's major role and the several other cameo appearances from individuals such as, Christopher Lee and Hugo Weaving in order to retain a sense of familiarity in relation to the previous trilogy, as the revisiting of previously minor characters interweave perfectly within this fairly unknown and unexplored narrative. However regardless of these thankful returns to familiar faces, in some cases certain climatic moments that result in fast paced action do not reach the expected level of anticipation that has been become a trademark of Jackson's interpretations of the 4 novels. With that in mind when events do eventually reach the peak of excitement, they often end in laughter and relief for the characters fates.
CGI had unquestionably been a major factor within the visual successes of all 3 previous works, yet Jackson's ludicrously experimental decision to double the previously used 24 frames per second serves as a huge hindrance to the films questionable appearance. Previously many of the Orc's had been primarily presented within a handmade costume design that proved to be disturbingly authentic,yet on this occasion Jackson disregards this in turn total CGI dominance. At times the CGI does work in creating beautifully designed setting and special effects, yet in action sequences in particular it is simply too unauthentic and fast paced, as an ill timed blink could leave you oblivious to an enjoyable segment of a battle. With that in mind this fast paced action is another element of its differentiation from the original works that may possibly prove more popular in the future, as for now the action is still enjoyable, but not perfected.
Jackson's supposedly avid and relentless interest in Martin Freeman's involvement in the production was certainly justified due to the accurate portrayal of an earlier and less adventurous "Bilbo Baggins" he delivers. Freeman consistently keeps within the lighthearted approach by providing his own personal comedy within this unexpected hero and wanderer of Middle-earth, as his performance falls very close to predetermined expectations. Ian Mckellen's return as the wandering wizard "Gandalf" was evidently vital for the films success and overall reception, as his major role committed him to far more action and screen time than ever before in this saga. Much like Freeman viewers are also exposed to a fair amount of humour, but as mentioned it is his action and leading role that have contributed to Mckellen's successful portrayal of one of the greatest fictional heroes of all time.
Flawless casting choices continue to flourish within the unexpected appearance of Richard Armitage as Dwarve "Thorin". His transition from T.V to Hollywood seems virtually effortless, as to distinguish Armitage as a primarily T.V actor from this production alone would encounter much difficulty. His ability to create a stubborn and fearless character may not entitle him to the becoming the most likable character in the production as leader of the Dwarfs, but his performance is admirable and essential to the past of the unfortunate Dwarfs that the viewer is exposed to. The cameo appearances from Christopher Lee and Hugo Weaving as their respective characters did serve the film greatly, yet it is the return of Gollum that ironically proves a sight for sore eyes. This clear doppelganger and chaotic character is once again played to perfection by Andy Serkis, as this disturbing characters inclusion in the plot reveal his first encounters with Bilbo and allow viewers to make the links to these events that were not explicitly covered in "The Fellowship of the Ring".
Now although Jackson may have lacked the ability to create a production piece worthy of the same status as his perfected previous works, "The Hobbit" in its own right is an extremely enjoyable production. A fruitful mixture of both new and familiar characters and their ability to converge in a simplistic yet intriguing plot is where the films true successes lie in relation to retaining a sense of familiarity and at the same time offering a unique element of differentiation. My only hope for the next equally anticipated sequel is that Jackson leaves behind the awful CGI techniques and returns to the sublime presentation he has been widely recognized for.