A little Disappointed

Rating: 7/10 (23 December 2012)

I grew up reading the books and was pleased with Peter Jackson screen adaptation of the trilogy. Reading some of the reviews I can see I will be in the minority here but I had some problems with this latest film. First is the actual film process which is 48 frames per minute which makes the film look sharp but loses the effect of an old story being told. It looks more like a fan based short put on youtube. Second the dialogue used in the film makes a number of references to modern culture and language which takes you out of the story for a split second which seems to me to be a major error if you want to be lost in Tolkien. A number of the film sequences felt like filler including a scene with rock giants battling it out and trolls three stooges routine. Again the film makers use flying eagles to save the day which begs the question, Why not fly all the way from point A to point B?
The special effects are truly remarkable but what really saves this movie for me is the performance of Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins. He plays the character to perfection and his scene with Gollum (played by Andy Serkis) was a joy to watch.
I know most will feel I am nitpicking but I maintain that if a book you are reading or movie you are watching fails to make you forget everything put the story than it has not fully succeeded.
Nice try though.