Synopsis: YOU, SHALL, NOT, not enjoy this movie!
Review: Well it’s back! Another production from Peter
Jackson in the ever popular (amongst nerds and normal people alike – that’s my
story and I’m sticking to it) Lord of the Rings series. An Unexpected Journey
is the first part of three films reproducing JRR Tolkien’s classic 1937 novel
‘The Hobbit’ which precedes the original three books and explains the origin of
the sinister Ring of Power. Bilbo Baggins, played by Martin Freeman
(Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, The Office (UK), Love Actually) is drafted
into a band of intrepid travelers – including Gandalf and 13 Dwarves - traveling east to the Lonely Mountain to reclaim their stronghold, and
many treasures from the evil dragon Smaug. Now for those reading, yes, it is a
Peter Jackson LOTR flick; yes, it is a tad on the nerdy side; but no, you do
not have to understand Elvish or subscribe to Wizard Wand Weekly to really
enjoy it. Martin Freeman brings a wonderful warmth and quirkiness to the film
as Bilbo and is fantastic to watch as he’s washed along in his ‘Unexpected
Journey’. The 13 dwarves are a bit like the Colonel’s 11 herbs and spices, all
bringing something unique to an overall enjoyable product (but still one you’re
a bit ashamed to tell people about).
For those wondering (as I did before
watching) how Jackson was planning to drag out the shortest of Tolkien’s books
into three films, the answer is quite simple - there is a lot of focus on the
other characters in the books and the general history (if you will) of Middle
Earth. The film is littered with side stories and flashbacks chronicling the
many characters that make the story so rich and fulfilling. Replete with epic
battles, mystic trivia, epic adventure and that inimitable brand of humor; the
story sings along, harmoniously tying together a myriad of intertwining
sideshows. There was only one point where I felt as though the dialogue dragged
on longer than an episode of Home and Away without really adding anything, but
unlike Home and Away (which adds nothing to anything), in this case it is
excusable. The thing that most excites me about the continuation of this
franchise is that one day, once all the movies with extended footage are
released on DVD (or Blu-Ray, or imprinted on our collective sub-conscious’)
you’ll be able to sit down for a LOTR marathon that lasts more than 24 hours! In
general I think this film is pretty spot on, although there’s nothing
groundbreaking here. That said, watching The Hobbit bought back the excitement
I felt as a little kid when I originally read the book back in 1995 and, like a hobbit and his meals, I can’t
wait for the next two.
Rating:
3/5
