The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage, Hugo Weaving, James Nesbitt, Aidan Turner, Dean O’Gorman, Graham McTavish, Andy Serkis, Sylvester McCoy, Cate Blanchett

Dir. Peter Jackson
Scr. Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens & Guillermo del Toro (based on the novel by JRR Tolkien)

This movie is like nothing you have ever seen before. And I’m not being hyperbolic, I promise. I can also say with near certainty that some movie-goers will hate it and complain that it’s not “cinematic” or that it looks “too real”. These people have small minds and need to get out more. Seriously though, this is something new and shiny, much like colour or sound or high definition. It’s innovation; it’s pushing the boat out. And kudos to Jackson for taking us to a new place, whether this new place is universally embraced or not. Let’s not forget also, this is a charming and enchanting story, with larger than life characters and a whole lot of heart. I highly recommend.

I am somewhat embarrassed to say I have never read The Hobbit (or anything by Tolkien for that matter). For those of you who have, you’ll know the story well. Bilbo Baggins (Freeman), a quiet-life-loving hobbit, gets swept along on an adventure with wizard Gandalf the Grey (McKellen) and thirteen displaced dwarves led by warrior Thorin Oakenshield (Armitage). Their kingdom, Erebor, has long been ruled by the evil dragon Smaug and they embark on a quest to reclaim their home. Along the way, friends and foes are encountered, including the strange creature Gollum (Serkis) who will change Bilbo’s life forever.

The book will spawn three movies, fleshed out by other writings and details by Tolkien. And indeed Jackson and his creative team. An Unexpected Journey feels very much like part one of a larger story. Jackson takes time in setting the scene and giving key characters depth and motivation – it’s a nice thing that he has the luxury to do so. The movie, because of this, does seem to take some time to get going. But when it hits its stride, it’s unrelenting, chaotic and cracking. This is also a much brighter and happier Middle Earth than the one we experienced in the Lord of the Rings (LOTR) trilogy. There is less lurking in dark corners and it lacks that constant sense of foreboding. Which I admit I missed a little.

The Hobbit is the first feature to be filmed and projected at 48 frames per second (fps). The standard is 24 fps. In addition, it’s in 3D. I guess if anyone is up to this task, it’s Jackson and his team. There is no question that this combination messes with your mind. How long it takes an audience member to adjust might directly correlate to how much the film is enjoyed and embraced. It’ll be a very personal journey. For me, the adjustment was swift but I was still repeatedly surprised and thrilled by the detail and smoothness and clarity. Although I could have done with a pause button to simply take it all in.

The cast on offer here, much like that in the LOTR trilogy, is stellar and clearly having the time of their lives. If some feel the look of the film is too clinical, they can be rest assured that this cast ably offer the emotional connection the audience needs and craves. First and foremost, Freeman is simply perfection. He was born to play Bilbo. Such enthusiasm and heart and humour and nuance, he is a delight. I connected with him so much more than Elijah Wood’s Frodo. McKellen is back as a younger Gandalf and is brilliant as ever, a little more vulnerable and unsure than his LOTR Gandalf. The gaggle of dwarves is very entertaining, though few are truly fleshed out. Armitage, as their driven and courageous leader Thorin, has the most to do and does it very well. The other standout for me is Serkis, reprising his role as Gollum. Without question, the best scene is the riddle battle between him and Bilbo – absolutely captivating and wonderfully funny. Some have compared McCoy’s wizard Radagast the Brown to Jar Jar Binks, which is awfully unfair.

If you are a Tolkien and LOTR fan, you will not be disappointed by this visit to Middle Earth. The technology on display here may divide audiences and I’m sure the likes of James Cameron are looking on with great interest – if it goes well, who knows how many frames per second Avatar II might be filmed in. Jackson clearly believes in his vision. This particular movie-goer was simply delighted by it all.

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Gandalf: You’ll have a tale or two to tell when you come back.
Bilbo: You can promise that I will come back?
Gandalf: …. No. And if you do, you will not be the same.