Review of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012) by Hatem A — 24 Jan 2015

2.5/4.0.

The decision to split J.R.R. Tolkien's prequel to "The Lord of the Rings" ("LOTR") into three movies was nothing short of a big mistake. For sure it will allow the filmmakers to make nearly triple the money than if it were just one movie but still this could have been an epic masterpiece if it were shot as one movie. The other issue is "LOTR", undoubtedly one of the best and most successful franchises that today serve as somewhat of a guidebook to filmmakers of the fantasy genre. The fact that virtually the same team - including Oscar-winning director Peter Jackson and with first-choice director Guillermo del Toro sharing writing credits - is helming the movie is a relief but undoubtedly heightens the comparison. While "The Hobbit" is a visual feast and technically flawless (and allows the filmmakers to utilize the then-uncommon 3-D medium to the level of excellence; and of course on IMAX where I saw this movie the experience is even more enhanced), it falls significantly short of "LOTR" on the storytelling and character development levels.

Taking place nearly sixty years before "LOTR", the plot centers on simple-life loving hobbit Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) who is persuaded by wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen) to accompany thirteen dwarves led by the rightful king Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) to travel to the Lonely Mountain to reclaim their home that has been occupied by the gold-loving Smaug the Dragon who drove them out of their rightful home.

Just to give illustrate the numerous redundancies, the movie starts off with older Bilbo (Ian Holm) writing down the story of his adventure for his nephew Frodo (Elijah Wood) - this could have been a 30-60 second sequence but it drags a bit. The background story on the dwarves history and how they got to lose their home is nicely done but then comes the movie's biggest mistake. As younger Bilbo is ready to eat supper, he is interrupted by one dwarf after the other. The sequence, whose aim is to fulfill Gandalf's aim to recruit Bilbo as the group's "burglar" to help the dwarves on their quest, drags for nearly 40 minutes as Bilbo opens up the door for one dwarf after the other and gets to chat with them. And did I mention that there is dwarf singing! This could have easily lasted 10 minutes at most. And to make things worse, the movie barely makes us know much about the dwarves who with the exception of Thorin are one-dimensional, totally unmemorable characters (unlike the multitude of characters in the LOTR trilogy). Another redundant scene is an encounter with three dim-witted trolls that the movie could have very easily done without. Then, there are the appearances by some characters from the "LOTR" trilogy that are a bit purposeless unless proven otherwise in the subsequent instalments - Lord Elrond, the elf king of Rivendell (Hugo Weaving), head of the Order of Wizards Sarumen the White (Christopher Lee) and Galadriel the elf (Cate Blanchett).

I must say the movie redeems itself in the second half to an extent with an Orc back-story involving a war chief called Azog the Defiler (Manu Bennett) who killed Thorin's grandfather and lost his arm to Thorin, as well as encounter with Goblins that results in an enigmatic battle sequence. Also, there is a teaser of things to come including the Necromancer of Dol Guldur (a wizard who summons the dead) and of course Smaug the Dragon. But definitely the best sequence is where Bilbo encounters Gollum (Andy Serkis) and they engage in a game of riddles in a scene that results in an expected conclusion. The scene may feel a bit overlong for some too but still it is a really fun scene and is a reminder of why Gollum is one of Middle Earth's most interesting characters.

I can't say I hated the movie though, I was overall entertained and taken on a unique journey; however, I must admit I grew restless at times particularly in the first half. The second half was more immersive I must say and left me somewhat looking forward to the next instalment. Nominated for 3 Oscars: Art Direction, Make-Up and Visual Effects.