Review of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012) by Dann M — 26 Dec 2014

Peter Jackson returns to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. The story follows a young hobbit named Bilbo Baggins who is recruited to join a band of dwarves that are on a quest to reclaim their ancestral home in the Lonely Mountain from a dragon named Smaug.

Unfortunately, Jackson veers significantly from the novel in an attempt to expend the material to include elements from The Lord of the Rings appendices, and as a result several parts of the film feel superfluous.

However, the film's able to remain engaging through intense action sequences and strong performances. Additionally, the special effects and musical score are excellently done, and really help to enhance the film.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey isn't at the level of The Lord of the Rings, but it's a well-craft film with an epic feel to it.