The One Ring Forums: Tolkien Topics: Movie Discussion: The Hobbit: What do you like best?

The One Ring Forums: Tolkien Topics: Movie Discussion: The Hobbit:
What do you like best?

Roheryn
Tol Eressea

Feb 12 2013, 9:41pm

Views: 3340

What do you like best?

We've had a couple of months now to reflect on AUJ. Many of us have fallen in love with it (or with Thorin, but I digress), some of us like it a lot, and some of us...well, maybe not so much. Regardless, PJ and co put a tremendous amount of effort into making the movie. So here's a question for you to ponder: what do you like best about the movie? What do you think was particularly well done? Where do you think PJ really got it right? Share your thoughts!

Here's some of mine:

I really, really appreciate the use of the material outside the actual book itself (e.g., the LOTR appendices and the story of The Quest of Erebor -- the latter of which is published as an appendix to the second edition of The Annotated Hobbit). The material in these sources is weightier and much more in keeping with the tone of LOTR, and I think the tone that PJ and co have struck with AUJ is a nice balance between the light-heartedness of the book itself and the more weighty, epic tone of the supplementary material. One bit from The Quest of Erebor particularly struck me when I re-read it after seeing AUJ: "The embers in the heart of Thorin grew hot again, as he brooded on the wrongs of his House and of the vengeance upon the dragon that was bequeathed to him. He thought of weapons and armies and alliances, as his great hammer rang in his forge; but the armies were dispersed and the alliances broken and the axes of his people were few; and a great anger without hope burned him, as he smote the red iron on the anvil." Does not the brief scene at the end of the prologue, where Thorin works at the anvil, capture that perfectly? Goosebumps!

Another interesting bit from the LOTR appendices: Thrain lost an eye in the Battle of Azanulbizar. Yes, we see him missing an eye in the movie *before* the battle, but it's still a nice (and accurate) touch, even if the chronology is off.

And I've said this before, but I love it: after the Unexpected Party, Bilbo falls asleep is his bed listening to Thorin humming the exact first verse of the Misty Mountains song that the dwarves sing in the movie. I'm just sure that reference to humming must have inspired the way the song is performed in the movie.

As for bigger things I think were well done: well, the biggest has to be the characterization of the dwarves, and of course Thorin in particular. Showing us Thorin's backstory, making us sympathetic to his cause and allowing us to understand his motivations, makes us so much more engaged with him and this quest. I'm so glad the dwarven side of the tale is not a simple one about dwarves reclaiming lost treasure. And again, the characterization of Thorin, at least, is very much in keeping with what we see of him in The Quest of Erebor.

There's heaps more I could add, but I'll leave it here for now, with the addition of this: I would, naturally, be completely remiss if I didn't mention that I think one of the very most well-done things in the movie is Thorin's hair. Wink

Gorbag
Rivendell

Feb 12 2013, 9:46pm

Views: 2488

Theres so much i love about the film, but to narrow it down to one little scene...

The morning after the Dwarves and Gandalf have left the meeting at Bag End, and for a moment Bilbo is pleased that they are gone and is all alone in Bag End. Then alone, he stands in the hall, everything is silent. You can see just by how its played that there something on Bilbos mind, hes thinking about something, the music sweeps in and he looks at the contract. Next scene hes running across Hobbiton to go on his adventure.

That little scene i adore, its so subtle, but so wonderfully played.

“I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.” - J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

(This post was edited by Gorbag on Feb 12 2013, 9:48pm)

Angharad73
Rohan

Feb 12 2013, 9:56pm

Views: 2463

These are a few of my favourite things...

The dwarves. The way they are all shown as very different individuals. They each have their special quirks, and I am sure that there is a story behind each and every one of them, even if we haven't seen all of thos yet. And I just love their costumes and their weaponry. There are so many tiny details that I can find on closer inspection, which makes every viewing of the movie interesting. And yes, well, the hair, I love that too, especially Thorin's, although I'm also quite partial to Fili's locks.

Another thing that I love - or rather, another person - is Bilbo. MF does such a great job. He looks so very hobbity, and he is just the perfect Bilbo to me.

There is a lot to be said for the way the movie uses some of the lines directly from the book or slightly modified. One of my favourite scenes is when Gandalf tells Bilbo about Bullroarer Took and how golf was invented. That makes me chuckle every time. I also like the whole 'Good morning' scene. These are such lovely interpretations of what is written in the book.

There are a lot more things, I'm sure, but that's all I can think of for now.

Oh, and I came across this recently. There are a lot of things that I agree with in this... Tongue

http://youtu.be/ccM5lrjdM-0

(This post was edited by Angharad73 on Feb 12 2013, 9:59pm)

Radagast-Aiwendil
Gondor

Feb 12 2013, 9:58pm

Views: 2410

My favourite bits

I too am very thankful to PJ and co for using material from the Appendices/Quest of Erebor, even if not all of it was entirely canon-accurate.

A lot of the new characters (particularly the debated ones) were very interesting. Azog grew on me with a second viewing as I realized that the first part of the story (or the film's version of the story at least) benefited with the presence of a major antagonist to keep the tension alive (the Great Goblin didn't have enough screen time to fill this role.)

The Goblin-Town and Riddles in the Dark sections stood out for me the most in terms of individual scenes, with the tension perfectly balanced between a frantic escape and a threatening exchange. Riddles in the Dark was especially good as it was mostly taken from the book's pages.

Though I know many people didn't enjoy Radagast and The Great Goblin, I liked both. The fact that the Great Goblin lacked any sense of being a threat seemed to work and in terms of creating a lighter, witty tone for the piece the characterization (and the casting of Barry Humphries) was to (imo) a clever idea. His scenes were one of the highlights to my mind.

While Radagast wasn't perfect (i.e. guano, stick insect etc), I felt that he was a believable and likeable character: the fact that he was absent-minded and socially awkward matched my image of him and made his moments of wisdom and power stand out (e.g. when he used magic to scare away the spiders).

Aside from that I enjoyed pretty much all of it, apart from the stone-giant section and the over-dramatic fall from the Goblin-Town platforms, neither of which were believable.

"These are Gundabad Wargs! They will outrun you!"

"THESE are Rhosgobel Rabbits! I'd like to see them try...."

Ardamírë
Valinor

Feb 12 2013, 10:59pm

Views: 2370

Quite simple - The Shire

Everything from "Good Morning" through Bilbo joining the expedition. I particularly like the songs, the golf reference, Bilbo's amazing technicolor coat (seriously Tongue

), Gandalf & Bilbo's conversations, and Bilbo running through the Shire.

There's a sad sort of clanging from the clock in the hall and the bells in the steeple, too.
And up in the nursery an absurd little bird is popping out to say coo-coo (coo-coo, coo-coo).

Vangalad
Lorien

Feb 12 2013, 11:08pm

Views: 2353

The main characters

Bilbo,Thorin and Gandalf. I liked any scene involving them.
The main characters make the movie roll and since they worked so well, the movie in general worked well too.

All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost,
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.

dormouse
Half-elven

Feb 12 2013, 11:16pm

Views: 2328

All the things you said, so I won't parrot them....

... You know what they are already!

On thing that stuck out for me about the characterisation of Thorin was the way he instinctively takes responsibility for the others and tries to protect them at need. As when Bilbo falls over the edge in the stone giant sequence, it's Thorin who climbs down to rescue him; the same idea runs right through the film.

The elves: there were some lovely scenes/ shots in Rivendell which stick in my mind. The eagle flight too - that was breathtaking. The thrush and Smaug's eye. The troll scene was written and played to perfection. And when you look at the art book and see the incredible design work and craftsmanship that informed every last detail of every costume and scene, far, far beyond anything that actually shows up in the film - I love all that.

elostirion74
Rohan

Feb 12 2013, 11:34pm

Views: 2327

dwarves and landscape

I think you made a great point about giving added motivation and context to the dwarves´quest, since this motivation, and how it differed among the dwarves, were shown throughout the film in many different ways.

Apart from that there were two points about the film that struck me. One was how wonderfully they differentiated most of the dwarves and were able to create interest in characters that actually had little screentime and give plenty of impact to those of the dwarves they chose to focus on. A great achievement from the scriptwriters as well as the actors.

The second was the beauty and detail in the landscape, which was more varied than I ever dreamed of. I found that the different effects and techniques blended exceptionally well with the location shots. Almost every part of outdoor scenery they showed was full of small, believable details and at the same time combined it with a greater and more expansive environment.

And Bilbo pitying Gollum: that was beautifully done. If they had shown just a little more restraint, it would have been absolutely perfect.

Alcarcalime
Tol Eressea

Feb 12 2013, 11:47pm

Views: 2332

Actually . . .

I liked it from the dark screen at the beginning of the movie to the dark screen at the end of the movie. That said, there were things I really appreciated!

One was the escape from Goblin Town. Maybe its because I love dancing, but I loved the choreography of the fighting. I had such fun watching the timing of every goblin *take-down*. Going around corners was especially fun.

I also thank PJ & Co. every time I think about The Hobbit.

OhioHobbit just commented that he especially loved any scene in Bagend.

Glorfindela
Valinor

Feb 13 2013, 12:08am

Views: 2324

Very difficult to say

There are so many things I love about this film.

1. The casting and acting is perfect as far as I am concerned (better than for the LOTR films, in which a few of the characters were somewhat iffy in my view). I particularly love Bilbo, Thorin and (as is to be expected) Gandalf. Each character is very different, yet they all work so well together and complement each other.

The other Dwarves are brilliant – their accents and deep voices, varying looks and different fighting styles. The best for me so far are Balin (Ken Stott is a great actor), Dwalin (hard nut) and Bofur, but they are all great.

2. The visuals, particularly the Erebor sequence with Sir Ian Holm's voiceover. This must be one of the most imaginative and beautiful things I have ever seen in any film (those mines and the Dwarves working in them; the unearthly look of Thandruil, etc). Other favourites are the battle outside the Mines of Moria, the eagles sequence, the waterfalls in moonlight in Rivendell, Riddles in the Dark and the Stone Giants.

3. The humour, which is better than the humour in LOTR in my view (I always thought the humour between Legolas and Gimli, for example, was quite forced). I adore all of the Bag End sequence, and Thorin's song of course, although it isn't long enough for me.

4. The soaring music over the company while it is travelling over the mountains – in fact all of the music for the film is absolutely brilliant.

5. The emotional moments, for instance the one between Thorin and Bilbo at the end, and also Gandalf's words to Galadriel when she asks him, 'Why the hafling?'

Really, I love the whole thing. I'm pleased PJ expanded the book and fleshed out the characters. I did not want to see a cartoon-like copy of the book...

New poster here, but have been hovering a while.

Incidentally, I went to see the film in 3D 48 HFR today for the eighth or ninth time. There were more than 30 people in the audience, all enjoying it, including some teenagers who were laughing out loud at the antics in Bag End, the Troll scenes and Riddles in the Dark. Smile

(This post was edited by Glorfindela on Feb 13 2013, 12:12am)

imin
Valinor

Feb 13 2013, 12:26am

Views: 2347

The kites shown during the prologue

Goes downhill after that Tongue

Brethil
Half-elven

Feb 13 2013, 12:28am

Views: 2295

Well - the whole thing really

In Reply To

I liked it from the dark screen at the beginning of the movie to the dark screen at the end of the movie.

At the risk of not sounding objective enough I completely agree.
The Dwarves are....are....wonderful! Bilbo....amazing. Gandalf...perfect. Scenery - sigh. I too love the fight scenes which get better with each viewing because you can widen your focus and watch what everyone is doing. And little details like Bilbo's pinecone and rock collection from his many walks in the woods. Elrond smiling (Not really dressed for dinner - You never are). The intensity and magnetic complexity of Thorin. Finally hearing Dwarven songs! (heaven!)
I think it has the soul of the work at its center. We can enjoy (and we do!) debating the details of adaptation but film is a form of expression which by definition must be interpreted because it is a different medium. No one wants to sit in a theater watching printed words scroll by. Alan Lee and John Howe don't paint paragraphs. I think PJ and Co.have done it justice and for that I am thankful.
I didn't expect or look forward to loving it this much. But there is no going back.

...she took the point at once, but she also took the spoons.

(This post was edited by Brethil on Feb 13 2013, 12:35am)

Eowyn3
Rivendell

Feb 13 2013, 12:39am

Views: 2272

So much that I like:

1. Martin Freeman's performance as Bilbo. To me best hobbit ever!
2. RA as Thorin. Love his performance and of course " the hair"
3. Love the Good morning scene with Gandalf at Bag End
4, Dwarves singing The Misty Mountain
5.Unexpected Party
6. Elrond and the Elves in battle gear- so cool
7.Riddles in the Dark
8. Dwalin and Balin
9. Fili and Kili
10. Bofur
11. The fact that I can now tell all the Dwarves apart

I must add that I did not like the way Radagast was portrayed, but as a whole I love the movie!

" He has just as much reason to go to war as you do. Why can he not fight for those he loves?"

Heatherleawv
Bree

Feb 13 2013, 12:42am

Views: 2273

I

totally loved the my dear Frodo section at the beginning of the movie. I was so glad to see Bilbo use the "in a whole in the ground there lived a hobbit line. This scene sets a beautiful tone for the rest of the movie!
Smile

All that glitters is not gold...

IdrilofGondolin
Rohan

Feb 13 2013, 12:54am

Views: 2255

What Else?

The Misty Mountain song.
Bilbo's defense of Thorin.
But actually I liked 99% of the film.

TwirlingThorin
Bree

Feb 13 2013, 3:11am

Views: 2256

The choreography

In Reply To

One was the escape from Goblin Town. Maybe its because I love dancing, but I loved the choreography of the fighting. I had such fun watching the timing of every goblin *take-down*. Going around corners was especially fun.

I normally don't like fight scenes at all (dragging, boring, brutal) but I also find that the choreography of these fighting scenes are fascinating to watch.

Have you seen this slow-mo video of Goblin town and fight training scenes set to music? http://www.youtube.com/...youtube_gdata_player

Arandiel
Grey Havens

Feb 13 2013, 3:24am

Views: 2213

My own list overlaps some (a lot) with others'

The individualization of the Dwarves - very well done, and repeated viewings reveal new insights
Getting to see more of Bag End and Rivendell
The music! Especially the songs
I just couldn't picture the stone giants' fight, and was surprised by how well it worked
'Good morning' scene, Gandalf's response to 'Why the Halfling?', Riddles in the Dark

Walk to Rivendell: There and Back Again Challenge - traveling through Middle Earth with thirteen rowdy Dwarves, one grumpy Wizard, and a beleaguered Hobbit

Join us, Thursdays on Main!

Arandiel
Grey Havens

Feb 13 2013, 3:25am

Views: 2190

Welcome! and thanks for delurking to share!//

Walk to Rivendell: There and Back Again Challenge - traveling through Middle Earth with thirteen rowdy Dwarves, one grumpy Wizard, and a beleaguered Hobbit

Join us, Thursdays on Main!

Rostron2
Gondor

Feb 13 2013, 3:53am

Views: 2200

My things

I really enjoyed going back to Middle-earth. It's one of the best detailed realms from a book that there's ever going to be. I give PJ, his creative team, and all the craftsmen and even the technology specialists that created it. It's a great adventure.

Súlimë
Rivendell

Feb 13 2013, 4:30am

Views: 2200

My not-so-accurate countdown list

Here goes :P

6) Riddles
Ah the riddles! Great, great, great stuff. Way better than I had expected. Bilbo was perfect. Gollum/Smeagol was perfectly switching between cute and creepy.

5) The Trolls
For some reason I love the scene. It captures the adventure/comedy feel very well. Great scene that showed the dwarves' collective personality: quick to laughter, quick to offense, not so bright but full of passion. Lovely.

4) The Eagles
I still want to cheer every time when they arrive. Beautiful and utterly breath-taking.

3) The Misty Mountain Song
I can listen to it (and the theme) forever. If I ever have kids I'll be singing this to them (expanded version with lyrics from the book)

2) The Cast
I'm cheating on this one. But I thought the cast did a great job and were entirely believable.

1) The balance
Between kid and adult, between fan-pandering and non-fan awareness, between old and new, between faithfulness and liberties. It's a difficult line to walk, and I applaud them for pulling it off.

(This post was edited by Súlimë on Feb 13 2013, 4:31am)

AinurOlorin
Half-elven

Feb 13 2013, 5:05am

Views: 2205

I think I can sum this one up fairly concisely.

Beginning with the ubiquitious sense of vibrant wonder that permeated the film, from the brighter colour, to some of the choices in presentation and dialogue. The film, espescially in the first half, abounded with very bon vivant enchantment.

As to the specific scenes, I loved the Erebor flashback, Thror, Thranduil, Smaug, all of it! the Good Morning sequence (magical smoke butterfly et al) and the unexpected party ESPECIALLY the Lonely Mountain lay. I loved The words to Bilbo during the departure, with the lovely scenic shots as backdrop, "You were born to the rolling hills of The Shire. . . but Home is now behind you, The World is ahead."

I loved the talk of the other Wizards and the introduction of Radagast in his enchanted forest, even though I disliked some of the over the top silliness inserted into the scene.

I loved Stout's Balin, and Nesbit's Bofur, and I was impressed by Armitage's Thorin. I generally liked the depiction of all of the dwarves, though we couldn't get as much of some of them as we might have liked.

I loved the parts of the Moria flashback that the film did best, even as I HATED some of the facts that they delibrately got wrong in that same scene.

The trolls were nearly pitch perfect, though I could have done without some of the gag worthy mucos excess. Dame Edna's take on the Great Goblin was also inspired, mocking courtesy, singing et al.

I loved the look of The White Council scene, some of Gandalf's commentary there, the acting therein, and the more affectionate parts of Galadriel's interaction with Gandalf, even though I strongly disliked the changes to the history of Angmar, and the superior manner with which Galadriel sometimes seemed to treat with Gandalf.

And, of course, I Loved the increased, more book accurate display of Gandalf's Wizardry in the film, especially his grand entrance into Goblin Town. I still like the book portrayl a little better, and I definitely would have preffered to see blue fire in the pinecone scenes and a little more force on impact, but all in all, I was exceedingly pleased that these scenes were not diminished or extracted, as I had feared they might be due to Jackson's stated aversion to certain magical displays, and his willingness to bypass some of Gandalf's more astonishing moments from the other books, Fellowship in particular.

"Hear me, hounds of Sauron, Gandalf is here! Fly if you value your foul skins, I will shrivel you from tail to snout if you step within this circle!"

"Do not be to eager to deal out death in judgement. Even the very wise cannot see all ends."

(This post was edited by AinurOlorin on Feb 13 2013, 5:12am)

GloryBox
Bree

Feb 13 2013, 5:31am

Views: 2160

What a great video link!

Thank you. The slo-mo and classical music are such fun, and the end credits thank RA for providing it!

Also agree with you -- choreography of the Goblin Town escape gets better each time I see it. So much detail and movement -- like dancing on a rollercoaster! Really looking forward to the dvd.

...one morning long ago in the quiet of the world, when there was less noise and more green... The Hobbit

SirDennisC
Half-elven

Feb 13 2013, 5:40am

Views: 2194

A nice MLT -

mutton, lettuce and tomato sandwich, where the mutton is nice and lean and the tomato is ripe... they're so perky, I love that.

Michelle Johnston
Rohan

Feb 13 2013, 6:22am

Views: 2178

A section and two frames

Right through to the smoke curling up into the sky at Bag End is probably the most satisfying section that they have ever achieved. I get a real sense of coming home from the moment he strikes the match, and its so on.

The very first frame of Radagast in the forest that seems to remind me of all my child hood visions of the quintessential forest invested with magic and a story to be told.

The Eagles nest breathtaking exquisite capture of middle earth is new zealand or is it the other way round.

I tried to save the shire , and it has been but not for me.

Old Toby
Grey Havens

Feb 13 2013, 6:48am

Views: 2163

At the risk of being redundant

I will just voice what I loved best, although most here have already spoken about these already. It's really hard, because, well, I loved the entire film. But here goes:

what do you like best about the movie?
I think every time I went to see it (19 times so far), I always looked forward to the beginning of the story, particularly from Bilbo's "Good Morning" until the time he runs out his door to his impending adventure. The way the dwarves arrived at the door, the subsequent rowdy dinner, the Grand Entrance of Thorin, the singing, Bilbo's waking to the empty house...all were such incredible moments for me. I could watch the beginning of this film over and over (and, obviously, I have).

What do you think was particularly well done?
The dwarves in general and Thorin in particular were absolutely magnificent to me! So much better than I ever expected, having only the book and LOTR's depiction of Gimli to go by. The creation of each individual dwarf, with their own personalities, looks, dress, mannerisms, etc. was just brilliant on the part of those who worked to make this happen. And although they were each wonderful in their own right, Thorin turned out in spades! That hair! That voice! Those eyes! That hair!...oh, sorry (time for a toke of Old Toby, eh?) I thought the casting for them was just perfect.

Other than the dwarves, I thought the Riddles in the Dark sequence was magnificently played by both actors. I think Andy Serkis needs to get SOME award for his performance-capture work! The man is a genius. And also the scene with the eagles flying at the end was a breathtaking moment for me. In 3D HFR I felt like I was right there flying with them. It was quite incredible.

And Martin Freeman....what can I say except he inhabited Bilbo like no one else I could imagine.

Where do you think PJ really got it right?
I loved how he began the film, with the bridge from LOTR to AUJ with Frodo and the older Bilbo. It was a lovely, seamless way to get us back into Middle-earth. The flashback to what happened to Erebor, the coming of Smaug, the battle of Azanulbizar, was a great way to tell the story of the dwarves and why they were going on this quest, what they had to gain, and what they had to lose. I think it was especially important for those in the audience who never read the book to understand that this was more than just a bunch of dwarves trying to get their gold back. For Thorin in particular, this backstory showed what was driving him and why.

All the little touches that paid hommage to the book were so appreciated - words spoken, particular little scenes enacted that didn't have to be part of the film but which were, such as Bilbo forgetting his handkerchief.

Overall, I think PJ got it right. I'm not completely pleased with some parts of the film, but nevertheless I love the tone of it, I love the look of it, I love the feel of it. That's why I go back to see it over and over, you know. So I can be immersed in this story again, surround myself with Middle-earth again, and forget for a brief three hours that I live in a world without the enchantment of hobbits, dwarves, elves, and dragons, a world that seems dreary and dull by comparison.

Hmm...now when is it playing again? Wink

"Age is always advancing and I'm fairly sure it's up to no good." Harry Dresden (Jim Butcher)

(This post was edited by Old Toby on Feb 13 2013, 6:57am)

AinurOlorin
Half-elven

Feb 13 2013, 7:28am

Views: 959

I feel very similar about this scene in particular. Not that it is the only such vision

that authentically meets the criteria. Some could be in different seasons, or with different tree types, or fauna etc., but that first few frames of this scene definitely evoked the memory of one of those quintessential Enchanted Forest visions. And the segue into it, with the Wizard's narration was magnificent as well.

In Reply To

The very first frame of Radagast in the forest that seems to remind me of all my child hood visions of the quintessential forest invested with magic and a story to be told.

Roheryn
Tol Eressea

Feb 13 2013, 10:07am

Views: 930

Yes!

Have to admit I wasn't a huge fan of the whole Goblin-town sequence at first, but on subsequent viewings I've been won over by the choreography of the fight scenes. I love looking for the differences in the fighting style of each dwarf, and trying to see who's doing what: not easy when there's 13 dwarves plus a wizard to try to keep track of!

Thanks for that great link -- I've managed to watch half of it (slow dial-up connection = slim chance of downloading videos) and it looks intriguing. At least in the first 20 seconds or so of the fight training, with the exception of Richard Armitage I don't recognize a single actor (or dwarf). So funny to see them out of costume! Will try to watch the whole thing when I've got the patience for the download.

Arannir
Valinor

Feb 13 2013, 10:15am

Views: 919

Agree with this

... the first time watching I though: Oh no, PJ!

But the second time I already thought: Go PJ! ;)

I realized how much is happening in those picture and how nicely all this is choreographed.

celticdruid83
Registered User

Feb 13 2013, 10:48am

Views: 927

what i like best

Gandalf parsing the Various meanings of "Good Morning" was definately one of the things that immediatly stood out to me , its gandalf doing precisely what the profesor did. Also i loved Balin , he was kindly and warm, exactly how i pictured him (and the way he twirls his Sword/Mace in moria is boss) and his delivery of the line regarding how the line of Durin would not so easily be broken was done perfectly. Bilbo saying confusticate and bebother these dwarves was also a sweet touch, basically i liked all the flavor text from the book that PJ managed to sneak in, admittedly it fed my ego because it felt awesome to know that some people in the cinema were probably not even aware of these small things that made the experience so damn good for me.
... i cant help myself, Dwalins mohawk was awesome too

“Durin’s Heir you may be, but even with one eye you should see clearer. We fought this war for vengeance, and vengeance we have taken. But it is not sweet. If this is victory, then our hands are too small to hold it.”

andwise
Rivendell

Feb 13 2013, 11:15am

Views: 921

yes!!!!!!......

'....as he smote the iron on the anvil' that is so good.total goosebumps! I went back and read that after watching the film and it just created more chills,fantastic.that bit really is a mini masterpiece moment of movie making,like the beacons in ROTK. There are lots of things I think they got right too numerous to list here and some have already been mentioned by others but I just want to add that the marriage of images and character to music is outstanding.as an amateur musician myself I'm always drawn to movie scores and AUJs soundtrack is brilliant.I know some have said its not as good as LOTR etc but I think certain moments of images/shots coupled with the music is just spot on.I'm thinking of when the dwarves are waiting for smaug to break the doors of erebor and later in the prologue as thorin stands on the mountain top leading his people,fist in the air as the mournful horn calls the dwarves theme.epic!also the melody for 'far over the misty mountains' total genius.....and the music playing for the battle of azanulbizar is awesome.so many moments,I may be back with some more Smile

Arrow....black arrow,I have saved you to the last.you have never failed me and always I have recovered you.I had you from my father and he from old.if ever you came from the forges of the true king under the mountain,go now and speed well

Elvanui
Rivendell

Feb 13 2013, 11:49am

Views: 925

The things that stood out on first viewing

and still haven''t changed were..

The whole Erebor introduction scene, giving us insight and context for Thorin's character and the whole quest and enabling us to empathise with him in a way we just don't really get a chance to in the book.

The Unexpected Party - and everything in the Shire. The Dwarf songs, the peaceful night, Bilbo's waking up scene and his mad dash to catch up with the company. Everything!

Riddles in the dark - masterful performances by both actors. Gollum/Smeagol breaks my heart in his odd innocence and desperation! And the Pity of Bilbo scene.

The Eagles - this sequence has not failed to make me cry every time I've seen it. The second time I saw it I think I said out loud 'why is it always the Eagles?' - they were one of my weep-inducing unexpected delights in ROTK and again here.

I LOVE your point about the 'he never forgave and he never forgot' scene - you're right; it captures that passage perfectly. I must get hold of a copy of The Annotated Hobbit.

I'm off to my sixth and final viewing tonight - this is the last day it's in the cinemas here - need to make the most of it Smile

"...under all there was a great joy: a fountain of mirth enough to set a kingdom laughing, were it to gush forth."

Lindele
Gondor

Feb 13 2013, 2:04pm

Views: 894

The eagles are coming!

I REALLY loved the scene where the eagles rescue the company. The music there (though unfortunately completely missing from the soundtrack) is some of the best I've heard from the four films.

adnan
Rivendell

Feb 13 2013, 2:14pm

Views: 910

3 highlights for me.

1) Bag-end: loved everything about it.

2) Every scene involving Gollum and Bilbo

3) The Eagle rescue and escort scenes.

Those outweighed the negatives for me. Speaking of which, the only improvement I would make is making the Goblin-town sequences a bit longer and less rushed/chaotic. I understand the movie was meant to be light, but I wish that part of the journey felt a bit more menacing than it ended up being.

Rivendell

Lusitano
Tol Eressea

Feb 13 2013, 2:16pm

Views: 914

LOL

I just almost choked.

Vous commencez à m'ennuyer avec le port!!!

julia0925
The Shire

Feb 13 2013, 3:59pm

Views: 900

So much to like, so little time to write

Some of my favorite moments are humorous:
a) Kili teasing Bilbo about the Orcs ("Just lots of blood")
b) Gandalf teasing Bilbo about how golf was invented
c) Bofur teasing Bilbo about the dragon ("Aye, he'll melt the flesh off your bones in the blink of an eye")
d) Kili and Fili getting Bilbo to do their job for them, confronting the trolls
e) Bofur throwing Bombur a sausage and the table breaking
f) Gollum asking Bilbo to play a game with him
g) The great goblin singing his 'necks will be wrung' song
h) Kili looking on the ground for Bilbo when they realize Bilbo isn't with them. Everyone else looks around, but no, Kili looks on the ground.

Of course I love all the dramatic moments and fighting as well, but those have already been mentioned. I've nothing to disagree with.

As for what Peter did particularly well, I'm glad Bilbo made the decision to leave. In the book, Gandalf practically forces him out the door, and he spends most of the book regretting it.

I really love the dwarves. My mom had a phrase she would use in regard to my nephews--"all boy", and this description seems to fit the dwarves very well. They do everything to the fullest that they can do--play, fight, sing, eat. I just love watching them.

-----
Lotr: You know it's been a bad day when even the elf is smudged.
TH: when the going gets tough, the tough call the eagles.

Arandiel
Grey Havens

Feb 13 2013, 5:44pm

Views: 865

pff! Give us some warning!

Glad I hadn't picked up my tea before I read your reply!

Walk to Rivendell: There and Back Again Challenge - traveling through Middle Earth with thirteen rowdy Dwarves, one grumpy Wizard, and a beleaguered Hobbit

Join us, Thursdays on Main!

Tintallë
Gondor

Feb 13 2013, 6:54pm

Views: 827

That when I read over bits of the book and reflect back on the movie

I get choked up because those who created the movie so obviously care about making it right and making it real. The elements woven into The Hobbit from Tolkien's other writings, the details in every setting and for every character, the look and feel of Middle Earth - it is all so real to me. Honestly I think it's better than I ever imagined during my countless readings of the book.

My favorite moments I've already covered in a past post, one I made when I thought my viewing opportunities were done (happily I was WRONG!), but I would cite everything you said and especially add the first night camping after Balin has related his story, ending with "There is one who I could call king," I love it when Thorin turns and dips his head to acknowledge his company, with all the dwarves now risen to their feet and standing in silent respect, looking at him as if he were already crowned king and one, Ori, looking absolutely awestruck.

So many moments. Love the anvil scene. Love the way Thorin calmly dispatches a charging warg while guarding the escape route for his company. Love that his first words on the Carrock were "the hafling." Love Gandalf igniting pinecones as a defense against an orc pack. You know, if I were one of the dwarves I'd probably have expected a bit more from my local wizard! Then again, I can't talk to moths. . .

So much to love, so much to see, so much in which to absolutely revel and delight.

jtarkey
Rohan

Feb 13 2013, 7:23pm

Views: 836

There are lots of things that were done perfectly

I'll start from the beginning of the film:

Prologue was done very well. I loved the general design of Erebor. Seeing the miners hanging on chains, with the twinkling candlelight illuminating the mountain was an incredible shot. I love that it harkened back to the mithril scene in the EE FOTR. Thranduil was also awesome. I'm a big fan of that elk.

The good morning conversation was great. Excellent acting by Freeman and Mckellen. I also especially loved Dwalin and Balins arrivals at Bag End. They were done perfectly, and really made it seem very confusing and frustrating for Bilbo. Of course, the dwarves singing was excellent. Loved the shot of the sparks from the fire as the camera pans up the chimney of Bag End. Bilbo running out his door was probably my favorite moment in the whole film. The excellent music by Howard Shore, and the beautiful shots of Hobbiton make that a really iconic scene for me. It was one that made me feel most nostalgic for the LOTR films. Loved Bilbo forgetting his handkerchief, the film wouldn't be The Hobbit without it...

....pretends whole middle section of the film doesn't exist.....

Everything about Riddles in the Dark was pretty much perfect for me. I don't even think I can pick a specific shot or scene during that sequence simply because I like all of it so much. When Gandalf blows away all the goblins and you see his silhouette appear (with his shiny new theme song playing as well) was such an awesome moment for the character. Perfect. The pity of Bilbo was also one of my favorite scenes in the movie. I love how Bilbo sees the company escaping but can't speak up or do anything. You can feel his frustration.

I also really enjoyed the shots of the company on the eagles. I'm not a big fan of the way the sequence prior to that was done, but those scenics of the Eagles flying, with that excellent music in the background is beautiful.

"You're love of the halflings leaf has clearly slowed your mind"

Simyta
Registered User

Feb 13 2013, 7:43pm

Views: 826

one scene more...

... which have not be mentioned yet, but stands out for me:

Balin and Thorin speaking in Bag End over the quest and Balin telling him ".. you must not do this.." Thorins sight at this... everything the scene means between the words, the worthship of his people for what he already achived... " ... worth more than all the gold.." *goosebumps for me* Evil

Roheryn
Tol Eressea

Feb 13 2013, 7:45pm

Views: 853

Hah! Bless him, Kili just needs a little help in the "finding lost things" department.

That cracked me up: when Bilbo goes missing, Kili looks around wildly *on the ground* for him. No wonder he and Fili lost the ponies: they were probably looking up in the trees instead!

"All boy" is a great description for the dwarves. They don't do things by halves. I've said it before and I'm sure I'll say it again: I'd rather hang out with Thorin and company over the Fellowship, hands down, any day. They laugh hard, party hard, and fight hard (and are pretty great at singing, too): what's not to love?

Owain
Tol Eressea

Feb 13 2013, 9:15pm

Views: 788

That was a great scene. I enjoyed it as well.//

Middle Earth is New Zealand!

"Question everything, embrace the bad, and hold on to the good."

Kimtc
Rohan

Feb 13 2013, 9:25pm

Views: 783

What everyone else said above.

That was much, much easier for me....

AinurOlorin
Half-elven

Feb 13 2013, 10:50pm

Views: 771

One of the few things that I was both glad to see included AND thought could have been better handled.

If the fire had been blue, like the first of them in the book, and they had burst upon hitting the ground (not like sparklers, but with some measure of force, not entirely unlike the blue fire flash that dislodged the boulder in Goblin Town, though perhaps less in magnitude), and perhaps with a thunderous incantation from Gandalf, ala the Warg scene from the novel of Feallowship, it would have been more appreciably impressive and fitting, while still not veering into the territory of excess nor entirely routing the orcs.

In Reply To

Love Gandalf igniting pinecones as a defense against an orc pack. You know, if I were one of the dwarves I'd probably have expected a bit more from my local wizard! Then again, I can't talk to moths. . .

So much to love, so much to see, so much in which to absolutely revel and delight.

AinurOlorin
Half-elven

Feb 13 2013, 10:53pm

Views: 758

Definitely, though I generally include this in the overall greatness of the entire

Unexpected Party sequence.

In Reply To

Roheryn
Tol Eressea

Feb 14 2013, 12:25am

Views: 740

Welcome, Glorfindela!

Glad you delurked to join us. Smile

Nice thoughts you've shared. I particularly agree with your #1! They've done a fantastic job of turning the dwarves into something we can believe in and care about (and enjoy), instead of giving us the grumpy-garden-gnome dwarves that we have in the book (in the first half, at least).

I also particularly agree with your #3 -- the humor here is much better and aye, there's more of it. Bofur cracks me up with almost everything he does, from thoughtfully taking a bite of a scone then putting it back on the communal plate for someone else to have, to teasing Bilbo about furnaces with wings, to throwing sausages at Bombur: he's great. Gollum's "If Baggins loses, we eats it whole" line is one always guaranteed to get laughs in the theater. And Bilbo's entire effort at stalling the trolls (plus the dwarves' reactions to him) is hilarious. There's not nearly so much humor in LOTR -- which is, I suppose, as it should be; but still, it does make AUJ a lot more fun.

And neat that your latest viewing was well attended, and that the audience (sounds like they'd all seen it before?) was enjoying it properly!

Nira
Lorien

Feb 14 2013, 3:51am

Views: 737

Yes! They don't get enough credit for this...

Quote

1) The balance
Between kid and adult, between fan-pandering and non-fan awareness, between old and new, between faithfulness and liberties. It's a difficult line to walk, and I applaud them for pulling it off.

True balance in this film is an impossible thing to achieve and I applaud their effort. I'm in awe of their effort. It's not perfect, but it's fantastic.

"Why, to think of it, we're in the same tale still! It's going on. Don't the great tales never end?" -Samwise

sauget.diblosio
Tol Eressea

Feb 14 2013, 5:06am

Views: 741

Here's all of my favorite moments...

-The good morning conversation
-The dwarves singing Misty Mountains (Cold)
-"I'm going on an adventure!"
-Gandalf breaking the rock and "freezing" the trolls
-Fun Elrond
-The White Council
-The look of the stone giant off in the distance (the rest of the sequence is terrible)
-Gollum
-Riddles in the Dark
-Gandalf blasting the goblins in Goblin Town (the coolest single moment in the entire film)
-The eagles (second coolest)
-Smaug's eye

Probably not nearly as many as any of the LotR movies, and no real "iconic" moments, but not too shabby, either. I'm thinking, though, that AUJ is the difficult one, so i'm hoping the next two films will provide many great, iconic moments.

swordwhale
Tol Eressea

Feb 14 2013, 6:01am

Views: 733

pretty much took the words right out of my mouth....

In Reply To

http://youtu.be/ccM5lrjdM-0

As someone who has preferred LOTR, and always identified with the Elves (since I read LOTR in 1978), I have to give it to PJ, the actors, and WETA for creating awesome, just plain AWESOME Dwarves and making me fall in love with them...especially Bofur.. and his indestructible hat.

Bunny sleds still rule, my Siberians say so... stop, wait, come back here.....

Go outside and play...

Tintallë
Gondor

Feb 14 2013, 7:27am

Views: 742

A sort of P.S., since I think tonight was the last show for me. . .

I love the "Dwarves, Your Malevolence" line. I even like the pointy chinned goblin who delivers it!

I noticed some things others have pointed out: the disappearing halters on the ponies in the trolls' corral, the stairway carved into the side of the Carrock, and Fili's absence in a lot of scenes as well as him looking like someone else entirely during the Misty Mountains song, assuming that is him leaning against the hearth facing Thorin. And I'd never noticed that Gollum suddenly looks up from his goblin mashup atop the island rock and spots Bilbo watching. All these times and I'd never noticed that before tonight. Makes me wonder what else I've missed.

I love the way they scarred Azog's white warg like his master.

Most of all I love the very first sight of Thorin as the Bag End door opens with a groan, and two lines: "Gandalf" (I guess that's not really a line, but it's enough to melt me) and "Can you read them?" Ahhhhhhh. I will be a little puddle of misery by the end of these movies, all because of Thorin.

What I really like best is that AUJ has grown on me, at first getting better and better and then becoming as dear and familiar as a beloved friend. I have seen AUJ more times in a row than any other movie ever and I would still go back tomorrow, given the chance. Unfortunately the last show is tomorrow at 9:50 p.m. and I have to get up at 5 a.m. for work, so that's out for me!

imin
Valinor

Feb 14 2013, 1:00pm

Views: 691

:) thanks

Someone found it funny, lol.

I do like the little kite bit, but obviously it isnt the only part i like.

I like seeing how they imagined Erebor inside - i never imagined it with such thin walkways and so much space to fall down to your death in! But it looks good.

Dale - somewhere i thought looked good but very out of keeping with what Dale should be when i first saw it, i felt looked good and i am looking forward to seeing more of it in the next movie or two.

I also really loved the company singing and Bilbo going to bed. The scene after is great when he is searching his house.

Then of course there is Riddles in the Dark which was done brilliantly and Bofur and Bilbo's little scene that was very much needed at that point in the film and i thought was great.

arithmancer
Grey Havens

Feb 14 2013, 1:30pm

Views: 871

Drat you, Ro, it is hard to choose!!

But if I had to pick one, single thing - Thorin. And since that's a big hunk of the movie, I will say, the moment he tells Bilbo "I have never been so wrong" on the Carrock. Though his role in the Erebor prologue, his dealings with Elrond, and his fight with Azog (at the end) are other favorites.

If I could mention other things - The Riddles sequence was great, as was Bilbo's pity. As, generally, was Martin Freeman as Bilbo. And, I loved the entire opening sequence in Bag End starting with Gandalf and Bilbo's meeting, through to Bilbo running out his front door holding the contract. That was basically perfect, all, what, 20+ minutes of it?

DiveTwin
Rohan

Feb 14 2013, 3:31pm

Views: 855

In Line With My Thoughts

In Reply To

Your review of the good points (and suggestion towards what didn't work) mirror my feelings exactly. There are excellent moments in the film that I felt were very well done - and you pretty much hit on those. I am also among those that found parts of the film in the middle and end to be less enjoyable or regrettable but those thoughts are for another thread. Looking forward to the darker parts of the story coming with The Desolation of Smaug and There And Back Again.

"Do not come between the Nazgul and his prey"

Elessar
Valinor

Feb 14 2013, 3:59pm

Views: 854

Why I loved this movie

I still feel very much the same way I did when I saw it for the first time. So instead of going into a long diatribe about how I liked it I'll just repost the link to my thoughts on the movie.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Lusitano
Tol Eressea

Feb 14 2013, 6:06pm

Views: 838

The prologue

and the unexpected party are my favourite moments.

Vous commencez à m'ennuyer avec le port!!!

Salmacis81
Tol Eressea

Feb 14 2013, 6:16pm

Views: 842

When it stuck close to Tolkien's story, it was excellent.

I think my favorite part had to be the Gandalf rescue in Goblin Town. The escape was a little much haha, but all-in-all I liked it. I liked the troll scene a lot, the dwarven songs were great, and the Gollum scene was great as well. I liked the "Out of the Frying Pan.." scene a lot too, although I felt it was a bit early in the story to turn BIlbo into a hero. I guess it served to set up the ending though, so is what it is.

Owain
Tol Eressea

Feb 14 2013, 6:27pm

Views: 858

I loved it all... but some things off the top of my head...

Prologue - The Scenes inside Erebor/Discovery of the Arkenstone
The whole "Good Morning" Sequence
Map and Key/Quest Setup (Particularly Martin Freeman's reactions)
Misty Mountain singing
Bilbo waking up and ultimately deciding to go (beautiful)
Balin's flashback story of Thorin earning his name of Oakenshield
Rivendell Moon Runes
White Council
Gandalf/Galadriel exchange (loved it)
Stone Giants
All of the Misty Mountains over/under (Gandalf's magic and power, escaping the Goblins... HFR 3D rocked me here... awesome)
Riddles in the Dark (chilling, hilarious, tragic, exactly what I had hoped it would be)
Bilbo sparing Gollum's life (teared up here/get's me everytime)
Escaping the Misty Mountains and Bilbo's explanation (also makes me tear up... loved this)
Frying Pan into the Fire (all of it, visually stunning) Chills when Thorin makes a stand.
Eagle Rescue (HFR 3D made me feel like I was right there, truly breathtaking)
I loved Thorin's apology on the Eyrie
Looking ahead and the brief little Smaug Cameo

Standout performances for me

Ian McKellan
Martin Freeman
Richard Armitage
Andy Serkis
Ken Stott
James Nesbitt

Middle Earth is New Zealand!

"Question everything, embrace the bad, and hold on to the good."

GloryBox
Bree

Feb 14 2013, 8:26pm

Views: 819

Your YouTube link is fantastic!

Such a happy video -- and you're right -- it has many of my favorite things as well!

...one morning long ago in the quiet of the world, when there was less noise and more green... The Hobbit

Tintallë
Gondor

Feb 14 2013, 10:14pm

Views: 840

P.P.S. Gollum's 4 initial yesses. //

(This post was edited by Tintallë on Feb 14 2013, 10:14pm)

Ham_Sammy
Tol Eressea

Feb 15 2013, 2:44am

Views: 804

Many things..

Martin "..." Freeman. Best...hobbit...ever. The spot on characterization of Bilbo. Absolutely flawless performance. His facial expressions are typical Martin and add so much to the dialogue. He's a winner.
The Prologue. I loved the context PJ gave to the story and the dwarves flight from Erebor. It think it added depth to the story
Richard Armitage as Thorin. Thorin is a much deeper and richer character here given the prologue etc. The payoff in film 3 is going to be huge.
Riddles in the Dark. Absolutely fantastic. Along with Andy Serkis' Gollum, it was a perfect characterization of that scene in the book. Loved how each of the actors played off each other.
Bag End. Loved the dwarves singing, glad it was included.
Goblin Town: I thought the overall CGI of Goblin town was great. I loved seeing the little goblin hovels up high on the walls. Nice touch.
The Eagles. Very well done and really enjoyed their majesty.

Old Toby
Grey Havens

Feb 15 2013, 3:34am

Views: 833

RA interview re: dwarves, Thorin etc

Yup, I completely agree with you that Thorin is a deeper and richer character! I didn't see this interview with RA when it came out in Oct. 2012, but it's a fantastic interview, and he discusses Thorin quite a bit. It's especially interesting to me what he said about Thorin's dark side to come and what changes it will bring to his character. I love this stuff!

Enjoy!
http://collider.com/...he-hobbit-interview/

"Age is always advancing and I'm fairly sure it's up to no good." Harry Dresden (Jim Butcher)

Ham_Sammy
Tol Eressea

Feb 15 2013, 4:16am

Views: 788

Good find.

In Reply To

Excellent interview. I hadn't read that one or Martin Freeman's on the same page. Very good indeed. I just can't wait. Thorin is going to rock socks at the Arkenstone, the BoT5A and both he and Martin will be bringing the house down in that final scene between them. I cannot wait.

Tintallë
Gondor

Feb 15 2013, 4:23am

Views: 797

I had best not forget MY pocket handkerchief for that final scene! //

Ham_Sammy
Tol Eressea

Feb 15 2013, 4:34am

Views: 776

Nor I

And based on Freeman's performance in The Reichenbach Fall at the end of the episode in Sherlock, I'm thinking we are going to need plenty of them. I read even his wife (partner) Amanda gave him a friendly punch in the shoulder for making her cry after she watched the episode. Between Freeman and RA, it's going to be a major tearjerker. I'm preparing myself already!

arithmancer
Grey Havens

Feb 15 2013, 4:41am

Views: 774

Exactly my thought after watching that episode of Sherlock!//

Old Toby
Grey Havens

Feb 15 2013, 6:50am

Views: 792

Possible Spoiler Yes, Freeman's performance at the end

of the Reichenbach Fall was one of the most emotionally devastating bits of acting I've ever witnessed. And he can convey grief and heartbreak in such a subtle, understated way. Yeah, I think the scene to come between him and RA is going to bring us to our knees.

"Age is always advancing and I'm fairly sure it's up to no good." Harry Dresden (Jim Butcher)

(This post was edited by Old Toby on Feb 15 2013, 6:58am)

Ham_Sammy
Tol Eressea

Feb 15 2013, 3:44pm

Views: 763

I appreciate actors that don't chew the scenery.

As you said, conveying grief and loss in an understated way and with the mere look on the face is better than any actor that over acts. Both MF and RA don't chew the scenery and along with Fran's script and using Tolkien's words there, I think it will be a truly awesome, heartbreaking and yet inspiring scene. I can't wait.

Escapist
Gondor

Feb 15 2013, 11:49pm

Views: 733

I loved all the moments that made me laugh.

And this time when I laughed there was a theater full of people laughing out loud with me instead of me just chuckling and smirking to myself while reading.

I loved the whole Bag-End scene - all of it.
I like the twists on the troll scene - they were clever and delightful.
I loved the extra character and personalities in the villains.
The sneakiness of Gandalf was awesome.
Radagast was a great take on an obscure and scantily written-about character.

It was the light-heartedness that made it so easy to watch the movie over and over again no matter what my mood was and end up feeling great at the end and wanting more.

grammaboodawg
Immortal

Feb 18 2013, 12:19am

Views: 721

I love how much the Dwarves have come to life

I never had trouble imagining the appearance of LotR characters; but I have to admit I didn't put a presence to each of the dwarves and only a slight imagination of Thorin. These films have made me fall in love with each and every dwarf. They have personalities, faces, mannerisms, uniqueness... yet they're so united! They're a family, a team, and they laugh together! They joke, they fret, they flare up, they do laundry. Even if there was never another moment of this story released on film, I'd be forever grateful for bringing them to life.

The same goes for Bilbo. Gandalf and he have always had a very strong presence in my reader imagination... but now they're brilliant! Bright as stars!

I also love the diversions from the story that have carried the journey forward, but created some real surprises. Bilbo tied up in a sack... hopping around and messing with the Trolls' minds as he stalled for time. Parasites in their tubes! I sit here giggling just thinking about it!

There are more than I have time to share here and now... but I'm completely happy with Peter's telling of this story! We're so lucky!

Second draft of TH:AUJ Geeky Observation List - updated list coming soon

sample

I'm SO HAPPY these new films take me back to that magical world!!

TIME Google Calendar
TORn's Geeky Observations Lists (updated soon)

Elessar
Valinor

Feb 18 2013, 12:38am

Views: 849

Agreed

Gimli was exactly like I imagined. So after seeing FOTR and then reading the books I went into The Hobbit with that type of look. Obviously, I made changes based on what was in The Hobbit but when images came out for the movie they looked different. It took me a little getting used to but I am glad they look different. It makes them each their own Dwarf and for better mental images than I had in my mind. Now, I will mix what Tolkien wrote with Jackson's image to creat a slightly different look when reading.

(This post was edited by Elessar on Feb 18 2013, 12:41am)