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News from Bree
spymaster@theonering.net
Dec 9 2012, 10:23am
Post #1 of 28
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TORn staffer Arwen reviews The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (Heavy Spoilers!)
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 Continuing our series of reviews of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, TORn staffer Arwen chimes in with this SPOILER-HEAVY review of the action. I suggest that if you don't want to know about how the story plays out, what the key plot points are, and what happens at the end of the movie, then this review is probably not for you! On the other hand, if you're not afraid of reading all those things, dive on in!
Some old-school SPOILER space...
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End ye olde-school SPOILER space.
ELEVEN YEARS AGO I sat in a dark movie theater watching a "small" film called The Fellowship Of The Ring. As the first images of the Shire started to appear onscreen, a large smile came to my face and tears came to my eyes at the same time. That was it.
Eleven years later here I was, there and back again, at a preliminary screening of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. As the familiar titles appeared, the beloved soundtrack started playing, and as Ian Holm's voice as old Bilbo started to tell the tale of the fall of Erebor, a large smile came to my face and tears came to my eyes, just like that very first time watching Peter Jackson's first installment of his Rings trilogy.
 Yes, I was back in this wonderful place created by the brilliant mind of J.R.R. Tolkien and illustrated for the screen by the visionary Peter Jackson... Middle-earth.
While some reviewers/critics have complained as Frodo would say that it "feels strangely familiar" I believe fans worldwide will cherish this amazing chance at revisiting Middle-earth. We have been waiting for this ever since we saw the last frame of Return of The King. We didn't want the journey to end. It took over 10 years but eventually we got our wish and now the worldwide movie-going audience is set to discover what happened 60 years before Gandalf showed up at Bilbo's door to celebrate his 111th birthday.
Some people also had issues with the fact that the tone of the film is "lighter". Well, it's supposed to be that way! This is an adaptation of a children's book, and the mood in this book is very different from the "end of the world" feel found in LOTR.
I saw the movie in the "regular" 24 fps format so I can't comment on the criticisms that have been made of the 3D HFR format. I'll see how it feels when I see the movie again on opening night. I can't wait! :)
 Just like FOTR, The Hobbit opens with a prologue - Bilbo is writing the story of his life for Frodo and tells him the history of the Dwarven Kingdom. We see Erebor in its original splendour and boy, is it a sight to behold! It is spectacular and magnificent! The story tells of the dwarves' dangerous obsession with the accumulation of riches, up to the point of Smaug's attack. We only see glimpses of the dragon but he seems gigantic, powerful and destructive. I loved this sequence and thought it was absolutely fantastic.
Then comes an interaction between Bilbo and Frodo, on the day of the "unexpected party", tying in nicely to the opening of FOTR as Frodo heads down the trail to "surprise Gandalf". Bilbo is left quietly smoking his pipe in Bag End, and we go back in time 60 years to find young Bilbo, Martin Freeman, smoking his pipe in Bag End and being approached by a strange character... Gandalf.
Then follows pretty much verbatim the entire chapter "An Unexpected Party" from the book. Some fans who have seen the movie have complained that there's not enough time spent in Bag End. I disagree completely. This movie is nine reels long. The prologue and Bag End scenes take up two reels of the movie, or approximately 40 minutes!
 Personally I was amazed that the filmmakers and the studio would agree to 40 minutes of exposition, dialogue, songs (two of them)! before the quest begins and our hero is on his way. The Bag End scene takes an entire reel (around 20 minutes) and as in the book we're introduced to every single one of the dwarves, Thorin making his entrance later as the true star he is. By the time Bilbo starts off the next morning in a panic (and without his handkerchief!) the audience knows what the movie will be about. Gandalf, Bilbo and the company of dwarves are on a quest to recover the dwarves' stolen gold and in the process, recover a lost home.
I'd also like to point out that each of the dwarves is uniquely described and portrayed even at this early stage, making it easier for the audience to know who is who in this company of thirteen. So far overall I would say half of the dwarves in the film stand out: Dwalin, Balin (wonderful Ken Stott), Kili and Fili, Nori, Bofur, and Bombur. Quite an achievement by the filmmakers to give each one of those their own personality (while in the book I find most are rather generic).
 From the moment Bilbo catches up with the dwarves, the film becomes a road movie, mirroring what FOTR became once Frodo left The Shire.
We're introduced to an odd character - also a very powerful wizard: Radagast the Brown. Brown is his attire but in today's parlance he would probably be called "the Green" as he is the Middle-earth embodiment of Greenpeace. :)
Radagast communicates with the forest, the birds, the animals. A dark power is invading the forest - destroying living beings and turning the forest into Mirkwood - we see our first glimpse of the spiders. I loved the filmmakers' idea of Radagast and his interpretation by Sylvester McCoy. I loved that he is so different from Gandalf and Saruman. He's the organic wizard!
The Trolls' scene - fantastic, exactly as happens in the books. Treasure and weapons are found in the troll's horde - as in the book, including three beautiful swords which will all become very important in the rest of the tale as well as in future LOTR.
Meanwhile we know they are being tracked, not by dark Ringwraiths like in LOTR but by a company of orcs/wargs scouting on behalf of the white Orc, Azog. During one of the night watches, Balin tells the company the story of Thorin's fight against the white orc.
The company ends up in Rivendell, where we find a younger, more active Elrond. There Gandalf encounters the other members of the White Council - the lady Galadriel and Saruman the White. Elrond is able to read Thrain's map and interpret it for Bilbo, Gandalf and the dwarves. The visiting of the company to Rivendell allows for some humorous scenes, some Elvish music (no songs though), and powerful interaction between Gandalf and Galadriel.
 While Gandalf is conferring with the White Council, Bilbo and the Dwarves leave Rivendell. As they travel the mountains at night they witness the fight of the stone giants (a spectacular scene which should look absolutely fantastic in 3D HFR) and take refuge in a cave. The ground of the cave gives in and the company is thrust upon Goblin Town. The goblins take them captive and Bilbo falls into a pit and ends up meeting one of the tale's main characters, Gollum. The Riddles in the Dark scene goes in parallel with the scenes of the dwarves captive in Goblin Town and their interaction with the Great Goblin. The Great Goblin, by the way, looks absolutely repulsive. He's also 10 times bigger than "regular" goblins. Goblin Town may be reminiscent of Moria but its scale is 100 times larger. It indeed feels like a huge city populated by goblins.
Riddles in the Dark is pretty much straight from the book. This scene made me cry. Actually, Gollum made me cry. His desperation when realizing he has lost the ring is heartbreaking. Very powerful acting from Martin Freeman and Andy Serkis there.
Gandalf helps the dwarves escape Goblin Town and the Great Goblin is defeated. Bilbo has found the ring and realized its powers. As Gandalf and the Dwarves are wondering if he's still alive, Bilbo reappears. At that very moment they are attacked by orcs and take refuge in trees. The end of the movie reflects the book with the addition of a fight between Azog and Thorin, in which Bilbo steps in to save Thorin's life. The company is rescued by the eagles and taken to the Carrock. There for the first time Thorin shows some appreciation for Bilbo.
In the distance we can see the Lonely Mountain. Inside the mountain underneath a huge pile of gold, a gigantic beast awakens and one of his eyes opens.
The last shot of the movie.
The end.
 While the filmmakers have made some alterations to the original material (in this case mostly anything about Azog) the majority of the film remains very faithful to the book. Most of the beloved scenes from the novel are found almost verbatim in the movie.
The cinematography is gorgeous. The only main new theme added to the soundtrack is the "Misty Mountains" theme which was heard in the trailer. Otherwise Howard Shore brings back all of the famous and beloved Middle-earth musical themes - the Shire, the Ring, Rivendell. Galadriel etc.
The acting in the movie is top notch. Martin Freeman shines and is the perfect Bilbo, body, character and soul. We totally identify with him - he's us in the movie. Richard Armitage creates a powerful, flawed and conflicted Thorin. Each of the dwarves is impersonated to perfection by each actor. Sir Ian McKellen once again IS Gandalf. There's no other way to describe his brilliant performance.
There's a great deal of humor in the film, as was the case in the book.
Overall, this is a very good adaptation of Tolkien's book and a very welcome revisiting of the visual world Peter Jackson introduced us to a decade ago. I think fans and non-fans alike will love it and cherish it for many years to come. As for myself I will want to see it and enjoy it several times!
Thank you PJ, Wingnut Films and WB. We can't wait for the next installment to this new adventure.
Namarie
Arwen
(This post was edited by Altaira on Dec 9 2012, 4:00pm)
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Tim
Dor-Lomin
Dec 9 2012, 4:16pm
Post #2 of 28
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It sounds like the important things I want are in the movie. Great acting, story that captures a great deal of the book, and a little time spent on characters and events we don't get much exposure to but I'm intensely interested in (Radagast, White Council).
Arthur: What manner of man are you that can summon up fire without flint or tinder?
Tim: I... am an enchanter.
Arthur: By what name are you known?
Tim: There are some who call me... 'Tim'...?
Arthur: ...greetings, Tim the Enchanter.
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Aragalen the Green
Mithlond
Dec 9 2012, 4:43pm
Post #3 of 28
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Can't get enough spoilers. I'll be watching the movie with eyes sparkling and a big silly grin plastered on my face.
Frito groaned. "I wish I had never been born," he said.
"Do not say that, dear Frito," cried Orlon. "It was a happy minute for us all when you were born."
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Kristin Thompson
Nargothrond
Dec 9 2012, 4:58pm
Post #4 of 28
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I don't mind the spoilers at all. It sounds like the writers have found a very good way to end the first part! I'm a little dubious about having Azog as a vengeful figure, but I shall try to keep an open mind. Thanks for a very encouraging and informative review. Glad you enjoyed the film so much!
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Nienna
Nargothrond
Dec 9 2012, 5:39pm
Post #5 of 28
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Loved your review! Grateful thanks.//
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Aragorn the Elfstone
Dor-Lomin
Dec 9 2012, 7:45pm
Post #7 of 28
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You know, it's rather funny - because back in 2001, I only read reviews from Tolkien fans. It wasn't a conscious decision. But, I guess, I figured I would be happy with the movie so long as Tolkien fans were happy. Back then, there wasn't any thought of the films being critic's darlings or Oscar contenders. I think we all just wanted good films that were true to the books.
"All men dream; but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds awake to find that it was vanity; But the dreamers of day are dangerous men. That they may act their dreams with open eyes to make it possible."
- T.E. Lawrence
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Lusitano
Dor-Lomin
Dec 9 2012, 11:52pm
Post #9 of 28
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one of the worst reviews i have read about TH.
It describes the story and just says everything is great.
(This post was edited by Lusitano on Dec 9 2012, 11:52pm)
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Lusitano
Dor-Lomin
Dec 10 2012, 1:12am
Post #11 of 28
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i didnt mean to sound evil 
Its just my opinion. Really bad review i think. Just saying whats the plot and saying that everything is fantastic is totally useless.
There are worse reviews of course.
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Elessar
Doriath
Dec 10 2012, 1:24am
Post #12 of 28
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Opinions are like belly buttons everyone has one lol
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Well, it comes across pretty harsh. I mean I get that it might not be your type of review but saying it differently is always one way or just not saying anything is another. They laid out the plot and why they liked what was done. No big deal. If that's how they felt that's their opinion.
Structure wise talking about the plot and what they liked or didn't if that would be the case is kind of how I was thinking about laying out my review after seeingit.
There are.
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Lusitano
Dor-Lomin
Dec 10 2012, 2:14am
Post #13 of 28
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is not possible since i wanted to state my opinion, and like you said, -" If that's how they felt that's their opinion"- everyone has an opinion and on a free forum, everyone can express theirs.
I couldnt think of another of saying it. I meant every word. It is one of the worst reviews i have read. Clear as water isnt it. Then i say why i dont like it.
As a review, its useless to me, since it doesnt say anything about the movie. A review is a critical assessment of a work of art, in this case, a film. They just state the plot and say everything is brilliant.
Very poor.
That is all really.
There are much harsher things said around here.
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Elessar
Doriath
Dec 10 2012, 2:27am
Post #14 of 28
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Different strokes for different folks
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I guess. I thought it was a nicely laid out review and why they liked each part of the movie. So as I said I think saying it was awful in how it came across was a little harsh but you're free to say as much as you said (I did not say otherwise I want to make clear so I apologize if that's how it came across).
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totoro
Menegroth
Dec 10 2012, 2:31am
Post #15 of 28
(578 views)
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Tim
Dor-Lomin
Dec 10 2012, 3:04am
Post #16 of 28
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Well what did you want to know that they didn't tell you?
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Care to give some constructive criticism?
Arthur: What manner of man are you that can summon up fire without flint or tinder?
Tim: I... am an enchanter.
Arthur: By what name are you known?
Tim: There are some who call me... 'Tim'...?
Arthur: ...greetings, Tim the Enchanter.
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DanielLB
Elvenhome
Dec 10 2012, 8:14am
Post #17 of 28
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Just because someone praises the film doesn't mean it is a useless review.
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I'm not sure I get where you're coming from with this.
Want Hobbit Movie News? Hobbit Headlines of the Week!
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Lusitano
Dor-Lomin
Dec 10 2012, 4:55pm
Post #18 of 28
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as if i couldnt say so...but never mind. This doenst really deserve an even longer discussion. No apologies required, really. 
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Lusitano
Dor-Lomin
Dec 10 2012, 5:04pm
Post #19 of 28
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and stating the plot and what happens is a very bad review technique in my book.
Dont understand whats all the fuss...no ones asking why you think its such a good review, are they?
Its my opinion, daniel. I read reviews every week, and to me this is useless.
Cheers
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Lusitano
Dor-Lomin
Dec 10 2012, 5:08pm
Post #20 of 28
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Cinematography, the digital look, in depth review of the acting, the direction, editing, script, visuals, etc...All things i find necessary for a review to be cohesive and thorough.
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entmaiden
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
Dec 10 2012, 5:52pm
Post #22 of 28
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Just as you are welcome to dislike a review,
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other members of the forum are welcome to post that they disagree with you, and to say why. No fuss that I can see, just a number of people that don't agree with what you said.
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Lusitano
Dor-Lomin
Dec 10 2012, 6:01pm
Post #23 of 28
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just like what i did : i disagreed with the review.
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Lusitano
Dor-Lomin
Dec 10 2012, 6:05pm
Post #24 of 28
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Sometimes it's better to say nothing at all if you disagree though
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I dont follow. If on a thread where theres complete appraisal for something, suddenly someone shows up who doenst share that view...i get that it can feel as if hes crashing the party.
But i am free to express my opinion and i wanted to. Even if there were 500 Likes, i woud still post my Dislike.
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