15 December 2012
I don't think I really need to explain what this is going to be about, as anyone with half a brain cell could glean what they need to know from the title, but for those who maybe have, say, a quarter of a brain cell, I will elaborate. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is the first part of a trilogy of films based on the book The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien. It is a prequel to The Lord of the Rings. Or The Lord of the Rings is the sequel to The Hobbit, depending which way you want to look at it. Right, is that clear enough for you? Good. Off we go then.
Firstly, I shall address the quibbles the general bulk of the press have had with the film. Many seem to think it is too long. It isn't short, length wise, but the 2hrs 45minutes literally flew by. By the end I really didn't want it to be over. I wanted more! A lot also seen to think that the first hour drags on. Bearing in mind you're introducing the first part of what will ultimately be a six part series. The Fellowship of the Ring took a while to really kick off, and I didn't mind at all. Also, those who have read the book will know the first chapter is a bit weighty and slow. This does take time, but I thought it was very powerful in explaining everything that needed to be explained, which is a fair amount, given what's to come.
So no, I did not find it slow at all. Others have said that Radagast is silly, even verging on JarJar Binks territory. I have no particular objection to JarJar, but this isn't that. He is fairly peculiar, but that adds to the character, and Tolkien clearly had someone along these lines in mind.
In fact, I could go on forever about what's good about it. If you are a Rings fan, don't worry about having too high expectations. This shall fulfil them. As long as you don't worry about changes to the book plot which were in Rings as well. Go and see it. Fantastic stuff. Great cast. Cannot over-recommend it.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Review • Opuss № I