The Hobbit (2012)

Hobbits really are the most remarkable of creatures.

 

I loved the whole long saga. SURE - everyone we cared about was indestructible against treats ten times their size and there were two fight scenes too many but few kids will forget the first time they sat in a theatre to watch this epic. I personally can get none to many of those last minute saves when you have to account for EVERYONE being rescued. Don't tell me who won't make it to the end of the story because I think I finally have all the dwarfs identified and separated.

 

I thought reading too many reviews or the length would turn me off but it didn't for second. I just wanted to know more and see more. Early on had I to suspend my disbelief in way I never had too in the original LOTR. I suspect my feelings have everything to due with the 3D/48 fps innovation. It looked fakey (well more fakey) at times and it pulled me out of the adventure while placing me someplace just as good at the same time. I will never believe this happened but with so many good and bad guys, this was the only way to go. The story has to play like the fevered dream it is. If I have understood the book at 14, I wouldn't have bought the movie for a minute. And that is coming from a kid who read alot.

The film is filled with many many glorious moments both large and small. I liked the battle Thorin Oakensheild has with the gumby fellow in the burning forest. It has all the heroic mythology you would want in a tale from Middle Earth. What better time for Bilbo to find his mojo and his courage.

 

I was charmed and enthralled and delighted that director Peter Jackson felt like showing off everything that he could do with this novel. I suspect he overdid it to lay all doubts to rest.

I may never read the original book because I have no problem with this being my definitive version of this story in my head - despite it not being the purest version of the tale.

Even this disguised character (who I don't want to reveal lest I spoil anything) shows up to make trouble and his scenes with Bilbo are the true highlight of the film.

I admit, I teared up at many points. That has a lot to do with the performance of Martin Freeman as Bilbo. Hobbits still are delightful to be around when things are bad. That smile they get on their faces when everything turns out fine for the moment is priceless.

Peter Jackson captures those kind of character affirming moments better than anyone. The Hobbit has the same kind of story beats and breaks that LOTRs did and I for one, found the whole experience hopefully reassuring, especially with all the bad that we are experiencing in our real world this holiday season. Now I want all the good guys to win. Someone please tell me they win.

And that Gloin is Gimli's father, right?

I understand the movie ends just over half way through the book. Is there enough story left to sustain two more films. I ask those of you who have read the book to fill me in.